"The dance is a poem of which each movement is a word." ~ Mata Hari
Mary Ashley and Emma's spring ballet recital is always one of the highlights of the season. For several years, we celebrated with dinner before the ballet, and last year we enjoyed appetizers and desserts before an early curtain call.
This year finds us in transition with my new job with Victoria magazine, so planning a recital soiree a few weeks ago presented a challenge. My busier schedule didn't allow time for preparing an elaborate menu, yet I did not want this occasion to slip by without sharing special time with the girls and special friends who join us each year for the show.
With an early show time again this year, dinner at 4 o'clock in the afternoon wasn't appealing, and I wasn't sure I could pull everything together in such a small window of time. So we decided that dessert after the recital was the best way to go. I took the easiest route to celebration possible, purchasing cakes, flowers, and snacks at a local grocery store Saturday morning during the girls' dress rehearsal.
I set up the dessert spread in the family room Saturday afternoon, and we invited friends and teachers to stop by after the performance.
This fluffy pink strawberry cake from Winn-Dixie looked ballerina perfect, especially with the addition of a flower.
A petite white cake, also from Winn-Dixie, offered another sweet option. Fresh strawberries served with chocolate dip covered all the bases for a simple dessert buffet.
For a savory bite, herbed cheese and crackers were delicious.
Lush potted pink flowers and a metal dress form with a tutu (saved from previous ballet parties) added color to the display.
Plates, napkins and silverware were put in place before curtain call, and the coffee pot was ready to brew when we returned.
I really enjoy hosting handmade, homemade celebrations and always hope that my family and friends see the love in all the little details.
When time or circumstances do not allow the same level of attention, letting go of extravagant plans can be difficult. Not necessarily for my family, but for me.
What I am realizing, though, is that I see love in all the little details, but eliminating details does not diminish the love.
In fact, when the circumstances are right, simplifying the celebration allows the love to flourish.
Here is a view of our family room Saturday afternoon before the show, complete with a little ballerina who had time to relax with some quiet time before the performance.
Friends Neil and Hailey Scott joined us after the show for coffee and dessert. It was so nice to enjoy a leisurely evening together, and no one seemed to mind one bit that this year's party was simple and store-bought. Lounging on the sofa enjoying laughter, cake and a reprise of this year's sibling number, I realized that just being together was what made our special evening ballerina perfect.
"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another." ~ Author Unknown
