I have been thinking about celebrations. How whenever something good happens, your friends and family ask how you plan on celebrating or everyone gets together to celebrate. That is all well and good however, I think that is when you least need a party. We should change the norm to have a get together or party when you are feeling low.
For example, you just lost your job. Now would be a good time for your friends to get together and take you out. First you are probably worrying about money so it would be nice if someone else paid. Plus they can cheer you up. Or when you lost the game, failed the test, missed the opportunity. Isn;t this when you need a couple cocktails and laughs?
When good things happen I am already pretty happy and the win is the best celebration of all.
I'll work on this and let you know if it is successful. If not, I will need a party :-)
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Ring Pops and Silly Bands
When my husband and I had had our son we decided to move back to Buffalo, so that our child could experience the benefits of growing up with his extended family. We never anticipated what an amazing experience it would be for us to grow old with our extended family, specifically our nieces and nephews.
The entire family was over on Sunday and the kids, true to form, were wound up and crazy. I had spent the better part of the week, cleaning the house, shopping for cocktails and cooking, cooking, cooking. My husband, as usual, thought of the kids. He is so good at that. He makes sure there is always a special treat for the nieces and nephews. It has gotten so that our little niece Helana calls him "Uncle Matty the Candy Man". This party the treats included giant marshmallows, ring pops and silly bands.
The fun started with a conversation with the 5 year old Christel who informed me that she was using her play phone to call Noah. When I asked if that was her boyfriend, she very sternly said " No Auntie Bonnie, I have a crush on him that does not make him my boyfriend". Nice.
Next our dancer Avery came, still in her dance recital make up. I was able to lift and spin her a little before she saw the eldest girl Cameron. Everyone loves Cameron as she is the mother figure to all the girls. The boys Ethan and Gavin let me kiss their beautiful faces while they pretended to hate it. It's the price they have to pay to get to play video games with our teenager. I adore these guys.
Here is where it gets crazy. My adorable little nieces (3 and 4) came in and were in fabulously talkative moods. The little ones Nathan, Helena and Sophia found our son's play lazer guns and decided to attack. My brother had one on his leg, my husband battled with one on his arm and I was trapped in the kitchen. We were all laughing and falling down being attacked by the toddlers. I could not stop laughing. The only way to stop them was to throw giant marshmallows at the little rebels. So much for a clean house or a quiet evening - this was so much better.
The highlight came when my husband brought them all out to stand in line and bid for silly bands. The rationale of a 4 year old is incomparable. 20 minutes later they all had a bunch of bracelets and a bunch of ring pops. We love sending the kids home jacked up on sugar.
I truly hope the kids remember these parties fondly. As my son gets bigger, his cousins provide an excuse to act like a toddler. The same excuse they provide to us adults. Guess moving back to Buffalo was the right decision. Thank you my sweeties!
The entire family was over on Sunday and the kids, true to form, were wound up and crazy. I had spent the better part of the week, cleaning the house, shopping for cocktails and cooking, cooking, cooking. My husband, as usual, thought of the kids. He is so good at that. He makes sure there is always a special treat for the nieces and nephews. It has gotten so that our little niece Helana calls him "Uncle Matty the Candy Man". This party the treats included giant marshmallows, ring pops and silly bands.
The fun started with a conversation with the 5 year old Christel who informed me that she was using her play phone to call Noah. When I asked if that was her boyfriend, she very sternly said " No Auntie Bonnie, I have a crush on him that does not make him my boyfriend". Nice.
Next our dancer Avery came, still in her dance recital make up. I was able to lift and spin her a little before she saw the eldest girl Cameron. Everyone loves Cameron as she is the mother figure to all the girls. The boys Ethan and Gavin let me kiss their beautiful faces while they pretended to hate it. It's the price they have to pay to get to play video games with our teenager. I adore these guys.
Here is where it gets crazy. My adorable little nieces (3 and 4) came in and were in fabulously talkative moods. The little ones Nathan, Helena and Sophia found our son's play lazer guns and decided to attack. My brother had one on his leg, my husband battled with one on his arm and I was trapped in the kitchen. We were all laughing and falling down being attacked by the toddlers. I could not stop laughing. The only way to stop them was to throw giant marshmallows at the little rebels. So much for a clean house or a quiet evening - this was so much better.
The highlight came when my husband brought them all out to stand in line and bid for silly bands. The rationale of a 4 year old is incomparable. 20 minutes later they all had a bunch of bracelets and a bunch of ring pops. We love sending the kids home jacked up on sugar.
I truly hope the kids remember these parties fondly. As my son gets bigger, his cousins provide an excuse to act like a toddler. The same excuse they provide to us adults. Guess moving back to Buffalo was the right decision. Thank you my sweeties!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Debrief, Post Mortem, Gossip
Not sure why, but I have always been a fan of the debrief. You know what I mean. If you are working, its the post-mortem meeting to discuss what went right and wrong after a project ends. It's the debrief to discuss afterwards, what happened during an event. My husband like's to call it the gossip after the party.
I cannot believe I am the only one who feels this way. Why do I love the follow up? Maybe its because I want the event to continue. In the case of a party, you usually miss some of the "action" (that damn cannot be in multiple places at the same time thing). I always here great stories in the next day call. Who flashed whom, who spilled a drink on whom and the ever popular "She said WHAT?"
It also has a logical purpose (most notably in the work situation) which is to determine what was done right and what was done wrong to improve for the next project, party or event. It's constant learning to improve upon yourself and your actions. Oh that's good. I think I will believe that's why I like the follow up - makes me sound better than simply a gossip monger.
Well my party was last night and I am calling it a success. I had a blast and think everyone else was entertained as well. But even though the dishes are washed, the empties put to recycle and the rugs vacuumed, I cannot consider the event over until I have a few follow up calls or emails. Look out ladies!
I cannot believe I am the only one who feels this way. Why do I love the follow up? Maybe its because I want the event to continue. In the case of a party, you usually miss some of the "action" (that damn cannot be in multiple places at the same time thing). I always here great stories in the next day call. Who flashed whom, who spilled a drink on whom and the ever popular "She said WHAT?"
It also has a logical purpose (most notably in the work situation) which is to determine what was done right and what was done wrong to improve for the next project, party or event. It's constant learning to improve upon yourself and your actions. Oh that's good. I think I will believe that's why I like the follow up - makes me sound better than simply a gossip monger.
Well my party was last night and I am calling it a success. I had a blast and think everyone else was entertained as well. But even though the dishes are washed, the empties put to recycle and the rugs vacuumed, I cannot consider the event over until I have a few follow up calls or emails. Look out ladies!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Pastry Swap
Really that's my creative way of saving Cookie Exchange. Heard so much about these events that I have decided I want to throw one. So after coaxing everyone into attendance, I am now stressed about how to make it a festive and memorable event.
I used to throw great parties. My fund raisers were well attended and full of laughs. My dinner parties were delicious and delightful. It may sound like I am a little full of myself, but I really think throwing a party is something I do well. Probably because I enjoy it so much. Well I haven't had a party at my house in a few years (of course not counting the at least monthly family parties). Too many other things going on I guess. Which explains why I am a little nervous about this one.
Last night I was up at 12:30 am and did not go back to sleep until 5 am, which is only an hour before I hear the lovely sound of the URG machine from my son's room. Anyway, I spent the time preparing a menu and decorating the dining room. Once everything opened I ran to Wegmans and to the liquor store. Now all I have to do is put everything together.
To me, having someone over to your house is a big deal. I consider it a huge gesture of warmth and care, so I try hard to make everyone feel comfortable. Of course if a guest is evil I have been known to ask them to leave. Basically revoking future invites as well.
Here are my personal steps to having a great party:
1) Invite people you like. DONE!
2) Have a specialty drink. Kir Royal for tomorrow. Also have plenty of liquor on hand, it seems to make everyone including the hostess more relaxed.
3) Make a ton of food. I have a bunch of new appetizers to create. Remember to let guests know that if all the food is horrible, you will order pizzas. Again, it eliminates the stress.
4) Find party music. Christmas cds for the cookie exchange.
5) Candles and low lights - that way you do not have to focus on too much cleaning and all the things that are wrong with your house.
6) Get everything done at least 2 hours in advance so you can take a hot bath, have a cocktail and be ready to entertain.
Although I am a little anxious, I cannot wait to see my girlfriends. This is the first cookie exchange for several ofmy friends and I think we all have the same attitude: If it doesn't work, have another cocktail and laugh it off. Its just cookies :-)
Wish me luck!
I used to throw great parties. My fund raisers were well attended and full of laughs. My dinner parties were delicious and delightful. It may sound like I am a little full of myself, but I really think throwing a party is something I do well. Probably because I enjoy it so much. Well I haven't had a party at my house in a few years (of course not counting the at least monthly family parties). Too many other things going on I guess. Which explains why I am a little nervous about this one.
Last night I was up at 12:30 am and did not go back to sleep until 5 am, which is only an hour before I hear the lovely sound of the URG machine from my son's room. Anyway, I spent the time preparing a menu and decorating the dining room. Once everything opened I ran to Wegmans and to the liquor store. Now all I have to do is put everything together.
To me, having someone over to your house is a big deal. I consider it a huge gesture of warmth and care, so I try hard to make everyone feel comfortable. Of course if a guest is evil I have been known to ask them to leave. Basically revoking future invites as well.
Here are my personal steps to having a great party:
1) Invite people you like. DONE!
2) Have a specialty drink. Kir Royal for tomorrow. Also have plenty of liquor on hand, it seems to make everyone including the hostess more relaxed.
3) Make a ton of food. I have a bunch of new appetizers to create. Remember to let guests know that if all the food is horrible, you will order pizzas. Again, it eliminates the stress.
4) Find party music. Christmas cds for the cookie exchange.
5) Candles and low lights - that way you do not have to focus on too much cleaning and all the things that are wrong with your house.
6) Get everything done at least 2 hours in advance so you can take a hot bath, have a cocktail and be ready to entertain.
Although I am a little anxious, I cannot wait to see my girlfriends. This is the first cookie exchange for several ofmy friends and I think we all have the same attitude: If it doesn't work, have another cocktail and laugh it off. Its just cookies :-)
Wish me luck!
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