Look Who's Coming to Dinner

I am having some trouble balancing out the guest list. It seems I may be top heavy on philosophers and light on world leaders. I have the requisite comedian, singer and haven’t forgotten someone from my past to keep me on my toes (i.e. my mother). The last couple of spots are tough to fill. Do I go with modern and hip or old world and thought provoking? Tough decisions, especially when Picasso, Dali and Gaudi are patiently awaiting their invite.

Dinner parties at their best are not the easiest to orchestrate. The decision of who to extend an invitation to, coupled with who likes who on any given day or time, is enough to turn a few strands of my natural blondness gray. Throw in the game of “if you could invite anyone, living or deceased, from any time period” it adds a twist that makes hosting a current day soiree seem way too easy.

Think of the possibilities. Would it not be interesting to have a civil war general sitting next to the guy who commanded the German Afrika Korps who is sitting next to a singer who led a peace sleep in? What would they say to one another? How would they resolve conflicts that would certainly arise? Could Robin Williams add the levity necessary to make it through to dessert? Would Truman Capote be a downer and require more attention than Napoleon could muster? Would Helen of Troy have something to add in the conversation with Galileo and Mike Ditka? It is fun to wonder what Warhol, George Washington and Louis Armstrong may find in common.

Since it appears that history has put individuals in their proper context, conflict or controversy, I find it educational and entertaining to pull them out of their element and imagine the conversations that would ensue. I can’t even begin to think what Einstein, DaVinci, and Dan Brown would be huddled up discussing before dinner. Or the fact that Catherine the Great has been chatting it up with Estee Lauder has me speculating if a promotional deal may be in the works.

I am glad to see everyone getting along and expanding their usual circle of acquaintances. I notice that Christopher (as in Columbus) seems quite eager to mingle; probably drumming up support for the next little expedition he wants to undertake. It looks like Lee Iacocca may have some interest, as does William the Conqueror and Rocky Balboa. And it appears Henry the VIII wants a few words with Nancy Reagan… hmmm, wonder what that is all about? Dagwood and Blondie have hit it off well with David and Victoria Beckham and Erik the Red and Steven Spielberg are busily diagramming something or the other on a cocktail napkin.

If you think getting the guest list finalized was time consuming and difficult, imagine the task of planning the menu… some of the attendees seem to be a bit more carnivore loving than others. Having Martha and Julia will certainly help in the kitchen, but I guess I will have to leave the rest to fate and hope everyone enjoys the company and conversation.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-