Catering to Camaraderie
MICHAEL HUNTER GREW UP IN A FAMILY that valued “the need to stop, appreciate and share what we have with others,” a tenet he takes to heart — especially during the holidays when he decorates his entire home, then invites friends and members of the community to visit.
”I always have my door open to share my holiday decorations with all; kids from churches, schools and other areas,” Hunter says.
He’s been doing this for 24 years and always begins decorating in September, leaving the dining room for last, because it is used for a large Thanksgiving celebration.
“I never have any help, and I’m never sure what is going where. It is fun to be creative and just see what happens.”
Every room in his 1, 000-square-foot condo gets decked out — including the guest bathroom, which dons a 7-foot Christmas tree in the middle of the tub.
Hunter used to own a catering company when he lived in Colorado; now he works in property management, maintaining homes, running errands and cooking for such clients as Audrey Geisel, wife of the late Dr. Seuss. His passion for cooking also is well utilized at his own large holiday parties.
“I would like to think friends come because of me, but sometimes I think they come for the food and the decorations,” he jokes.
What he truly loves is the happiness he is able to give to others during each holiday party and this is why he continues to open his home to all.
“To be able to share my home, talents for decorating and the love for cooking and baking with my friends, is what the holidays are all about,” he says.
San Diego Life: By Brittany Bagdasarian
