Last Friday I did something that I’ve not done in a long time. Shame on me for letting time slip by like this, but nonetheless the clock had ticked and I’d clearly missed out. It was nothing huge; just the simple pleasure of kicking my shoes off and walking across a beautiful expanse of lawn.
In that moment, the thought occurred to me that this is what summers are about. Toes set free. Cool blue/green Bermuda grass and a warm summer breeze. At that moment, the only thing missing was a group of friends and it would have been perfect. My resolution from that experience was to not allow another week to pass without gathering those friends and celebrating.
Too often I fall into the trap of thinking that entertaining has to be on a monumental scale; as if it’s not a party if there are not horse drawn carriages and live circus acts tumbling through my living room. That way of thinking is simply wrong.
Enjoying time with friends doesn’t have to be held off for the seasonal party. Instead, the fact that we are close brings a level of ease and comfort that can allow for great relaxed entertaining.
With this thought in mind, I’ve begun something new. I call it “Meatloaf Thursdays.” Thursday evenings I make meatloaf (interesting how many recipes there are) and extend invitations to friends both new and old to bring a favorite dish and a bottle of wine.
Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. and we’re wrapped up by 9:00pm. We can kick off our shoes, curl our feet up on the sofa and enjoy a very easy meal while celebrating those we care about the most.
Share with me interesting ways you entertain and nurture those closest to your heart.
