I need help! And I just know you girls will come through for me!
My sister is having a big, important, special birthday in Feburary! Shhh...don't tell her I told you...but she is turning 5-0! It is ok though, we all secretly hate her for having a bod that does not look a day over 25! There is a 16 year age difference between us, so I always tell her that I keep her young...wink...wink...she hates that!
So not fair...anyhoo...this is my sister that lives next door to me. My sister that will drop anything to help me dig a dresser out from someone's trash at midnight...the sister that does not hesitate for one second when I ask her each and every month to help me pack a 17-foot U-haul truck full of furniture when I am leaving to sell at a show. Oh, and I can't forget her kitchen pantry acting as the "store-next-door" when I run out of something...I have been over there digging around twice this week already!
So you see...I owe her something fabulous. And I am getting a bit of a late start on planning a party for her. In my defense, I had it all planned. We were taking a plane load of girls to the Virgin Islands for a week...renting a house overlooking the water...it was going to be spectacular! Sun, sand, surf...we could not wait to come home with tan lines in the middle of Feburary. But such grand plans came to a screeching halt when the guest of honor could not get the week off of work. Ugh!
I need ideas. No, I need incredible ideas. Ideas that will make her cry...and laugh..and get a little crazy. We are simple girls, so it needs to be casual...and nothing is off limits no matter how silly it seems. Nothing as large as the trip I was planning, we may do that later this year. She has an outrageous sense of humor, so even wacky ideas will do. If only it was summer...I could have such a pretty outdoor party for her. Those are always our favorite. But, unless we go sledding...that is out for this time of year around here!
I know every one of you girls out there has been to a fabulous party. I want to hear about it! What did you do? Where did you go? Did you have a theme? Do I invite people she works with? Do I invite her friends I don't really know? Or do I keep it family and close friends only? Did you do something special for a cake?
I can't wait to hear from you! The clock is ticking for me...so I better get planning!
(Oh, and I thought we all needed a bit of summer today...so these gorgeous photos are courtsey of one of my all-time-favorite websites...Style Me Pretty.)
I say, if you can't go to the Virgin Islands...bring the Virgin Islands to you! Spray tans...anyone?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll come up w/something cute. But, if I think of anything...i'll be sure to post!
I always go to silly or crazy parties so I can't be much help on elegant fancy ones :)
ReplyDeleteI personally always like a more intimate party with my closest friends & family, but that's just me.
I've had several fun parties with friends where we divide into teams and do a video scavenger hunt. We have to go to certain friends houses all over town, do cheers, sing songs, anything stupid - we do it & tape it. Then we have a race to sled down our HUGE dam hill to win. (Dam as in lake dam - just to clarify that I didn't try to cuss and spell it wrong.)
We've had parties where we all have to dress in ridiculous things and go out and about - it too has been fun.
I also love a good spa party - those always go over well and are still pretty funny when you get greasy hair from an intense neck massage.
After my recent getaway - fly down to Nashville - get some boots and go out on the town - guaranteed to have a great time :)
I can't wait to hear what you girls decide to do - sounds like too much fun!
Oh, so many decisions...
ReplyDeleteBummer about your trip. :(
Would she like a beach/spa theme?
My friends and I are planning a girls night, we are doing a 'Red carpet walk' (hubs acting like paparazzi) with boas and fancy drinks/food... lots of jewels... silly. But, hoping it will get us through the rest of winter! LOL
Whatever you plan will be wonderful.
Happy Birthday to your sister!
~Amy
Sounds wonderful! Your sister will love her party...anything you do I am sure will be perfect!
ReplyDeletecan you bring the Virgin Islands to her?...I know not really...but you know the theme would be fun...
Can't wait to hear all about it!
Oh, I wish I could help. But maybe you can help me...I turn the big 5~0... in February. Have no clue what I want to do. We usually wait until the weather gets warmer and then hop on a plane to go somewhere unexplored...but this is like the New Years Eve of birthdays! My life half lived.
ReplyDeleteI hope your sister has a wonderful day. She sounds like a lovely person!
xoxo
Jane
I think you should use Saint Valentino meets the virgin island! the colors would be great! lulu
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up my mom often said that she didn't mind getting older...as long as her socks matched. So, for her 50th birthday, we threw her a surprise party and asked everyone to come in mis-matched socks. I made mis-match sock sugar cookies too..using Christmas stocking cookie cutters. That's not fantastic or elegant., but my mom got a real kick out of it. waha!
ReplyDeleteHappy party planning, Mary! How wonderful to have your sister right next door!
: )
Julie M.
What a wonderful relationship you have with your sister! I personally love an intimate party with good friends and family (family only if necessary!lol...) I love that 3rd photo a lot..so what if you brought the outside (a wonderful sunny day) in...set a table just like that for your intimate party guests...have it catered with her favorite food, maybe a 8 course meal or something totally outrageous...make sure there is wine or her favorite drink...place settings with name cards, lucious flowers everywhere..and a game that my mom plays with her friends is she sets a card in front of each person with a question (hers are more serious and political) but you could make them fun, and gossipy and honest...great converstation starter to keep the night going...oh and there must be yummy smelling candles and china (that you have stored away) with your mixed matched silverware and of course desserts, lots and lots of desserts! ok, sorry I will stop now..have a wonderful time Mary!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty, inspiring post! I really needed that today~ I don't know how I missed it before but I now have you on my blogroll. Fabulous blog my friend~
ReplyDeletexx
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ReplyDeleteFirst off I love your blog! It seems we have a lot of the same friends too:)
ReplyDeleteAs far as parties go I haven't been to any great one's...sorry. The best tablescapes I can think of were at Brave Girl Camp. Google it and see if you can find pics or go to my site and look in my topics section. Wish I could be more help.
Invite only those friends who would dance in the rain with you.....and go ice skating or have a pajama party or hire a dance teacher and do a little ballroom dancing (including salsa) or belly dancing or go to some spa or...have a road rally with scavenger hunt....or just by a beautiful cake and drink champagne all night!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessed sister you have!
annie g
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI will be at the Kane County flea market....how can I find you?
I just turned 50. I have a whole new appreciation of myself. Or what I would like to think of myself. It won't matter what kind of party you have, the best thing is being together. I know that sounds like a hallmark card, but it truelly is the greatest gift. I would be a greater gift if you decorated like the year she was born and have people bring era related gifts. Just a thought!
ReplyDeletestart with the cake - and design it around that - I truly believe that a b-day cake should reflect that special person -
ReplyDeleteand really - why NOT do a sledding party? with a fantastic caterer---rustically delicious hot cocoa.......a hearty stew.....homemade bread...and lots of fun
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