Hello, friends! SO sorry to have been absent for so long! I still don't have my computer back, plus we went on vacation for a week so I have yet again been out of touch. I have a loaner computer for now, so I am hoping to get at least a few posts out a week. Fingers crossed!
In this time "away", I have been trying to live out the "June lifestyle" at home, and it's been going pretty well. I'm a little easier on myself than I once was...not sure if that's really allowed, but my boy is into everything these days, so time that was once reserved for homekeeping is now allotted for picking up knick-knacks and toys, seeing to it that no little fingers go into electrical sockets, and...then trying to catch my breath!
I have been dreaming of my next entertaining endeavor, and perusing Successful Entertaining at Home like a madwoman to answer the question: "Whom shall I entertain next?" As Mother's Day swiftly approaches, I can think of no one better than my mom and my mother-in-law, who will be coming into town in a few weeks for my son's first birthday party (another reason to celebrate!!). I found, on pg. 45 of Ms. Coggins' guide, some simple instructions for "a large tea for a guest." In my case, two guests of honor - a belated Mother's Day Tea, two weeks after Mother's Day for two wonderful women and some of my lovely lady friends who may wish to stop by. Shelley and Sherry, consider this your invitation to afternoon tea on Sunday, May 22!
Ms. Coggins writes:
Let us suppose that you are going to invite twenty-four guests, that you have a dining room where tea is to be served, and that you have a delightful friend who has agreed to pour. On your dining room table will be your most beautiful lace or linen tablecloth.
Well, Carolyn, that's supposing a lot! We will probably invite closer to 12 guests and indeed, have to be content not with a formal dining room, but with our "great room" - my fancy 50's name for our dining room/living room combined. But there is a table, as well as a buffet (possibly from the 50's!) and plenty of space for people to sit comfortably. As I have been fortunate enough to host more than one Thanksgiving in my home, I do possess a tablecloth or two for just such an occasion!
If there is room, the cups and saucers should go [at the end of the table where tea is to be served]. But for a large tea party, the cups and saucers can be placed at the left of the friend presiding at the table so that they can easily be picked up and filled as people arrive asking for tea (p. 45).
One unnerving thought has just struck me as I plan my delightful tea party...I have no teapot. We registered for and received a lovely and expensive teapot for our wedding...only to have it break a year later. Since then, I have been making tea in a medium saucepan...the same one I sometimes make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in for dinner. There are so many un-fifties-like things about that last sentence, I don't even know where to begin. Perhaps my delightful friend who is pouring the tea will also be in possession of a teapot I can borrow for the occasion. Note to self: See which delightful friend has teapot I can borrow. Immediately.
Two stacks of small plates, with a napkin on each, would be arranged so that guests coming in can help themselves to the small cakes or dainty sandwiches invitingly arranged on the table on separate plates. These small cakes, cookies, and sandwiches are usually those most easily handled by guests, but if you wish you may serve a luscious frosted cake, or two of them if you like (p. 45).
This brings us to the question of a menu. Obviously little cakes, cookies, and sandwiches are a must. I'm thinking many of them will have to be store bought, however, because my son's birthday party is the day before and I will have spent most of my energy baking a cake for him, and getting everything ready for his big day. Perhaps if they are delicately arranged, no one will be the wiser. This I must ponder further. On second thought, who is going to question a luscious frosted cake? As long as there are plates and forks to eat it with, I think everyone will be just fine!
Because of our national preference for coffee, when a tea grows to larger and larger proportions there are often two guests pouring, one serving tea and the other serving coffee, at opposite ends of the table. The coffee urn is surrounded by cups and saucers and the same kind of plate arrangement, each bearing its own napkin, and of course, the inevitable pitcher of cream and bowl of sugar (p. 45).
If I can drudge up a coffee urn from someone, I will. If not, I have a perfectly good coffee pot to brew coffee in for anyone who wants it. It seems I will also need to find lump sugar, because isn't that just a little more fancy - nay, a little more fifties - than a bowl of granulated sugar with a teaspoon beside it?
When giving a tea with friends presiding at your table, there are always a few chairs near by so that anyone who likes can be seated to chat with friends there while having tea (p. 45).
Add that to the list: A few extra chairs. Check!
Naturally, all the guests serve themselves, going in for tea when they like, helping themselves to cakes or sandwiches, asking for hot tea when they wish it, and drinking it in the living or dining room, whatever spot seems most comfortable for them (p.45).
I like the casual, laid-back atmosphere described above. That's what I will strive for: a classic, comfortable tea party (because, who doesn't love the idea of that?) to honor two fabulous women in my life. And what girl (big or little) isn't thrilled by the idea of a formal tea? I, for one can't wait!
Showing posts with label Entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertaining. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friends for Dinner
I'm having friends over for dinner on Saturday night, and I'm so looking forward to it! I've been thinking about what to make, what to wear, and all the things I have to do to get the house ready before the big night. Much to my chagrin, my house is not perfectly ready for guests at the moment. I'm beginning to think that is never going to be a reality. Between my son's toys, the never ending laundry pile, and dishes galore, it's never as clean as I want it to be. It seems like no matter how much I do in a day, there's always more to do...not that I'm complaining. Though my back hurts like a 95 year old woman and I spend hours on end feeding, diapering, clothing, and chasing my little man, I remain convinced I have the best job in the world.
As I mull over the menu possibilities for Saturday, I feel torn. It would be fun to do a 50's menu from Thoughts for Food; there's a whole section of menus called "Friends for Dinner." Perfect, right? That's what I thought. Upon further investigation, I am reconsidering how fun that would actually be. Let me give you an example of one such menu, from p. 215.
Baked Shad and Roe
Dill Cucumber Melba Toast
Chicken Florentine
Strawberry Compote
Macaroon Souffle
Coffee
First of all, I'm beginning to understand why they ended every meal with coffee in the 1950's...they were exhausted from all the cooking! My goodness, I can't even imagine how many hours I would spend in the kitchen if I were to attempt this. So the question remains...should I attempt this? The way I see it, I have two options. Entertain appropriately for an evening with friends in 2011, with the style and grace of a 1950's hostess. Or make a ridiculously complicated menu of ridiculously hard to find foods (Shad? As in Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego?! I'm guessing probably not).
I'm not trying to make excuses here...I know this is a blog about me trying to emulate a 1950's style homemaker. It's just that it's turning out to be...so...much...harder than I thought! I mean, I cleaned, went to the grocery store, made dinner, and baked a pie today, thank you very much! Not to mention I did everything necessary to keep a ten month old alive too. But there's still toys out and dishes in the sink...and it's almost 10:00 pm! June...I'm beginning to think you weren't completely honest with everyone...reveal your weakness! Tell me I'm not alone!
Alright, enough of my ranting. I'm definitely leaning toward a simple, fun meal for Saturday night. Something Italian with Limoncello as an after dinner drink, perhaps? That's as far as I can take the 1950's dinner customs for now, I'm afraid. Well, that and offering coffee after dinner as well. God knows I'll be needing a cup!
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Times, They Are A-Changing
I've been posting a little bit about my mom recently so I think now would be a good time to just admit it: I am her. Which is fine, because she's one of my absolute best friends and one of the people I look up to most in the world. But there's one thing about both of us that probably drives our husbands nuts. Okay, there's probably more than one, but only one is relevant right now. We tend to freak out a bit when company is coming. Well, she may freak out a bit. I go completely psycho. Seriously, just ask my husband.
The thing is, I really like having people over. I would much prefer people to come and be entertained at my house than me have to go elsewhere for an evening (and either find a babysitter or bring 6,000 lbs. of baby gear with us). I just also really like things to be perfect when people come over. Thanks, Mom.
But I'm going to venture a guess here: that's probably how my grandma was. The 50's housewife was always prepared, everything was always in its place, and the meals were always perfect. At least, that's what my literature suggests. So did 50's housewives actually like to entertain at home, or was it an obligation and a hassle more than anything else?
Carolyn Coggins, author of Successful Entertaining at Home writes:
Liking to have company is like being one of those characters who bet on the races. You simply can't help yourself.
I wish I had her attitude (though not her apparent gambling problem)! I do really like to have company, but the stress before they arrive and the mess they leave behind are just not my cup of tea. Still, I happily accept them to be able to hang out with my friends and feel like I, too, can throw a decent meal together for the ones I love. So how do I get to that place where it either a) becomes second nature to entertain fuss-free or b) I just stop caring about what people think about me so much!
In this changing world, elegance, formality, and well-staffed homes are no more our way of life than grandfather's surrey with the fringe on top. Instead, informal living and informal entertaining have forced their way into our existence.
First, I must say I am impressed with the Oklahoma! song lyric used there. Second, I guess the informal has been slowly creeping in since "the help" has been slowly creeping out. So what, exactly, does informal entertaining mean? Paper plates and cups? I confess I almost reached for them tonight because we had 5 friends over for dinner. However, I thought of June and got the regular ones. Now they are still sitting in my kitchen sink waiting to be washed. And I think...June, when did you really become a voice in my head? And how long will you be staying? And would you like to come clean my kitchen?
Informality at its best requires more common sense than servants. There always has been a dearth of thinkers, so if you have a first-class, usable mind, put it to work on your home.
My goal is informality with no stress. Think it's achievable? Ms. Coggins certainly thinks it is within the realm of possibility. I'm going to borrow her optimism and try to figure this out. Just you wait and see. Or if not, at least I'll have some fun adventures to blog about in the near future. Stay tuned!
The thing is, I really like having people over. I would much prefer people to come and be entertained at my house than me have to go elsewhere for an evening (and either find a babysitter or bring 6,000 lbs. of baby gear with us). I just also really like things to be perfect when people come over. Thanks, Mom.
But I'm going to venture a guess here: that's probably how my grandma was. The 50's housewife was always prepared, everything was always in its place, and the meals were always perfect. At least, that's what my literature suggests. So did 50's housewives actually like to entertain at home, or was it an obligation and a hassle more than anything else?
Carolyn Coggins, author of Successful Entertaining at Home writes:
Liking to have company is like being one of those characters who bet on the races. You simply can't help yourself.
I wish I had her attitude (though not her apparent gambling problem)! I do really like to have company, but the stress before they arrive and the mess they leave behind are just not my cup of tea. Still, I happily accept them to be able to hang out with my friends and feel like I, too, can throw a decent meal together for the ones I love. So how do I get to that place where it either a) becomes second nature to entertain fuss-free or b) I just stop caring about what people think about me so much!
In this changing world, elegance, formality, and well-staffed homes are no more our way of life than grandfather's surrey with the fringe on top. Instead, informal living and informal entertaining have forced their way into our existence.
First, I must say I am impressed with the Oklahoma! song lyric used there. Second, I guess the informal has been slowly creeping in since "the help" has been slowly creeping out. So what, exactly, does informal entertaining mean? Paper plates and cups? I confess I almost reached for them tonight because we had 5 friends over for dinner. However, I thought of June and got the regular ones. Now they are still sitting in my kitchen sink waiting to be washed. And I think...June, when did you really become a voice in my head? And how long will you be staying? And would you like to come clean my kitchen?
Informality at its best requires more common sense than servants. There always has been a dearth of thinkers, so if you have a first-class, usable mind, put it to work on your home.
My goal is informality with no stress. Think it's achievable? Ms. Coggins certainly thinks it is within the realm of possibility. I'm going to borrow her optimism and try to figure this out. Just you wait and see. Or if not, at least I'll have some fun adventures to blog about in the near future. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Planning the Party Around the Dress
For the past few weeks, I have been scouring Successful Entertaining at Home and I have been trying to decide when my first big entertaining (50's style, of course) event will be. I would love to have a cocktail party complete with highballs or a "hunt breakfast," complete with champagne or even just Saturday night supper with friends...complete with vino! I'm still in the deciding phase, but while I'm thinking about it, I would like to share some of Ms. Coggins' infinite wisdom on the topic of party planning.
The first piece of advice is to "be an armchair planner."
This is the business end of party giving, and you need to concentrate. Get a memorandum pad and a pencil - with a good end to bite on while you think - and settle down in the most comfortable armchair you can find (p. 19).
I like it. Get comfortable and then party plan. Perhaps I might be most comfortable planning in pjs with the fire going and a glass of...yes, vino. That really turns the planning into a party of sorts, which I'm guessing Ms. Coggins would approve of. Next, she advises us to plan the menu, as that is the focal point of any gathering.
Having decided what you will serve, right now is the time to make a grocery list and jot down on another sheet of paper Things to Be Done, for the party. Doing these now, and putting them on a spindle or wherever you can find them later, relieves you of that much of the required work.
I don't own a spindle, and I don't think I can do that sort of thing on my Kindle, so a simple notepad will have to suffice. Now I'm really starting to look forward to this party planning. Already it involves two things I love: comfort and lists. Check!
Now is the time to think about decorations, too, and any little novelty you decide might enhance your party. Jot down the supplies you'll need for these.
I had a Hawaiian themed get-together this past summer, that was very casual. My decor was those cheap plastic leis you get ten for a dollar at a party store. Much to my chagrin, no one really wanted them (they are very itchy) and I was left with many colorful things a baby could choke on strewn about my house. I may have to go very light on the decorations for any future shindigs I throw.
This may sound much more complicated than it is. By this time you have four lists - a guest list for your party, a menu, a shopping list for groceries and decorations or flowers, and a note to yourself about things to do, like "order extra ice Tuesday morning," "get candles."
More lists, huzzah!! I think I might need a whole notebook devoted solely to party planning and events...it's ok. You may take this moment to stop and make fun of me. But Carolyn and I aren't laughing with you, just so you know. Some people take their lists very seriously. And we're the ones who will be throwing the best parties.
While you are making plans, think about what you will wear to the party. Be sure the dress you wear is comfortable and that your shoes won't make your feet hurt.
That's good advice, if ever I heard it. And although I don't know the date or type of event I will soon host, I do know what I want to wear. I just so happened to have picked up a cute little black dress and heels at the mall yesterday. It's basically begging to be worn.
A good-looking hostess gown worn by you can be one way to make a quickly arranged supper at your house seem important and planned. On the other hand, if you are entertaining one person, a hostess gown may make the occasion more come-hither than you intend.
I'm not sure what qualifies a hostess gown (dress? I hear gown and prom or wedding immediately comes to mind...eek!) from a regular one, but I'm going to obey my LBD and wear it the first chance I get. Now I wish I could get Ms. Coggins (or June) on the phone to ask one last question: "Is it bad to plan the party around the dress?"
The first piece of advice is to "be an armchair planner."
This is the business end of party giving, and you need to concentrate. Get a memorandum pad and a pencil - with a good end to bite on while you think - and settle down in the most comfortable armchair you can find (p. 19).
I like it. Get comfortable and then party plan. Perhaps I might be most comfortable planning in pjs with the fire going and a glass of...yes, vino. That really turns the planning into a party of sorts, which I'm guessing Ms. Coggins would approve of. Next, she advises us to plan the menu, as that is the focal point of any gathering.
Having decided what you will serve, right now is the time to make a grocery list and jot down on another sheet of paper Things to Be Done, for the party. Doing these now, and putting them on a spindle or wherever you can find them later, relieves you of that much of the required work.
I don't own a spindle, and I don't think I can do that sort of thing on my Kindle, so a simple notepad will have to suffice. Now I'm really starting to look forward to this party planning. Already it involves two things I love: comfort and lists. Check!
Now is the time to think about decorations, too, and any little novelty you decide might enhance your party. Jot down the supplies you'll need for these.
I had a Hawaiian themed get-together this past summer, that was very casual. My decor was those cheap plastic leis you get ten for a dollar at a party store. Much to my chagrin, no one really wanted them (they are very itchy) and I was left with many colorful things a baby could choke on strewn about my house. I may have to go very light on the decorations for any future shindigs I throw.
This may sound much more complicated than it is. By this time you have four lists - a guest list for your party, a menu, a shopping list for groceries and decorations or flowers, and a note to yourself about things to do, like "order extra ice Tuesday morning," "get candles."
More lists, huzzah!! I think I might need a whole notebook devoted solely to party planning and events...it's ok. You may take this moment to stop and make fun of me. But Carolyn and I aren't laughing with you, just so you know. Some people take their lists very seriously. And we're the ones who will be throwing the best parties.
While you are making plans, think about what you will wear to the party. Be sure the dress you wear is comfortable and that your shoes won't make your feet hurt.
That's good advice, if ever I heard it. And although I don't know the date or type of event I will soon host, I do know what I want to wear. I just so happened to have picked up a cute little black dress and heels at the mall yesterday. It's basically begging to be worn.
A good-looking hostess gown worn by you can be one way to make a quickly arranged supper at your house seem important and planned. On the other hand, if you are entertaining one person, a hostess gown may make the occasion more come-hither than you intend.
I'm not sure what qualifies a hostess gown (dress? I hear gown and prom or wedding immediately comes to mind...eek!) from a regular one, but I'm going to obey my LBD and wear it the first chance I get. Now I wish I could get Ms. Coggins (or June) on the phone to ask one last question: "Is it bad to plan the party around the dress?"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
What to Know about Vino
I have a confession to make: I love wine. Don't get me wrong, I'm no alkie. But I just love a glass of wine with dinner or after dinner. If I could, I would have a glass a day - and on vacation, I do. It is my alcoholic beverage of choice, no matter where I am or what the occasion. Sure, the girly drinks are tasty and cute (who doesn't love a cosmo every now and again?), but there's just something about wine that is classy, elegant, and meant to be savored.
So as I sip a crisp glass of pino grigot (my favorite), I can think of nothing better to blog about than wine, and what every good 50's housewife should know about it. I must say I'm pleased it is mentioned at all, and exceedingly pleased that Carolyn Coggins devotes a section of her book to wine, as to how it should be served and enjoyed. For starters, Ms. Coggins suggests that it is not necessary to stock a zillion different types of wine glasses. In her own words:
Although your society grandmother may have had thirty-some different kinds of glasses for serving everything from an apertif to a liqueur, she had rows and rows of cupboard shelves for their storage and a staff to whisk them in and out. The illustrations showing different glasses for serving various things will interest you only if you are likewise ensconsced amidst the spaciousness of the past (p. 161).
Yes, I did just look up the definition for "apertif" on Merriam-Webster.com. An alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer. I didn't even know that was an option! Is that in addition to some light apps? Because who doesn't love a fine wine with a nice cheese and cracker plate? I think I'm definitely going to be a hostess who offers apertifs. And I think I might bring the word apertif into everyday conversation when possible. People will think I'm so classy. Like my beverage of choice.
Also, I must give Carolyn credit for being a woman who was probably ahead of her time. I don't know what her situation was, but I would hardly describe myself as "ensconsced amdist the spaciousness of the past," not only because I don't often use the word ensconsced, but also because in my house we find ourselves more cramped amidst the confines of our teeeeeny home. We hardly have room to walk when my son's swing, exersaucer, bumbo seat, and various other toys are out in the living room. So do we have room for shelves upon shelves of wine containers? Not a chance.
For the rest of us - which is the majority - the four-ounce stemmed glass is suggested for serving all wines. In it, pour two ounces or less of an apertif or dessert wine, or fill it when table wine is served.
It's nice to know I'm in the majority. One thing I'm curious about, however, is how you know when you've reached the "two ounce" mark. I could probably estimate a cup rather effectively, but that is what we like to call a healthy pour. I literally just asked my husband "If there are 8 oz. in a cup...that means that....2 oz. is 1/4 a cup...right?" Hmm...it might be time to put down the pino, Cath.
One thing I'm noticing is that the pours seem to have been a bit smaller in the 50's. For me, if I'm planning on having about a 1/2 a cup (4 oz.), why would I pour only 2 oz. to begin with? I feel I would be saving myself a trip to the kitchen and feel less like a lush if I only have "one glass," using my definition of it.
Too bad I didn't read this before I poured the pino tonight...into a stemless wine glass, to boot. I guess I'm learning more and more every day how much I have yet to learn about being a 50's housewife and hostess with the mostess. So, ok, I won't feel inadequate for having 6 total wine glasses in my house (4 without stems) and I'll start pouring less into each glass...starting.....now....
And by now I mean tomorrow!
So as I sip a crisp glass of pino grigot (my favorite), I can think of nothing better to blog about than wine, and what every good 50's housewife should know about it. I must say I'm pleased it is mentioned at all, and exceedingly pleased that Carolyn Coggins devotes a section of her book to wine, as to how it should be served and enjoyed. For starters, Ms. Coggins suggests that it is not necessary to stock a zillion different types of wine glasses. In her own words:
Although your society grandmother may have had thirty-some different kinds of glasses for serving everything from an apertif to a liqueur, she had rows and rows of cupboard shelves for their storage and a staff to whisk them in and out. The illustrations showing different glasses for serving various things will interest you only if you are likewise ensconsced amidst the spaciousness of the past (p. 161).
Yes, I did just look up the definition for "apertif" on Merriam-Webster.com. An alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer. I didn't even know that was an option! Is that in addition to some light apps? Because who doesn't love a fine wine with a nice cheese and cracker plate? I think I'm definitely going to be a hostess who offers apertifs. And I think I might bring the word apertif into everyday conversation when possible. People will think I'm so classy. Like my beverage of choice.
Also, I must give Carolyn credit for being a woman who was probably ahead of her time. I don't know what her situation was, but I would hardly describe myself as "ensconsced amdist the spaciousness of the past," not only because I don't often use the word ensconsced, but also because in my house we find ourselves more cramped amidst the confines of our teeeeeny home. We hardly have room to walk when my son's swing, exersaucer, bumbo seat, and various other toys are out in the living room. So do we have room for shelves upon shelves of wine containers? Not a chance.
For the rest of us - which is the majority - the four-ounce stemmed glass is suggested for serving all wines. In it, pour two ounces or less of an apertif or dessert wine, or fill it when table wine is served.
It's nice to know I'm in the majority. One thing I'm curious about, however, is how you know when you've reached the "two ounce" mark. I could probably estimate a cup rather effectively, but that is what we like to call a healthy pour. I literally just asked my husband "If there are 8 oz. in a cup...that means that....2 oz. is 1/4 a cup...right?" Hmm...it might be time to put down the pino, Cath.
One thing I'm noticing is that the pours seem to have been a bit smaller in the 50's. For me, if I'm planning on having about a 1/2 a cup (4 oz.), why would I pour only 2 oz. to begin with? I feel I would be saving myself a trip to the kitchen and feel less like a lush if I only have "one glass," using my definition of it.
Too bad I didn't read this before I poured the pino tonight...into a stemless wine glass, to boot. I guess I'm learning more and more every day how much I have yet to learn about being a 50's housewife and hostess with the mostess. So, ok, I won't feel inadequate for having 6 total wine glasses in my house (4 without stems) and I'll start pouring less into each glass...starting.....now....
And by now I mean tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Very Important Occasions
It dawned on me today that this Saturday, my little boy is going to be 9 months old. Such a far cry from the tiny little bundle we brought home from the hospital in May. He's now a wiggly, smiley, giggly boy and he brightens our life so much. I keep thinking about how time has flown so far (as my mother warned me it would) and that in only a few more months he will be a year old! Honestly, it doesn't seem possible that it's been almost a year - and at the same time, I can hardly remember what it was like not having him around. We are so blessed to have our little man.
A few of my friends have been asking if I am planning on throwing a birthday party for Josh on his big day. My response has always been, "No, we'll probably just invite the grandparents to come out and keep it simple." I just don't see the need to go crazy planning an elaborate birthday party for a one year old. However, I do think it is a day worth celebrating. And a hip 50's lady just so happens to agree with me.
In her book, Successful Entertaining at Home, Carolyn Coggins addresses the proper way to throw parties, get-togethers, barbecues, and just about everything else under the sun, including children's parties. Here's what she has to say on the matter:
Every child should have a birthday party every year - even if only one little friend is present - to make the child feel that this is a day of value to the family because on this date he became one of them.
I don't think there is any better way of putting it, really. What a thing to celebrate! My husband also says it is necessary to celebrate the fact that we kept a human alive for a whole year. And trust me, for as difficult as it was at the very beginning, that is a near miracle!
While Ms. Coggins gives several good suggestions for parties for older children, she also addresses the idea of a party for "little tykes":
Perhaps the best thing is not to give a party for babies, but many times young mothers like having parties for them - especially birthday parties. If you do this, then by all means be sure an adult is coming along to watch over her offspring. And limit your guest list to a few mothers with their toddlers. Then hope for the best.
I love that last part. She also suggests serving milkshakes in mugs with "cooky figures" (it took me a minute to figure out that she is referring to cookies, and not misspelling kooky) or "gingerbread boys." She says mothers might like a cake but cookies are easier for the kids to handle.
I think for now the plan is to invite some close family, but it will probably be a very small gathering. We'll have cake and some light refreshments, and just celebrate the year. I am planning on asking relatives to write a note to Josh in lieu of a gift. I want to collect all the notes and give them to him to open for his high school graduation. I hope that will be a special present for him when he becomes a man, and we have celebrated 18 years of life with him. I realize it will be here before I know it, and I fully intend to enjoy every minute.
A few of my friends have been asking if I am planning on throwing a birthday party for Josh on his big day. My response has always been, "No, we'll probably just invite the grandparents to come out and keep it simple." I just don't see the need to go crazy planning an elaborate birthday party for a one year old. However, I do think it is a day worth celebrating. And a hip 50's lady just so happens to agree with me.
In her book, Successful Entertaining at Home, Carolyn Coggins addresses the proper way to throw parties, get-togethers, barbecues, and just about everything else under the sun, including children's parties. Here's what she has to say on the matter:
Every child should have a birthday party every year - even if only one little friend is present - to make the child feel that this is a day of value to the family because on this date he became one of them.
I don't think there is any better way of putting it, really. What a thing to celebrate! My husband also says it is necessary to celebrate the fact that we kept a human alive for a whole year. And trust me, for as difficult as it was at the very beginning, that is a near miracle!
While Ms. Coggins gives several good suggestions for parties for older children, she also addresses the idea of a party for "little tykes":
Perhaps the best thing is not to give a party for babies, but many times young mothers like having parties for them - especially birthday parties. If you do this, then by all means be sure an adult is coming along to watch over her offspring. And limit your guest list to a few mothers with their toddlers. Then hope for the best.
I love that last part. She also suggests serving milkshakes in mugs with "cooky figures" (it took me a minute to figure out that she is referring to cookies, and not misspelling kooky) or "gingerbread boys." She says mothers might like a cake but cookies are easier for the kids to handle.
I think for now the plan is to invite some close family, but it will probably be a very small gathering. We'll have cake and some light refreshments, and just celebrate the year. I am planning on asking relatives to write a note to Josh in lieu of a gift. I want to collect all the notes and give them to him to open for his high school graduation. I hope that will be a special present for him when he becomes a man, and we have celebrated 18 years of life with him. I realize it will be here before I know it, and I fully intend to enjoy every minute.
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