At times I envy the way Andy's mother, Hilda, put together a holiday meal. There was no centerpiece, just the settings and the food. No special plates or napkins or colored glass ware just a delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and succotash. Pie for dessert. Bam. Done. She did that very well and everyone was satisfied. That was way before Martha Stewart who came along and put big ideas in our heads. Nevertheless, I was ruined for simplicity and started on the path of ostentatious. Granted, Hilda was not cooking for legions; there was no room for that. I remember one Easter; she was dressed for church. Andy and I had just had our first baby and he was cranky on Easter morning--imagine that! Hilda had on her Easter bonnet and was checking the turkey in the oven when I dashed in with Mike to show her his bottom. She was looking at Mike while basting the turkey which somehow hopped from the pan and bounced across the floor. With one scoop she picked it up plopped it in the oven, comforted me, and diapered Mike, all within seconds with only her bonnet slightly askew.
That was then, this is now. I start preparing at least a month in advance. I have one table where each total table's settings are arranged in one part of the table. Every detail except anything fresh...antique china plates, all matching, colored wine glasses, all matching, place mats or table clothes, napkins to pick up the plate colors, napkin rings and flatware with handles that pick up that table's color scheme. This year I have four sections on that table. I have a picture on each section that shows the center piece. Each table has a different antique china setting. Once this is done I cover the table to keep it fresh and start planning the menu.(Reading this, I must admit, reads crazy.) I wonder if the Pizza Hut is open on Thanksgiving? Too late, I am in the cycle, cooking for around 30 guests. I won't have Beth to help me this year but Pam and George and Joe and Glenda are coming the day and night before to help... and to play.
I can write this too, because I don't think the new mother-to-be reads this: We are having a baby shower for Stacy and Matt (our grandson) at the same time! YES. Although I won't have on an Easter bonnet, like Hilda, while basting the turkey I will be hosting two events at once. Thank heaven for the Cincinnati ladies who are taking up the plans for this surprise.
