At the end of a recent (and fabulous) evening, the host commented to the hostess, "This was the best party we've had in a long time", to which she replied, "What are you talking about? This wasn't a party!" But it was, and a really good one at that...
Though there hadn't been invitations, eight of us found ourselves gathered around hot-from-the-oven vegan taquitos and a package of Newman-O's, and couldn't have been happier to be there. Someone ran to the corner store for a little bottle of Maker's Mark for the girls to share, we laughed in horror at the Jersey Shore marathon (the first time any of us had seen the show), recipes were shared and debated, and a long-ago tale of an evening in drag was such a hit it had to be told twice. Definitely one of the best parties in a long time, thanks to nothing more than welcoming hosts, simple & generous food, and plenty of party spirit.
What elements make a party? Have you been happily surprised to find yourself suddenly hosting- or attending- a party?
Image: Untitled #71 by Laura Letinsky, Chicago Contemporary Art Museum, via OhJoy!
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Comments (6)
we just had one of the best dinner parties in a long time - completely unplanned and not really even a dinner party. we only had three friends over for a last minute dinner and it turned out to be great food, great company, and a fantastic conversation/debate that lasted until about 2am.
the only people who did not like our party are the curmudgeons downstairs!
About a month ago, I had taken a half day at work because I just NEEDED a break. In the latter part of the afternoon I decided to bake this wonderful chocolate Guinness Cake by Nigella Lawson. After it was done I realize that I didn't want it sitting around the house because I would have started to go at it with a fork. At 7:30pm on a Tuesday night I text the first 7 people that came to mind, asking them to come over to help me eat it, thinking I would get maybe a response or two, within 10 minutes all 7 people said they were on their way. We had such an amazing time, finished off my scotch AND the cake! We all had a Ball!
Last night, a few friends over for football (which I don't really watch) turned into 10 hours of wine drinking, ravioli making (from scratch!), cheese eating, record-playing, photo shooting good times.
It was so good. Eventually I had to tell people "Ok I gotta work tomorrow...get out!" :)
SERIOUSLY THESE ARE THE BEST PARTIES EVER AND THE ONES I ALWAYS REMEMBER THE MOST! GOOD TIMES...8-)
We just love spontaneous parties...there are no expectations and no preparations - Wonderful!!! All they need is one food and one beverage!!! Calling friends over to share strawberry pickings and ice-cream can turn into a great party!!!
Many years ago I lived in a little house in DC. One winter, several friends trekked over to my house in the middle of a fun snowstorm -- first 2, then a few more who were in the city for an event, and then a few more. I just happened to be making a gigantic pot of soup. Yup, best party ever.