Savvy Entertaining

1949 Senior Prom

This good-looking fella and this tiny little gal (as my Dad would put it) joined their lives and hearts in wedded bliss 60 years ago today. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Wow! I can’t think of too many people we know who have been married that long, which makes today’s anniversary extra-special.

The photo is from their senior prom in 1949.  I’m guessing the two of them knew how to “cut a rug” way back in the day. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen them cut a rug, but I’ve seen them roll up rugs, clean rugs, catch rugs on fire… but that is another story.

What I do know is that they wed in an evening ceremony at the home of my dad’s parents. They had to wait until Mom got off work from her job as a telephone operator, so they got married quite late in the evening. They both wore suits and she had pink gladioli as her flower of choice. Do you think I could find a photo from their wedding to share today? Of course not! I’ll find it tomorrow when I’m not looking for it. So the best I could do is their prom photo. I have to admit it is one of my favorites of them together. They both look pretty snazzy.

So by now you are asking yourself what does any of this have to do with entertaining? I’m getting there!

My Mom and Dad gave me a great foundation of entertaining basics. I can honestly say there is no one on the planet who enjoys having company more than my Daddy. He absolutely, positively loves to have people come over to visit. The more that come, the better it gets. He could teach most anyone a thing or two about being hospitable and making people feel welcome. He greets you at the door with a big hug and a beaming smile that says “so glad you are here, come on in!” If one or two people have popped by for a visit, he can get on the phone and have a regular party coming through the door in short order.

While Daddy is the one who is all about the people, Mom is the one who is in charge of the nuts and bolts of the entertaining operation. Through the years, she has entertained hundreds of people in their home. She taught me a lot about organizing, food prep and pre-planning. She could whip together a perfectly respectable meal on a moments notice for however many people Dad or one of my brother’s brought home to eat.  Huge family gatherings that would have thrown most people for a loop didn’t seem to phase her a bit. Mom was an expert at cooking for the masses, but could also put together wonderful meals for a small group as well. Mom is the one who, to this day, wants to make sure everyone is fed and content. “Can I get your something to eat? Do you need a drink? What can I get for you?” are all questions she tosses out to anyone who is in their home.

So thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching me about entertaining. I am thankful I grew up with a family who liked to get together, connect and enjoy company.

Wishing you both a wonderful anniversary and many, many more beautiful days ahead.

Happy, Happy Anniversary!

Love ya!

Your daughter