Let’s say I’ve twelve guests at the table. I and my husband am hosting. Don’t worry he didn’t cook anything, so guests are safe.
You are now thinking that I’ll actually have some celebrities on this list. Perhaps. I haven’t made it up yet. But if that’s what you’re looking for and don’t want to learn more, give up now.
I’m staying away from Greek and Roman philosophers and conversations about the Bible and since I live in the US that’s my milieu.
Let’s stick from the 1600’s on Ben Franklin. Thomas Jefferson. Abe Lincoln, of course. I’m not dealing with their dates as they’re freebies.
Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt (because of the UN), Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.
I still have half a huge table to fill so will add Kim Jong -un to ask him to stand down his nuclear stance; and have mediators like George Mitchell to make that difference.
Now we need some levity to the table. Of course Kevin Spacey would be there with his brilliance. Helen Mirren for same and grace and humor and Judi Dench for a little spice and all the above characteristics.
Of course all my musical and other mentors would be here. That would make a very crowded table or a great party.
Let’s toss in artist Tara Donovon for her straws as clouds.and the sax player who plays across the street for a bit of je ne sais quois. And bring in a bagpiper as well, because I miss them on the streets. You know Shakespeare and the other dead ones won’t show up.
Add the artist in Florence. I’ve three of his watercolors double and triple-framed. He reminds me of my roots.
From Italy or down the street or flying, driving, taking a business call us to set up for you and set another place at the table. All our friends over the years have done this locally, just be in touch in advance, please.
Ah, you ask what I would make for them: cassoulet. However the event would need to be scheduled days in advance so I could purchase, prepare and “marinate” the ingredients and re-cook every day. Outside of French cooking school I’ve only made this for my father, once. It is an event and really should have a cauldron over a flame but high up off an elevator, all is only a fantasy,
My dad is older now and sometimes appreciates the “best meal he ever had” although he may have told it to other girls., perhaps my sisters. Cheers! Dee
Cooking with Dee 
This is a good thought exercise: I myself would likely want a big feminist circle – yep, Steinem & Friedan for sure but also Mary Daly, Ann Richards, and Molly Ivins… Let’s throw in a few of my fave authors – Margaret Atwood, Marilyn French, Erica Jong. It’d be a grand old time!
Oh, I forgot Molly Ivins, sorry. I’d add Nora Ephron as well as Margaret Atwood. I just called Tammy Baldwin’s office, the Senator I helped elect, and she won’t even take a stance on gun control. This is a big hunting and fishing state, but you don’t need a gun to get a fish, and selectively hunting humans requires a hunter’s skill or better. Addled brains and automatic weapons to compensate for lack of accuracy lead to mass murders of innocent civilians.
Oh, when’s dinner? I do hope I’m one of your feminist friends. Dee
Dear, it looks like I’ll need both the 7 qt. and 12 qt. Le Creuset dutch ovens. don’t know where to store them but I’m sure shipping will be free on Amazon Prime.
Add to my guest list Buckminster Fuller. We celebrated his 84th birthday and 62nd wedding anniversary at our home. Mom made a geodesic dome cake. Bucky and I had worked on a particular vexing issue that was resolved during his visit. Two years later he and his dear wife died within 36 hours of each other, couldn’t live apart. He was president of MENSA when we met. I was a busy college student working 15 hours a day/7 days a week but needed to give him my time for a reason. Did he bring me Jim? Who knows.