Friday, April 16, 2010

Evening Tea

This week I hosted the monthly social for our unit’s military wife group. Let me just say that a couple years ago I would have never imagined myself as someone who would join a military wife group, let alone play host in my home for 20 women. Another friend volunteered to help me. We decided on a theme of a spring “tea” because we thought it would be fun and different. (And, it doesn’t hurt that I still have an enormous supply of tea, thanks to my grandma.) I usually get a little neurotic when I know people are coming over. (Let’s just say that if I knew with any certainty when the UPS man might stop by, I’d probably clean up for him, too.) But the days leading up to the social, I felt strangely calm. I even bragged to my mom on the phone, saying something about a “turning point in my life” and “finally getting it together as a hostess.” And then exactly 24 hours before the event, I had my freak-out session, as if on cue. I was in charge of making the finger sandwiches, and after spending hours trying out recipes and tasting the results, I decided that I just wasted hours of my life to make a boring old lunch sandwich. Husband came home that night to a very frantic wife. I made him try the sandwiches, but only after this disclaimer: “I’m in an emotionally fragile state right now, and the only feedback I can hear about these sandwiches is that they’re delicious. Otherwise, I might melt into a puddle on the floor, and you’d have to step in as host for the wives.” He tried them, and not surprisingly, remarked, “They’re delicious!” (True or not, I bought it.) Somehow, though, everything came together. That’s due in large part to my very talented friend. She brought bags and bags of cute fabric, tablecloths, and other décor that I didn’t even know existed. I was relieved when she told me that she used to work for a catering company because I was wondering how someone could just know instinctively that “if we raise the centerpiece, it’ll make for a more dramatic presentation.”
Everyone seemed to have a great time. And even after all my initial worrying, I had a lot of fun. I even thought that I wouldn’t mind doing it again – with my talented friend.

5 comments:

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I'm glad it all worked out! Have a great weekend!

Megan said...

I'm the same way, I freak out b/c someone may want to open my pantry or linen closet, and "what will they think?!" Of course, this NEVER happens, but it doesn't prevent me from worrying about it!

The Adventures of Maverick & the Mrs. said...

Looks like you did an AWESOME job! I love the grown up tea party theme! Everything looks beautiful!

Tasha said...

Your table and raised centerpiece look beautiful! I bet everyone had a lovely time at the ladies tea party! :-)

Michelle A'etonu said...

wow! what a great spread. it's good to have that special friend handy. can she come to my house too?