A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog titled, “I Love It When A Plan Doesn’t Come Together.” This week’s post is a variation on that theme. Happily the outcome has been the same in both cases: success and happy people! (It’s what I love to do . . .)

Anyway, I digress. . .

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This week’s story is about imagination, creativity, teamwork and attention to detail:

Every year the Center for Spiritual Living, Westlake Village, holds a fundraiser called Divine Dining. Members volunteer to plan a dinner or other such event, and other members bid for a seat at the table. Since we love our spiritual community so much (after all, it’s the place where we met 8+ years ago!) Scott and I have happily hosted a lovely dinner party for a few years. This year, the organizer put out a call for an extra measure of creativity . . . and my inner “creative queen” was off to the races. First thought: THEME PARTY! There was no question as to which theme: Airplane!

Scott, who happens to be a pilot, helped me write the event description on the bid sheet: “Check in early, stow your baggage, return your seat to its upright position and prepare to take off with your fearless flyers, Scott & Marilyn, for an unforgettable flight! Includes snacks, drinks, dinner and a movie (“Airplane!,” of course!). First Class Option Available.”

The final flight “manifest” included 16 people. One of them wrote me an email and told me that her son-in-law had starred in the movie as Victor, the flight navigator, (remember that line: “What’s your vector, Victor?”) and did I want to invite him? Well if that isn’t synchronicity . . .! I answered her, “Yes – and let’s keep him as a surprise.”

I scoured our office for anything “airplane” related.

The menu? International, of course. And, it would be easy to improve on airplane food! Scott would be in charge of pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres and grilling the tri-tip, and I would do the side dishes and dessert.

Hors d’Oeuvres Menu:

Thai Deviled Eggs

Prosciutto-wrapped Cantaloupe

Green Goddess Crab Tapas

Chips & salsa

Red & White wine

(I didn’t realize it until after I left the wine shop that the label on the Chardonnay I had chosen was “Cloud Bank”!)

Vodka & Gin Cocktail Minis with Mixers

Dinner Menu:

Argentine Grilled Tri-Tip

Curried Quinoa with Cranberries and Almonds

Italian Caprese Salad

Broccoli Salad with Turkish Apricot Pits

Homemade Sushi

Dessert:

New Zealand Pavlova Clouds with Blueberries and Fresh Cream

Being the “detail diva” that I am, I fretted over the details. I made personalized baggage tags and laminated them. With the assistance of Google Images and a word-processing program, I printed unique boarding cards for everyone.

I made little candy airplane favors from Lifesavers, gum and half of a Kit-Kat Bar.

I found square plastic trays at the Dollar Store to serve as tray tables. I ordered several dozen 3-inch square “tasting bowls” from Amazon and wrapped the cutlery (no plastic!) in cotton napkins with packets of salt, pepper and soy sauce with a paper band that matched that on the little candy airplanes. For an extra dose of authenticity – I stored the cutlery in the freezer because cutlery is always ice cold when unwrapped! And I accepted the help from some friends who offered (they know me too well!).

Scott and I each wore white shirts with epaulets. Scott rented an outdoor movie kit with a giant inflatable screen and first-rate sound system. Naturally there would be popcorn and boxed candy!

When it was time to announce the movie, Scott asked three questions:

1. Raise your hand if you’ve ever flown an airplane …
2. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in an airplane …
3. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in Airplane …!

At that, he introduced Frank Ashmore, who shared some insights about the casting for the film. It was the first comedic role for Peter Graves, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen – all of whom had only played no-nonsense characters. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a substitute for Pete Rose who was busy playing baseball, had difficulty squeezing into the cockpit. The film cost $3.5 million and only took 34 days to make – and earned back the entire production budget in the 2nd day of its release.

All in all – a huge success … and great fun for all!

p.s. Anybody want my Pavlova recipe from New Zealand (it’s really good – and easy – and impressive!)

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Comments?  What’s your favorite movie candy?