No dinner party can be complete without a proper centerpiece. This is what I learned in Relief Society Tuesday night. The teacher showed how to use candles, fabrics and greenery to make the perfect centerpiece for our holiday buffet. I had 24 hours to make a dozen pies and souffles, clean the house, set up tables for 30 or so guests and create a knock them dead centerpiece.
Early the next morning I trekked to Target and Michael's. I spent about $100. Ouch. But hey, I NEEDED a centerpiece for our party. It was the day before Thanksgiving and the decoration would last through all of the holidays.
As Ward Missionaries we had invited our Gospel Essentials class...investigators, new members, part members and some leaders.
I wish I had a picture of the finished product. It was an absolute work of art! On our large island in the kitchen, using cardboard boxes I made different levels. The boxes were covered with lame, netting, bows and greenery. Candles of every sort, (unscented of course:) in holders, trays and candlesticks were the final touch. The lights were dimmed and the candles lit as guests began to arrive.
It was Pie Night. All pie, all night. Pizza, souffles and pie. Lots of it.
We could not eat as much pie as I anticipated, but we ate as much as we could. Afterwards we moved to the living room for games. We were having a great time, 20-30 minutes into the game, when our friend said calmly "I think your kitchen is on fire".
When they say "Do not leave candles unattended" they really mean it. Where once a masterpiece of a centerpiece had stood, there were now 3 foot flames reaching to the ceiling. The candles on the bottom had burned to the level of the cardboard boxes and fabric nearby igniting the whole decor.
My first thought: "How embarrassing!"
Dan's first thought: "Hey! I get to use my fire extinguisher!"
Before I could suggest a less messy approach and a solution that would spare at least some of the pies...he had the pin out and was liberally spraying the whole area. Fire extinguishers put out fires really well. They put out parties too.
Once the excitement was over and the result was more than offers of "Can I help you clean up?" were meant to cover people began making their excuses to leave. I envisioned my whole reputation (reputation for what I'm not sure) being destroyed and people whispering at church "Did you hear that Sister Jensen caught her house on fire during a party?" I was devastated.
Brother Rogers, a new convert, diffused the tension as he left. "Wow, it's been a while since I've been to a party that we burned something up!"
Suddenly I could see, I would look back on this one day and laugh.
"That's right! Be sure to tell everyone. The Jensen's know how to throw a party!"
All of the pies were destroyed. It took hours to clean up the mess and months before we removed the soot from the ceiling...
Sunday when I walked into church no one bothered to whisper. I was famous for throwing The Party of the year. Not a bad reputation to have.
