Party Formula

Looking back at a big party depended upon many things and it took a complicated formula to make it a success. There had to be an expectation. A declaration. “I will have a party.”
What type of party? How about the season? Could the guest list include those who would also constitute a special get-to-gather? Why not? So it was to be a party of siblings and their offspring. Perfect guest list. Previously that arrangement had been held at a restaurant but this time the youngest sibling and spouse decided to hold the party in their home. And that was the plan.
Ah, then came the work. What to serve? There are always seasonal specials. Yes and there are personal likes, dislikes, and allergies to be considered. Those were well known so a list was made. A long list. A day at the market. OK, so the food got to the kitchen, some to be unwrapped, cleaned, cut, sliced, or diced – fruit, vegetables, dips and garnishes. Next, how to serve and on what?
Luckily there was a delightful assortment of pretty glass dishes in the uppermost shelves. Oops, they were stored for months, so washing was in order and so they were. Crackers, breads, spreads, cheese, meats, pickles, olives, garnishes, placed strategically on a table beside plates, knives, forks, and napkins. But not haphazardly. Carefully and artfully arranged on appropriate tables covered with colors of the season. Lovely. Appetizing. Healthy.
Guests arrived and grazed on the arrangements. Much conversation ensued about where have you been, what have you been up to, when will we see you again? Lots of recall to remember who did what and there has been nothing the likes of that ever since. As an onlooker, I was impressed. The party was successful. Host and hostess quite pleased as they watched thick snowflakes gently falling. Cleanup tomorrow is another task but even that will be pleasant because each dish, chair and mess will recall memories of the clan and past occasions.
Naomi Sherer