hosting book club

Six women plus me.  Three couldn't make it.

Some people can whip something up on a moment's notice, and then serve it all beautifully.  I wish I had the skills and confidence to pull something like that off.  I don't.

Again it's very cold day; seven degrees with the sun out.  And, I have no heat (by choice).  So a little space heater will have to do.  I tell my guests to dress warm.  They are not deterred.

I contemplate and reflect multiple food options.  

Shari A's cold pasta dish? No, not good for a freezing cold night.

M's bourbon meatballs? Would be great if it didn't require a trip to Costco that I don't want to make.

Jean's lasagna?  Too much work, and too fattening if there are leftovers.

I finally opt for the simplest.  I'll order in pizza and make a salad.  I go to Agata and get salsa, prima donna aged cheese (amazing) and chips/bread for before. A pear tart for after.  A couple of bottles of red wine for during.

Table set. I'm anxious, even though these are people I've known for years and the one trait they all have in common is their lovely non-judgy attitude.

I had recently ordered a four-sided nail file from Amazon, and instead of getting one I received twenty. They make nice party favors.

Lynn, Andrea, Betsy and Laurie (l . to r.)

Laurie, Lynn and Andrea

Betsy, Lynn, Kathleen, Andrea, Penny, Laurie (l. to r.)

The food is fine, but it certainly isn't what makes the night. It never is.