It Would Have Been Great

I love organising events, and dreaming up ideas for themed parties.

Some of them happen. A lot don't.

This is the story of one that isn't going to happen.

I'm turning 40 next month, and had always thought I'd go somewhere exotic overseas to mark the occasion. India perhaps, or Morocco. But my life has changed dramatically, and with two toddlers and a 20-day-old, I'm not going to be going anywhere!

So instead, I started planning a party. A month delayed, just to make sure I'd recovered from the birth. But a party, so as not to just let the occasion slip by unnoticed. I'm not keen on being the centre of attention. But it felt like a significant event.

I decided a Barn Dance would be fun. I don't have any particular connection with the country, or folk or country music. But I took part in a barn dance at a wedding in England once, and had a great time. It seemed like something fun that could get everyone involved. You don't need a partner, or to know how to dance. Children can join in with all the adults. And so the theme was set.

I never did get around to finalising the venue. There are some great barns around, but most are a bit too far away. So I was looking into local council halls for hire.

The decorations were going to be hay bales, fairy lights, bunting, and cafe tables covered in gingham or bandana fabric.

This is wedding decor, but contains some of the elements I had in mind.

One of the fabrics I liked.

The food was going to include hearty, rustic things like soup, bread, corn cobs, roast potatoes, vegetable kebabs, and apple pie. Something like candy apples seemed a good favour to take away at the end.

I thought it would be great to have vintage style invitations ...

... and a do-it-yourself photo booth with props like cowboy hats.

I'd thought of other little ideas too, like having toy horses for the kids to ride around.  And asking for donations to ADRA instead of presents. (I have a particular project that is close to my heart, which will be another post someday).

But anyway, it isn't going to happen. At least, not in the next few months. We can't afford to put on a big event at the moment. And as Neil rightly pointed out, it is way too much work to try and do with a new little baby. I won't have the time or the energy to turn this vision into a reality just yet.

Instead, I think maybe I'll plan a few small events with different people. Dinner here, a coffee there ... I'll see how long I can stretch it out for!

Meanwhile, these ideas are going into my notebook, along with the wedding ideas I never used, and things I've seen other people do. I'll keep collecting pictures and concepts. Pinterest makes that a lot easier now!

Besides, with three daughters there will be plenty of birthday parties, and maybe even weddings, that I can help to plan. I'd better start now!