We had a party!
May. 14th, 2016 07:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kayre(Yes, I am still alive! And can post words, not just pictures!)
Y'all may recall that while in Vermont we had an annual open house every Memorial Day, in connection with the local parade. It was always a fun way to entertain, so we decided to try an open house here, sans parade. Today was the day! It was a weekend with relatively few conflicts, and it seemed to make sense to do this while we have only one cat, and before we get into the chaos of moving Laura and Nala back here.
We decided to keep the food simple, nearly all bought. Our big special touch was an Edible Arrangements fruit centerpiece, and it was a hit--no one had ever had one before! We made deviled eggs and rice krispie treats, and bought pita chips, hummus, tortilla chips and salsa. Friends brought chicken salad sandwiches, meringues, an apple cake, and cider donuts. Beverages were iced tea (regular and mint) and lemonade, plus water and sliced lemons and limes.
The first four people came just before 1:30, and from then until 4:00 there were never fewer than four guests in the house; several times we had 10 to 15 or maybe more at once. And it was a happy mix; I think everyone felt comfortable, and connected with someone. Our four nearest neighbors came at overlapping times, and held their own little party in our sunroom, along with visits from church people who happened to know one or another of them. Children had a great time blowing bubbles in our gardens. We had said 'no gifts please', but of course a few people brought little tokens-- a plant, a bottle of honey from one of the beekeepers, etc. And one very dear friend left a much-too-large gift card, but she is just unstoppable.
When the last two people left at 5:00, we made a light meal of some of the leftovers. After a brief rest, it only took an hour to put the house mostly to rights, and deal with leftovers. We served on paper and plastic so there are only serving dishes to be washed.
Overall, I had a great time-- I'm so glad lots of people came, and I enjoyed spending time with them, though I know I barely said hello to a few folks!
Y'all may recall that while in Vermont we had an annual open house every Memorial Day, in connection with the local parade. It was always a fun way to entertain, so we decided to try an open house here, sans parade. Today was the day! It was a weekend with relatively few conflicts, and it seemed to make sense to do this while we have only one cat, and before we get into the chaos of moving Laura and Nala back here.
We decided to keep the food simple, nearly all bought. Our big special touch was an Edible Arrangements fruit centerpiece, and it was a hit--no one had ever had one before! We made deviled eggs and rice krispie treats, and bought pita chips, hummus, tortilla chips and salsa. Friends brought chicken salad sandwiches, meringues, an apple cake, and cider donuts. Beverages were iced tea (regular and mint) and lemonade, plus water and sliced lemons and limes.
The first four people came just before 1:30, and from then until 4:00 there were never fewer than four guests in the house; several times we had 10 to 15 or maybe more at once. And it was a happy mix; I think everyone felt comfortable, and connected with someone. Our four nearest neighbors came at overlapping times, and held their own little party in our sunroom, along with visits from church people who happened to know one or another of them. Children had a great time blowing bubbles in our gardens. We had said 'no gifts please', but of course a few people brought little tokens-- a plant, a bottle of honey from one of the beekeepers, etc. And one very dear friend left a much-too-large gift card, but she is just unstoppable.
When the last two people left at 5:00, we made a light meal of some of the leftovers. After a brief rest, it only took an hour to put the house mostly to rights, and deal with leftovers. We served on paper and plastic so there are only serving dishes to be washed.
Overall, I had a great time-- I'm so glad lots of people came, and I enjoyed spending time with them, though I know I barely said hello to a few folks!
