Day 2142 Simplicity

 

It seems the winter waxed amaryllis was all the rage this holiday season, so of course, I had a couple. This one has just begun to blossom, missing the holidays but blooming just in time for the weekend. I’m having some friends over, if we want to call it a party? I’ve got no theme, no grand plans, haven’t even thought up a menu yet, and Lord knows I haven’t had a minute to clean my kitchen. But somehow, I know it will all fall into place and be as perfect as this Amaryllis bloom.

The waxed bulb is kind of brilliant, no need to water it or do anything at all. You simply wait, watch it grow, and enjoy the bloom. Whoever thought this up? Genius. They’re usually fairly pricey, around $35 at a garden shop, but this year they were sold at Trader Joe’s and Aldi for about $6, so people were snatching them up like hotcakes.

At the very least, my friends will be greeted by a fresh new bloom, as if on cue, and if I can get my act together, maybe a snack or two. Some friends have called wanting to know what I’m planning, how many people are coming, all the little details they assume I’m tracking. Truth is, I’m not quite sure who’s coming. I sent out a few texts like a bat signal and left it at that and haven't yet planned what food I'll be making. 

My people always show up with appetizers to share, so even if I did nothing, it would all be fine. I can dim the lights, light some candles to hide whatever household mess I don’t get to, put out a few store-bought goodies, toss on a festive outfit, turn on some great music, and call it a party....and it will be. Maybe all that overthinking is the reason there's not as many home cocktail parties anymore? Things don't need to be perfect, people just need to feel welcomed.... that's always the key to a good mixer. 

Thankfully, I’ll have one full weekend day to prep, cook, and dazzle. It’s amazing what we can pull together when pressed for time. Sometimes the most effortless gatherings, like the simplest blooms, turn out to be the most beautiful of all. 

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci