Make Light of Party Planning
Howdy Penelope-
I’d like to organize a party for my wife’s 40th birthday, and I’d like it to be a simple as possible—no extravagant themes where even the chairs are a part of the “party message” or whatever you planners like to call it. It’ll be towards the end of August in the late evening. The main point is to make my wife feel special, but I think simple comes right after her on the priority list. Suggestions?
Dan
Via e-mail
Dear Dan,
“We” party planners aren’t all the same, you know. I don’t think I’ve ever uttered the words “party message.” But I know what you’re getting at. Simple and nice. I think a dinner party with a focus on (but not a theme of) light would be romantic and intimate and definitely make your wife feel special. MyPunchbowl even has great online invitations for your party.
My instructions for your Light-focused party are the same whether you live in a house with a great yard and a deck or a small apartment with zero outdoor space: candles and paper lanterns. Set up a long banquet-style table wherever you deem appropriate for guests (and, most importantly, the guest of honor) to eat, and cover it with a simple white tablecloth.
You can buy large white pillar candles at most home goods stores—you’ll need between 7 and 9 depending on the length of the table. I like to buy small, simple cardboard boxes with lids (again, home goods stores) and cut holes in the top of the lids that are just slightly wider in diameter than the candles, so the wax can collect out of site while the white of the candle and the tan of the box work beautifully together in the warm light. White paper lanterns (I’ll bet you can’t guess where you can buy those) should be hung around the party space with fishing wire so that they appear to float in midair. Most come with a choice of power cord—go for the white so that it blends in with the surroundings.
Between candles and lanterns, any party space should become warm and welcoming for your guests and your wife. The last touch—lay a white flower of your choice at each place at the table. Your wife and her friends, not to mention their husbands, will be impressed with your sudden party ability, and your secret will be safe with me...and my readers.
Remember, keep it light!
Enjoy Planning.
Penelope