The Art of Entertaining

Table settings, place cards, coasters, menus, they thrill me... sounds cheesy but it's true... whenever i eat out, whether at a friends house, or "starred" restaurants or what they call "a hole in the wall" eateries, i always look at the presentation. I believe that proper presentation is a way of expressing how you value the "eater". Is it not?? Probably because whenever I host a party, I want my guests to think that I really worked hard for their presence... That's how I value their time and effort to be in my party... That's just it... So guys, don't ever think that I'm to impress you or show off... I just want you to feel how sincere I am to welcome you to my party. Hmmmm.... What lead me to this issue??? Friday night, I was invited to an intimate dinner at my friends' house. The hosts were TRV and MCH... Joined by MG and AIH, my BS, and my BBIL, ooops, almost forgot, my BH (beloved husband)... The couple prepared a Japanese Dinner that night. For appetizers, we had Golden Mushrooms wrapped in Bacon and California Maki... Then came the first course, Sukiyaki, followed by the second course, Katsudon... For dessert, we had Estrelle's caramel cake... Oh, and that cake is personalized for my BS's bday... See what I mean?? These people even remembered to put her name on the cake!!! I know, I know, you guys think i'm too shallow coz' those are just simple Japanese food, but the fact that these people thought of it and prepared for it, made me feel so special... Funny you think i'm so pathetic!!!! This girl has never been invited to a "real and festive" dinner!!! boohoo... too bad... but that's ok... at least i get to appreciate simple things...