[Magdalen] Throwing a Cr*ppy Dinner Party

[Rick Mashburn]

I'm one of those who loves all the preparation. Nothing makes me happier
than picking out the place settings, linens, etc. and prepping to welcome
guests. I usually set the table 1 or 2 days in advance and don't mind at
all staying up late to iron napkins, etc.

I've finally learned to wash, chop, etc. as much as possible the night
before. I also have some favorite dishes that can be started the night
before and finished before serving. Some, such as gumbo (minus the
seafood), pot roasts, etc. are actually better the second day.

As much as I love all that though, it makes Alex crazy. He would much
prefer to get a rotisserie chicken at the store, roast some veggies in the
over and serve a dessert from a good bakery. I've learned to simplify my
menus and he's learned to leave me alone when I'm setting the table! I've
also learned to let go some times and let him do it his way. Everyone has
just as much fun and it is a lot easier!

Have a great weekend!

Peace, Rick
San Antonio

On Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 9:50 AM, Ann Markle <ann.markle at aya.yale.edu> wrote:

> All my dinner parties (few and far between) are crappy ones -- one more
> reason my housemate and I are incompatible.  I love to cook, love to feed
> friends -- but hate all the cleaning and fussing to make everything
> "perfect,"  which it never is, anyway.  It used to be okay just to drop by
> and visit friends (though not so often at mealtime) -- but now all requires
> weeks and months ahead of time on busy calendars -- and that kind of
> planning just invites the fuss and bother that I hate.  So I seldom do it.
> If people would just "drop by," I'd happily put on more chicken, make the
> salad a little bigger, and maybe throw on some potatoes or pasta for those
> who can eat them.
>
> Ann
>
> The Rev. Ann Markle
> Buffalo, NY
> ann.markle at aya.yale.edu
>
> On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 7:56 PM, Scott Knitter <scottknitter at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > I love this, and I love that it's from Southern Ontario. I want to do
> > this sometime.
> >
> > http://trib.al/dpSTT6M
> >
> > 5 Rules for Hosting a Crappy Dinner Party (and Seeing Your Friends More
> > Often)
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Scott R. Knitter
> > Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois USA
> >
>