Periodically, I do this. I dream an occasion, a guest list, a menu. I load our house with cantaloupes, black cherries, bags of summer squash. Patrick handles the beer. I consecrate an entire weeks' worth of after-work home time to scrubbing, slicing, and baking, for the heady joy of making the people we love full and happy.
The MenuPita chips with baked eggplant dip
Grilled Veggie Panini
Black eyed pea salad
Cabbage-Cucumber salad with tamarind dressing
Cashew Butterscotch bars
Cashew Butterscotch bars
Our big second-story porch was filled to capacity. Bottles and glasses clinked. Cats and dog scurried underfoot, snatching crumbs and making new friends.
The cherry bowl dwindled. Twilight descended. The hydrangea flower centerpiece was lit by the glow of citronella.
Entertaining provides this great opportunity to smile and take stock, to say, yeah, we're happy, we're doin' alright. It's a perfect little social snapshot, an attempt at creating a pocket of memory. Here, tonight, this milky June twilight, these hydrangeas, this bowl of black cherries, this circle of friends, this is what is worth remembering. This is where it's at. This is love.
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6 comments:
LOVE that menu! :)
Thanks! Coming up with a menu is always the best part.
Ugh, my mouth watered just looking at that spread. Looks like you had a wonderful time.
That is love.
Awesome!
Ah what a beautiful evening! I almost imagined myself at your table :P And the menu was fab. I love entertaining too. Sometimes I have this burning need to fill my home with those we love. And cook and bake and feed everyone. Its just...bliss! Cheers, Avril
this is something i love doing, as well. i loved this post. nothing like a magical summer night!
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