It takes me awhile (now) to decide whether to do any more entertaining at my home. My rationalization list for "not" entertaining could fill a page, but my list would coincide with others of "like mind". All the preparation that I choose to do includes: making the house "company ready" and that means - toilet paper in every bathroom! The "stuff" is in cupboards, the surfaces are clean and open, the fridge also has some open shelves for incoming food.
On Sunday, June 12th, 2011, I had "Sunday Brunch" at my home one of my Meetup groups - The Cincinnati Brunch Club. I have a big picnic table that seats 10 people, easily. (It came with the house when we moved here more than 34 years ago! It has survived many winters outside - and has many layers of white paint. The wheels on the legs of the table makes it easy to move around).
The table was on the lower patio out in the bright sun. Cat Thompson called ahead to see if I needed any help setting up or if she could bring anything. I was happy she called. Cat arrived at 12:30 pm or shortly thereafter. We moved the table to the upper patio under the big magnolia tree which provided comforting shade and easier access to everything!
Meetup.com is an easy way to "track" the RSVP's and note "who is bringing what". When I have a food event at my home, I do quite a bit of "filling in - just in case". I really like GFS Market for large quantities of food. I bought croissants, butter pats, chicken salad, Quiche (just in case) and I already had cheese cubes on hand. On the morning of the brunch, I prepared Gazpacho soup and Zucchini/Pear soup which I saw on "Cooking Channel" prepared by Julia Child. I also blanched some fresh asparagus spears in salt water and served them "plain" or with olive oil or salad dressing (people's choice).
Brunch was scheduled for 1 pm. Cat and I had the picnic table set with the multicolor tablecloths, yellow napkins and plates (utensils wrapped in the napkins). We also brought out the two folding round card tables from the garage, covered with a yellow and green tablecloth. Cat brought a wonderful flower arrangement of orange lilies, some green twiney garlic stems and other green plant pieces which we put in my own hand-made blue pitcher and sat it in the middle of the picnic table.
I made fresh iced tea and a lemonade mix and set them on the bar cart with ice in the ice bucket and also included a pitcher of cold ice water and large red plastic tumblers A couple of weeks before the picnic, I refurbished the bar cart by having two wood shelves cut to replace the long-gone glass shelves. I spray-painted the cart black and one of the shelves, black, too.
One by one, each "Brunchie" came around the side breezeway entrance, bringing their "contribution" of wonderful food! Cat and I had some munchies set out: salsa, chips, dips and crackers. I brought out my "soup table" (a card table that I use for soup service) and covered it with an old antique tablecloth edged in yellow. I put out the two soups in labeled plastic pitchers, soup spoons and blue plastic cups.
I served the soup(s) to those who wanted to try one or the either. Bits of chives were served with the Gazpacho and sprigs of mint were served with the Zucchini/Pear soup. Then, we each took our plate and served ourselves the following: fruit salad, fake Caesar salad, pasta salad, potato salad, cucumber salad, fresh veggies, lobster stuffed tomatoes, cheese cubes, chicken salad, croissants, 3 selections of Artisan bread with olive/garlic oil dip, marinated carrots and marinated snow peas, and the fresh asparagus! For dessert: cherry cheesecakes and pineapple cupcakes. Delicious!
We enjoyed our time together. Some toured around my yard and some went into the house. I had 40's music playing - Glen Miller and Butch Thompson, too. Others sat on the outdoor cushioned furniture. I had brought the cushions out for the first time this year. Each cushion was wiped clean. The cushions are nearly 40 years old! The wrought-iron furniture had come from our "out west" home. (Glad it's still holding up).
We "lucked out" with the weather. The air was pleasant and balmy. It was a day "one could wish for". I do believe my mother, Angel Lois, had a lot to do with bringing good weather our way. (Many thanks, Mama).
I'll be looking at my calendar to figure out when we can do this again. Maybe in August? I'm choosing to take a "long, slow deep breath", consider my options and then decide. Onward!
