Weekend O' Dinner Parties

We have been very busy eating this weekend. I am slowly turning into the 10-pounds-heavier version of myself that I do not like, but what is a girl to do when invited to a party? Not eat? Pick at my plate? Skip the appetizers? Nibble on the dessert? No way, Jose. I will just have to work out harder once January rolls around. I figure that even Jessica Biel eats during the holidays. If you know different, please do not ruin it for me.

We had dinner on Friday night at the Henderly house. Jason and Lucy have recently completed renovating their new (old) house, and we needed to see it. Justin had invited himself over once already, so Lucy took pity on him, and said he could come for dinner. Jason cooks a mean hamburger, and we gorged ourselves silly. Lucy had made a white chocolate cake for a birthday party earlier in the day, so for dessert, we licked the frosting. Somehow no cake was eaten. I know that sounds gross. The boys stayed at home and watched some movies, and Lucy and I went to buy some Christmas decorations for the church. Did you know that Michael's stays open until 10? Amazing. We met a guy who works there who has a vendetta against Martha Stewart. He says that all she did (for her Christmas line) was take the stuff he's been using for years, throw a little glitter on it and call it Martha Stewart. Paranoid or Bitter? We left a bag in the store, and while we were loading Lynn’s huge Suburban, he came out with it and yelled, “Hello, church ladies!” He was an interesting find for sure. He also said that Martha’s brother (who lives in the area) gets his floral arrangements done there. We are guessing that he (the brother) did not inherit any creativity if he is relying on the Michael’s florists. Ugh. (Insert apology to those who utilize those florists here.)

Saturday night we were invited to dine at the Lanes. Hillary and Clayton are new friends; Clayton is in Justin’s running group. I am always nervous around new people. You all know (and I assume if you are indeed wasting time reading this, you know me) that I am quite shy until I get to know someone. I was scared that I would just sit there, silent, and they would wonder what the heck my problem was. Lucky for me, we brought the wine! We had some angel hair pasta with pesto and leeks, very thick rib-eye steak and steamed spinach with walnuts. It was all very good, and again, we ate until I thought I was going to have to unbutton the pants (which I am never ashamed to actually do). We had a delicious chocolate bundt cake with peppermint garnish for dessert, but I could not finish my piece. Justin is a human trash compactor, so he did the honors. He is so great in social situations. He never meets a stranger, and he always asks good questions. This is something I noticed about our new friend Hillary. She was a very good hostess, and made us all feel very welcome and honored. I love when I go to a dinner or party and can tell that many preparations were made for my arrival, yet the mood of the room is relaxed and calm. I hope that people feel that when they come into our home.

Tonight I am hosting a cookie swap for the ladies in my bible study. I spent my afternoon yesterday baking dozens of Snickerdoodles. I just love those things. Justin said that I could only bake a recipe for which I had all the ingredients on hand. I am notorious for picking complicated recipes with expensive ingredients, but these cookies were simple and used only baking staples. I am excited to have everyone over to our home. I do love to entertain. One day when I am very wealthy, I will have parties every weekend with wonderful menus and extravagant décor. I’ll send you an invitation.