T
At our church we called it a faith supper, or Jacob's join. and no one was asked to bring a specific thing. Part of that faith was that there would be enough food for everyone and enough choice that no one went hungry. Over time of course, people knew your signature dishes, so you might think I wont take meringues as X usually brings them, or whatever. You might be having a good time financially and be able to splash out on some special ingredients, or things may be tough, so I always keep in a few tins of things , that would provide a decent meal if money was tight. So , might be mundane, but a tin of tuna or salmon can make some very fresh sandwiches with granary or wholemeal bread. Half a cabbage, half an onion, a couple of sticks of celery and a few cashews or pine nuts make a very decent coleslaw. Very acceptable to go with many other dishes . When my son was young and I was at home I used to make our own bread. It was something I was good at and it was cheaper and better than shop bread. So when money was tight, out came the tin of tuna and some mayonaise . Sounds a bit boring but used to put the sandwiches with some thinly sliced celery and carrots and some radish to add some colour. They would be one of the simplest plates on the table but my goodness they disappeared in very quick order.Whatever people brought, it was given with love and hope that everyone would enjoy the food and the talk.If you look at it that way , it takes the stress off you . Remember the important thing is that you and your friends enjoy being together to share a happy evening. Dont let the bake off programmes take over. The joy is in getting together and sharing. In years to come when you look back and chat with friends who were there, you might say do you remember those super meringues, but more likely to remember you all dancing together or sing Auld Lang Syne. The food is a lovely part of a party, but not the most important. Enjoy your evening with your friends . I will probably be here on my own, but at midnight I shall open the door to the new year, raise my glass of whisky and wish Health and Happiness to all friends old and new, and of course Gransnetters will be included. After a really horrible year I hope that next year will be an improvement, for me and others. Still we older people are doing the most annoying thing that we can to spite all these politicians. We keep BREATHING!!! 2025 here we come with more friends and contacts, who we might pass in the street and not recognise, but on here we know each other, and ask after someone who has not been on for a while etc . Long may we continue
