Bravely, we are having friends round for a barbeque - our first meal together in more than eighteen months.
The cottage is immaculate - our latest guests have left it pristine - and seems to be the obvious place to entertain since our house is a dust and cobweb-laden mess. And it means we can enjoy the cottage surroundings for ourselves, for a change.
But the table, under the "tonnelle" (what does one call it in English? Awning? Arbour? Pergola? Marquee? None of these words seem quite right for the large metal frame covered in grey curtaining that affords our guests shade) feels too small.
Social distancing for me is at least two metres - not the measly one here in France and even that, barely observed. There cannot be two metres between us on that table. I contemplate bringing the table down from the house that is piled with Annie Sloan paints, paint brushes, old rags and knickknacks waiting to be painted and my heart sinks at the thought. Then Tod suggests two bridge tables - result!
The terrace table becomes the buffet - divided down the middle - to the right, their salads, to the left ours. The two bridge tables, protected with tasteful textured plastic tablecloths, sit on opposite sides of the tonnelle, well socially distanced but still within chatting range.
Our gossip is old and familiar, the months of COVID groundhog days offer no new news, but it doesn't matter, we are together and the warm evening brings a mellow contentment.
I see that shade may well be required for even an evening BBQ - although thunder storms are around! I'm sure your guests will appreciate your space provision. Do enjoy yourselves as we must get back to social normality soon. Lesley
ReplyDeleteHello Lesley, yes it was lovely. :) An almost normality, though no hugging or bisous, unlike the 8 French people Tod saw in a café the other day!
ReplyDeleteThere is always a way!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasure to have friends over for a meal again!
I haven't started yet as Leo is so fragile but I do miss the gathering round a table - though whether I am still up to preparing it all I am beginning to wonder after all this time.
Hello Fly, you have my sympathy - it is tough. We kept it simple deliberately and these are old friends so it was easy to ask them to bring the dessert, which was delicious! :)
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