Friends and Parties

 By Erica

This year, because of all the moves we were short on time to see friends. So I decided to have a party so we could at least see their mugs and wish them the happiest of holidays and new year. I wasn't concerned that the apartment was not yet to my taste. I figured that food, drink and decorations would be enough. 

I almost forgot that even if everything is pretty informal, and even if you have the food brought in, and even if you have help with the decorating (a first for us, and a very good idea!) and the bartending, parties involve  work. We are firm believers that once a party starts, one stops worrying and starts enjoying along with everyone else. We don't sweat the small stuff--even if it involves spilling or breakage. It's all fine. But before the party starts is entirely different.

It would be one thing if you could just make one call and you could cross that off your list. Sometimes that works, of course. But often it does not. Sometimes it's you, sometimes it's the other. And there are so many different pieces. There's the people flow--where to put stray furniture. The glassware. Ice. What do people drink? Do we need plates for finger food? Flowers, lights, decorations. Is there enough food? The right mix? We change our mind many times, and we always get more. It's against everything we hold dear to run out of food. And, most importantly, the guest list--on the one hand, hoping you didn't forget anyone (which of course you did) and on the other hoping you have plenty of room. 

And then our friends arrive. And none of it really matters. Because getting a little of your friends' time during this most hectic time of year is the real gift and the real joy of parties. And makes it worth the effort.