Benjamin’s Musings

party supplies

We have all been to them, those God awful parties where you are pretty much expected to participate in goofy games and act like you are having fun. After all, look at how much they spent on those party supplies and when you leave, the party favors that are provided for you to take home like they are souvenirs or some crap from a group vacation. Lord knows, I would be less inclined to go to a party because rumor has it that the party favors are going to be so dang much fun, than I would if rumor has it that the food and the beverages are going to be out of this world. I seriously don’t need those amusing ice-breaker glow necklaces and glow sticks, accompanied by mediocre hot dogs and hamburgers and cheap beer and white zinfandel. Do yourself a favor — when you are budgeting for all of your party supplies, put the bulk of your money in the food and drinks. It doesn’t even have to be expensive caviar and Dom Perignon, it can be your favorite family dishes with just a fun little twist. It doesn’t have to be beverages laced with alcohol. How about Aunt Audrey’s special macaroni and cheese and that is like no one else’s that you know (with those special ingredients that Aunt Audrey has shared with no one but you). And how about that herbal tea that you have always enjoyed so much, except this time with maybe a little fruit and served over ice instead. And instead of hors d’oeuvres of smoked duck pate on special flown in from Egypt flat breads, how about that incredible shrimp butter that you have been hoping to try that you had at Miss Dottie’s last Christmas (even if it was made from canned shrimp and cream cheese). And dress that food up. Float some flowers in that special herbal tea. Buy those crackers right off the shelf, but have a great assortment of them. Then coupled with the perfectly pineapple, pecan glazed ham and that fabulous swiss chard recipe, you have a party that maybe just maybe, will keep them talking even if they didn’t take home a glow stick. Maybe just the remembrance of the food and that crazy Uncle Harrold of yours from out of town will keep them hoping they’ll get invited next time. Okay, next time when Uncle Harrold cannot make it, maybe that equally crazy cousin Linda Lou will show up.