Birthday party success...kind of.

{The cake that Dad ordered from a local bakery. It was divine!}

Dad's birthday party was a hit. He smiled and laughed and enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family alike. Some friends of the family (that are more family than friends) graciously allowed us to use their beautiful home and this novice party thrower was abjectly grateful for their help.

{Some lovely posies fresh from the garden and a pumpkin that I painted with Dad's initials.}

My only regret is that I wasn't able to get more photos. Out of everything that I and all my wonderful helpers got accomplished, I forgot to charge my camera's battery the night before.

Yes. Scatterbrain, party of one. *sigh*

But, Honey, we had fun!

Party Planning

I like planning things.
I enjoy doing research, drawing out my ideas and making lists.
Lots of lists.
I can't help myself!

Making those grand plans come to fruition.....now that's something that I have to work on.
I've gotten a teensy bit better about that.
I guess it comes down to keeping it simple and focusing on a few key details.

My Dad's 6oth birthday is around the corner and I'm pulling things together for a party.
Of course, I have some great people around me lending a helping hand...or three!

What am I focusing on?

*Food
*Ambiance
*Personal Touches

The food will be homemade things that Dad asked for...chicken salad, my pasta salad, etc. He picked out a cake from a local bakery that will be so, so yummy.

Fall colors and touches will be a big part of the ambiance. I'm going to try my hand at painting his initials in a cool script on a pumpkin. A smaller pumpkin will be used as a "vase" for some flowers straight from a loved one's garden. A pot of sliced apples and oranges simmering in some clove and cinnamon spiced water on the stove will help everything smell fabulous.

The personal touches will mostly center around a display of photos of my Dad over the years. My handy digital photo frame will be a big part of that. I'll be raiding Dad's house for a few more...including one of my Mom that he specifically requested.


So there you have it.
My idea of party planning.

I'm so excited!

Daddy's Day

Yesterday was Dad's birthday. He said he didn't want a big get together, like Mom would have done for him, but that he just wanted to go out to eat somewhere with us and my brother A. I understood that simplicity was the name of the game for his day, but I still wanted to fuss. I resisted the urge (I know! That hardly ever happens!) and we had a relaxed meal at the local Olive Garden. I haven't given up hope of making him a birthday cake in the near future, though.....perhaps a carrot cake as he has a fondness for them.

We love you Daddy and we look forward to spending many more years with you!