It’s Saturday evening and Hubby and I are home, alone. Daughter and boyfriend declined our invitation in favor of a dinner and movie date night. Son and fiancé also sent regrets and are home, enjoying their own quiet evening. Our sweet rescue Golden Retriever, Lucy, just ate the last of the grilled shrimp we had for dinner, and Hubby made a lovely fire to keep us warm as we await the arrival of a late winter storm. He’s controlling the remote and I am lingering over my laptop – searching for Wisdom. Tonight is a far cry from many weekend nights at our home.
Our house is get-together central. From carefully planned weddings and engagement parties to impromptu pot lucks and pizza parties, we love hosting a houseful of friends and family. It's in our genes. I recall the gatherings that my parents hosted - 4th of July barbecues with barely legal fireworks, and the annual New Year’s Day Rose Bowl game/chili fest, with Dad’s incomparable recipe. Hubby’s parents also welcomed family for summer pool parties and Christmas Eve gatherings. During our parallel middle-class existence, growing up in the San Fernando Valley of the 60’s, a night out was a night in – surrounded with the people you cared the most about – sharing food, stories and inexpensive fun.
We had a lot of wonderful role models when it came to entertaining. Besides our parents, Brother and his wife were extraordinary hosts. Sister-in-law added delightful special touches to her events – her attention to detail was not lost in me – she was my Martha Stewart! When the family gathering baton was eventually passed to me, I knew I had huge shoes to fill. The pressure was on, and I went to great lengths to assure that my events had the same impact on my guests as the gatherings of my childhood had on me.
It took me several years to realize that I had totally missed the mark. Great gatherings are measured by the enjoyment of the guests – not the matching plates and napkins. And while my inner Martha finds personal satisfaction with my origami toilet paper folds (I am known for my extra rolls of TP, neatly displayed with a specially fan-folded first sheet!), our parties are memorable for the wonderful people they bring together – old and new friends, sharing food, music and conversation.
Today’s 3-word wisdom: Have friends over. It can be simple or elaborate, large or intimate. The menu can be gourmet, pot-luck or take-out. Bring the people you love together and make no apologies for your home or your mismatched dishes. A night with loved ones at home is an unforgettable experience.
I realize that not everyone possesses the entertainment gene – or the back yard that will accommodate up to one hundred guests! But I believe that there is an innate human desire to spend time in the company of others. Sharing time at home with any number of special family and friends is one of our favorite pastimes and is, hopefully, one of yours. Now get your party started - and be sure to invite us!
 |
| Wonderful backyard memories. S'mores and family - reunion 2008 |
 |
| Yes, I actually do fold my extra toilet paper this way! |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.