The Company You Keep

The lady is right...she does throw better parties than us. Last night the proof was in the pudding.

A few weeks ago my sister and I planned, arranged and hosted a 60th birthday party for our mother.  It was a lovely, well attended event, held at our childhood home. My sister and I were quite impressed with ourselves.

The next day I ran the five miles over to mom's house and joined her in the hot tub for the compulsory party analysis that follows any event in my family.  We discussed outfits and entertaining stories. 

We laughed about the quirkiness of the usual suspects and gushed about how fabulous certain guests looked.    My mother said that she was grateful for the bash that we had thrown in her honor and thanked me graciously.  However, the jury was back, the verdict was in, and after careful deliberation, she said, "I think Dad and I do a really good job, we are just better than you guys." 

And I have to agree. 

Last evening we attended my parent's Annual Christmas Party.  Held every December in their cozy cape cod that in recent years has been updated beautifully. 

The decorations are always fabulous, fashionable  and festive.  Beer, wine and conversation flowed freely.  The food was perfect, a little something for everyone, savory and sweet.

 What I realized last night was that the thing that makes my parents parties so special is the guest list.  The company is second to none. 

The small house was filled with wonderful people.  Old friends and new acquaintances.  Friendships that have stood the test of time and friendships revisited after years and years. 

As I moved from room to room and mingled with the people my parents call friends I considered the statement that is made by the company you keep. 

I felt blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with such genuinely wonderful people.  I have always known that my parents are unique but to see how special they really are you need to look to the company they keep. 

My Dad,
The Host with the Most

As I "grow up" and invest in adult relationships of my own I see how important it is to find other people who share my values.  My husband and I have been so fortunate to find friendships, some new, some old that I believe will withstand the test of time.  I hope that someday when my children are grown they too will be just as charmed by the company we keep.