Implementing the Plan

We don't entertain - at least not CROWDS.  You know, a couple or two for dinner; once we had eight.  But since we moved to this smaller house [only 11 years ago] we have not had a big party.  But a big birthday deserves a big party... and Mitchell is celebrating a big birthday next weekend. 

Imagine putting on a party for grown-ups with a child's touch.  "Can I pick the guest list?" "Of course.  It's your birthday."  "Can I invite my tennis team?"  "Of course."  "And, Hank?  and the little girls?"  "Of course."  "Can we play bocce?"

So, it will be a blend of old friends and new, tennis partners, a few from work, family, BFF's, and the nice couple across the street.  About 20 in all, so not a mob, but way more than we can manage inside, so a picnic in the carport, with games in the yard.  Wine, beer, pulled pork, tomatoes, of course.  And a very special birthday cake - the honoree's favorite.

Menu picked, colors decided - hot lime, hot citrus yellow, orange and aqua.  Lots of Gerbera daisies to arrange [sorry, Jane, I shouldn't use that word, when I really mean "stick into available vases"!], enough plates and wine glasses.  I've collected votives in green (citronella) and orange and an assortment of small vases.  Plans well underway.

I spent the morning deadheading in the garden and then we spent the afternoon hosing down the deck, the driveway and the car port and washing off the yard chairs.  Elizabeth and her husband will be here on  Friday to help me with final details and a week from now we will be sitting down to dinner.  It'll be fun.  I can hardly wait!!