Party Planning

Are you good at planning parties?  Do you enjoy the process?  I like planning a party but the ones I have are nothing like some I see on blogs.  While I would love to make all sorts of cute decorations to go with a theme, I know that I won’t be able to accomplish that, so I don’t even try.

 

A favorite part of a party for me is the invitation.  I think I’m the only one of my circle of friends who prefers a mailed invitation over an Evite.  I’m all for the convenience of Evite and I’ve used it many times, but a paper invitation just seems more personal and makes the event feel a bit more special.

 

I found beautiful invitations to use for the retirement party that I’m hosting next week but I didn’t take a picture of them.  I went back to the same local shop for plates and napkins for the party.  I am quite sure that the only two people who attend this party that will admire what I spent so long selecting are me and the guest of honor.  Dogwood is the state flower of Virginia and I loved the colors in the napkins, so this is what I’ll use for the party.

Party2

 

I’m providing the party site and beverages and my teacher friends will bring the food.  I’m thinking about making this cocktail from Southern Living.  Has anyone tried it?

Raspberry Beer Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup frozen raspberries*
  • 3 1/2 (12-oz.) bottles beer, chilled
  • 1 (12-oz.) container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • Garnish: lemon and lime slices
Preparation

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

*Fresh raspberries may be substituted.

Note: To make ahead, stir together lemonade concentrate and vodka in a large container. Chill up to 3 days. Stir in raspberries and beer just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

Southern Living APRIL 2010

 

My birthday is coming up very soon and I decided that it would be fun to host a party to celebrate.  We’re having a pig pickin’!  A guy in our neighborhood roasts pigs for parties and he’s cooking a small amount for mine.  He’s also providing potato salad and slaw.  I’ll round out the menu by making a few other sides.  We’re also planning on serving cupcakes decorated with pigs.  I found these cute invitations and napkins for the party.

party1

 

Do you like planning parties?  Which do you prefer, a mailed invitation or an Evite?  Are you like me and spend way too much money on pretty napkins for your party?

5 Comments

  1. Paula, I am so behind on reading my favorite blogs and I apologize for not stopping by sooner.

    I do like planning parties and I agree that mailed invitations just make it feel more special. Love your Pggie theme! Let us know how the cocktail turns out if you decide to do that one.

  2. Paula- Does this taste like beer? Maybe a dumb question, but I am not a beer drinker and was just wondering if this please many palletes or just the beer drinkers. Thanks!!!

  3. We have made drink similar to this at the lake only we use limeaid, 7up and beer. They are called Beer Margaritas. They are really refreshing but strong.

    The retirement and birthday party sound like a lot of fun. I like to make my invitations although my daughter is much better at it than me!! Have fun!

    XO,
    Jane

  4. Love the pig pickin’ idea! I like to do Evites for casual parties (like “at home” parties), but real invitations for birthdays and stuff like that. Love the napkins you picked out!!

  5. Awhh I didnt even read this post before I commented on your last post. I stated I love those napkins…funny.

    Yes I love an invitation in the mail. I don’t like evite and I can’t stand a invite via text. I don’t know what it is with people who don’t like sending those invites..one it is a reminder cause those that come in the mail hang on my fridge till the party is time.

    I don’t like raspberries, but I know a lot of people do but it does sound yummy. Enjoy your pig pickin. I love having one myself.

    Can’t wait to see pictures from the party.

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