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Wednesday 22 May 2013

The homespun party #1


I'm planning a party for July. I always said that if I was feeling well and strong when I hit the half century, I would have a party with lots of music and dancing. So far, so good (touch wood), and so that's exactly what I am going to do. Plans are already well underway. I've had an invitation printed and I've sent most of these out. The village hall is booked. Now it's time to think about the details.



We can't have the party in the village hall near to where we live as it is very small and close to surrounding houses. The one I really wanted is in a gorgeous village called Fotheringhay (where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner), but when I looked at the list of rules and regulations, I didn't think it would be a good plan to go ahead there. So, the one I have booked is not the prettiest, but it's large, with a big car park and it is surrounded by fields. If, by any chance it is a warm, sunny evening, people can spill outside.



Last night, I got to thinking about how I can make that village hall look good on a shoestring, and I made a few sketches.
I think I need lots of colour. I've started stockpiling bright tablecloths, and I hope I'll find a few more at the car boot this weekend. They're the seersucker ones, not so sought after as embroidery ones, but much cheerier (and cheaper!).



I'm also hunting for old camping chairs in stripes and bright shades, as I'd like to put up a tent outside the hall and  fill it with blankets and chairs. Paper pom poms, I bought lots of these at Wilkinson's at Christmas, and I've spotted a how-to-make-your-own in the summer Prima Makes magazine, so I am going to try that too.
My friend Tracey at Foxtail Lilly has agreed to do some flowers.
Bridget, who I work with, has a small catering business and will help with food.
We'll do our own music with an iPod and a big speaker.
Let's just hope lots of people can come now! 
I will add some updates as the party plans progress. Let me know if you have any good tips or ideas....

14 comments:

  1. Sounds like a plan! I've got a feeling it's going to be fab! :) x

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  2. Lots of jugs of Pimms! I also have a retro punch recipe that tastes just like pop but is quite lethal ... if you'd like it email me, as I don't want to be responsible for the consequences!

    Love your invites too ...

    Love Claire xxx

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    1. Thanks Claire. Pimms is a great idea, hadn't thought of that. I would like the punch recipe, I'll go and find your email on your blog.

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  3. Love your sketches. I'm sure it will all look beautiful! M x

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  4. Loving your invites and sketches, sounds like its going to be a fantastic party xx

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  5. Sounds fantastic.You are right to celebrate the big 5-0 in style!!

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  6. How exciting, sounds like you have lots of lovely ideas, I love the paper balls..
    Look forward to your updates
    Thea x

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  7. You remind me of my wife, we love entertaining and she loves planning and making lists. I just stopped my to see if you were doing any good street-combing, and to follow you back. Steve.

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    1. Thanks Steve. Street-combing and list making always taking place around here....the planning part is almost my favourite part :)

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  9. Its all going to be perfect - a balmy summers evening, doors open and the scent of cut hay wafting in the beautifully decorated hall. Elderflower champagne and nibbles. Hope it doesn't get too stressful planning it all. Karen xx

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    1. HI Karen
      Thanks for that lovely image. I hope it won't be stressful, I think catering is always the most stressful part and I won't be doing much of that this time. That's also why I'm not having the party at home, so I'm not rushing around like a headless chicken wanting everything to be just so.
      Here's hoping!!

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  10. A very happy birthday to you - I am quite that your makeover for the hall will look just lovely. I love seersucker and have a post that I wrote last year about my favourites but never posted it. They are not as precious as embroidered ones I think. Have a lovely time
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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    1. Hi Jenny
      Thank you. No, seersucker def. not as precious as embroidered ones, but therefore very suitable for a party. I think I would worry about covering the tables with some of my treasured embroideries on white linen :)

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