“Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“Thank you so much for turning up!
“Glad you had a good time.”
“It was such fun to see you.”
“I’m so glad you came!”
Muah , muah , muah and hugs and kisses
Handshakes and goodbyes at the door
Lips curled up in a crinkled smile
The clang of door and I turn inside
Eager to clean the mess.
That shows the party’s great success.

Dirty napkins on the floor
Tucked behind the sofa cushions
Or scattered carelessly on the sofas
Some folded neatly on the table keeping company to the
Empty bottles solemn witness to the revelry.
I spy the pile of dirty dishes
Balancing precariously in the kitchen sink.

And spot the crumbs on table top,
A splotch of curry, a red wine ring
Sticky finger prints on glasses
Their crystal clinking as I pick them up
With drops of liquor gently swirling.

I empty ashtrays and pick up bits
Of crushed and crumpled chocolate wrappers
Wipe flecks of ash and mop up spills.
Plump the cushions,
Straighten rugs and turn the dim lights one by one.

Fill up boxes with leftovers
To keep back in the fridge once more
Recounting oohs and aahs appreciating
Efforts of the days before.

I count the spoons and tie bags of garbage
Placed in bins beneath the sink.
And think of all the jokes and laughter,
We shared the last few hours or more.
Ties of friendship, bonds of kinship
Renewed at this house tonight

Creating memories that linger on
Like the fragrance of the “L’Air Du Temps”.
That clings on to the lipsticked napkin

Wikipedia

Celebrating occasions mean hard work – setting the date, inviting the guests, planning the menu and finally seeing it through. Even though celebrations at home are becoming few and far between with everyone preferring to entertain outside the house with the convenience of staff to help with cooking, cleaning and serving (not to mention the all important clean up), I always find it more satisfying to entertain at home. 


Last night we had a lovely relaxed evening over drinks, food and conversation with friends and family. And as I cleaned up after the party, stacked up dishes in the dishwasher, put away the leftovers and finally keeping all the silverware and plates away this morning, I felt gratified and content.

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