Spontaneous Entertaining

I love planned parties because I like to fuss and am of the nature that everything has to be “perfect”.  I’m not really sure how all that started.  I know it’s easy to critique Martha Stewart because she does make it look perfect.  I think it’s really just good manners of a host to consider the needs of their guests and making them as comfortable as possible.  That is really about being prepared because I like to enjoy my own parties and I don’t want to run out of something or not be able to find something at the last minute.


My entertaining memories were a mix of spontaneous and the planned.  My mom seemed to have everything just a cabinet away and voila! A cake and a perfect tea party could happen in an instant.  It always felt fancy but seemed effortless, with ninety percent of her attention being on guests.  There was more conversation and laughing than stress as perfectly brewed cups of coffee steamed and thick slabs of a home-made cheesecake was anticipated.


I have had friends drop by and I have dropped by on friends. It’s actually a very cool experience to me. It cuts the fuss – maybe a bit; I do love to fuss but that’s my joy in giving people an experience.
 

However, I have recently found that the most important thing with friends is to offer them your ear, your heart and whatever wisdom you might muster up with a glass of wine. There's a reason they are there and you are there and the time spent together should be all about whatever the moment is about. It's really fantastic to be in the moment and not think or worry about anything else.


You can talk about the weather or life and death situations, it doesn't really matter. Being there does. So as much as I talk about how a well set table is the pivot point of everything (and most times it is), never underestimate the beauty and bounty that friendship brings.

Realize that we are surrounded by angels. When they come a calling, give them your love and attention so you can pass that blessing on to the next person. You just might be an angel and not even know it.


As far as the conversation, I think friends can talk about just anything, from the shape of a spoon to the creaminess of cheese to the color of wine.


It’s Friday! A perfect day to call up some friends and invite them over for a glass of wine and see what happens- as spontaneously as you can be. Love is not something to rehearse; you merely have to let people in. That’s a big lesson to learn.