Rediscovering My Inner Party Girl

I used to throw parties.  All kinds of parties.  Themed parties, birthday parties, parties just because it was summer, or fall, or President's Day.  But most of all I had parties that couldn't really be called parties; gatherings really; just because friends came by and just because I had a huge pot full of soup and soup can feed a lot of people.  And of course we couldn't get together without playing a game or two and laughing until we cried, and then it just felt like a party.

I don't do that now.  Mostly because it's hard to find a sitter, and mostly because I am tired all. of. the time.  And even making a big pot of soup seems like a chore. 

I'm not sure I like this new me.  I'm hoping it is just a phase.

And maybe it is, because just yesterday I was inspired by Bloom to do something festive for Valentine's Day.  While perusing their site, suddenly in my mind I saw a luncheon for my favorite girlfriends with pink and red banners and burgandy chargers with my dark pink toile plates.  I could serve girly food and make homemade valentines...

And then I thought...my kids would love a party like that.  It struck me that if I'm going to make such grandios plans, why not do it for my favorite people on the planet?  I want them to remember their childhood as full of fun surprises, and I don't want them to know that I'm tired  all. of. the time.  I want to be the fun mom.

So my days of party planning may not be over after all.  Perhaps my parties just got more intimate:  Like dinner on china plates, in the dining room with banners and homemade valentines.