Holiday luncheon built around special china

One of Francis and Karlene Osario-Khor’s beloved Christmas traditions began with Karlene being in the right place at the right time.

About 16 years ago she was at the Kalispell Antique Market when she overheard a man explaining how his wife had died and he no longer needed the many sets of vintage china she had collected through the years. Karlene’s ears perked up when he mentioned sets of Spode, Wedgewood and Lenox china.

“I caught up to him and asked if I could look at his china and he said, ‘follow me,’” she recalled. “What followed was a merry chase through the streets and alleys of Kalispell ... it ended with me holding a piece of the Christmas Tree pattern of Spode china. He had a 12-place setting marvel, complete with all kinds of additional platters, bowls and the piece de resistance — a tea set.”

Karlene got three sets of china that day, but the Spode Christmas Tree set, a design created by the famous company in the 1930s, was the one destined to create an annual tradition.

As she began showing the lovely dishes to her friends, one thing led to another and soon she was hosting an annual Christmas luncheon, usually the second Sunday in December, for four dear friends.

It’s a decadent affair, lasting as long as eight hours as the group visits through several courses of food and a gift exchange.

The grande dame of the luncheon is 100-year-old Jesslyn Ross, who has traveled the world over and has been on the inner circle of Montana politics. Susan Miller is a well-known local artist who founded Sassafras in downtown Kalispell. Vicki Olsen is “a Realtor who could not stay retired from that profession, began a new one and launched K-9 Cuts,” Karlene explained. Sharon DeMeester, “a woman of many causes” who formerly owned the Paper Chase, rounds out the ensemble of friends.

The Khors’ daughter, Laura, had a place at the festive table during her formative years, and when she left to pursue her education and career, it left an extra seat at the table — one Francis had been coveting for years.

“This was a women-only luncheon and my husband, eying all the goodies prepared for the luncheon, would stall and make excuses but finally and grudgingly he would accept his exclusion from this fete and would head off to his father-in-law’s house,” Karlene said.

As Francis took the ladies’ coats and bundles he charmed them — and possibly dropped a few hints — until one day he found himself at the table.

“It took Francis 12 years to finally garner his invitation to the women’s luncheon,” Karlene said.

In addition to his role as master greeter, Francis always makes a designer cocktail, which this year was pomegranate-infused champagne.

Another element of the tradition is to pull the Christmas “crackers,” small gift packages that make a cracking sound when opened. The novelty, of British origin, each contain a party hat, a joke and other trinkets.

To complete the ambiance, a parlor grand player piano rolls out Christmas carols. Six Christmas trees throughout the main floor, each with a theme — patriotic, fantasy, animals, gold, silver and white and a Montana tree — complete the decor.

Francis said the annual luncheon is a testament to the depth of friendship. He found a hiking buddy within the group; he and DeMeester share the trails of Glacier Park during the summer months.

“It’s just a wonderful time to catch up and enjoy the season with good friends,” Karlene said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.