This scene takes place in my mind and kitchen before every family gathering I host, to the happy tune of chatter and laughter:

Ok. Twenty minutes til dinner. What’s left to do?

Place mats. Flower arrangement.

Arrange buffet.

Bread goes in the oven to warm. Roast comes out to rest. Oh and it’ll need slicing - there’s the knife for that.

Ok, everything else has a spoon for serving…yes.

Oh and here are are the cups, plates, utensils, napkins. Everyone can come through this way and go out that way.

Let’s shift this over here. Now that can go there.

Phew, it’s hot in here!

Ah! The time!

Bread in basket. To the table. Place mats. Flowers here - no, flowers there.

Turn on the coffee pot!

Oh, no, the butter! And a knife for it.

There.

<Beeeeeep>

Dessert’s ready! Oh, boy. Where am I gonna put this? There we go.

“No no, River, that’s hot hot!”

“Ok, everyone, now we can eat!”

Breathe. Sip of wine.

I love this!