Our 50th Anniversary Party

When I was 24 years old, my paternal grandparents celebrated their 50th Anniversary. They had a party at the Princeton Community Center. I flew back to Iowa from Washington, D.C. Everybody in their country neighborhood attended, all my cousins were there, and it was quite a big deal.

Fast forward....when I was 48 years old, my own parents celebrated their 50th Anniversary. The six of us planned their party, which was also held in a community center...and we put together an elaborate "Memory Book" (I sent letters to many of their old friends and former neighbors -- and nearly everybody in the family contributed a one-page memory). IT WAS A VERY, VERY BIG DEAL.

And, probably indicative of what happens when you have FIVE DAUGHTERS. (no offense to my brother Calvin).

So -- this year -- John and I will be celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary. One day, Ross said, "Mom...you should know that Elliott and I did talk about having a party..."

Hummm...how many points is that worth -- really?

My two boys "talked about it"....

 

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Obviously, in the world of 2020 Covid -- a big party is out of the question. And that's okay...

The truth is, even if there was no virus, we would never have had a party. John would not enjoy a big room full of people...

Anyway -- it forced me to consider how I WANT TO CELEBRATE this milestone occasion. 

We could have a family dinner at a local restaurant...

But, then -- you waste all that time with people reading the menu...John does not enjoy crowds...Warren won't find anything he wants to eat, the place could be loud, the food won't suit somebody. In today's world of 50% occupancy, we'd be rushed to leave...and then, do what? Go where? How is that an interesting party?

After contemplating this upcoming major milestone...I decided to have a special family dinner at the house. It will be just the seven of us....I'll whip out the good china and Aunt Rozella's silver.

But I don't want to cook -- so the food WILL BE CATERED. After some Google research, I decided on Olive Garden. Holy Cow -- I get enough food to serve14 people: two giant salads, three different entrees, 24 breadsticks and 14 mini desserts for only $162..!! WINNER WINNER...CHICKEN PARM DINNER....!!

Obviously, for this very special occasion -- I WILL NOT BE USING ALUMINUM PANS.  This is the reason I own all those beautiful serving dishes.

Not to mention Aunt Rozella's silver...and my good Coaching Scenes china...

Of course -- this party is NOT about the food. It really is all about the AFTER-DINNER ENTERTAINMENT!!

This will probably be my only 50th Wedding Anniversary party...so I want to make it special. 

With that in mind -- I ordered a GOLD SEQUINED TABLECLOTH from Amazon.  I wanted Lilly to open the package (it warned there could be some loose sequins...)...

Oh, yes -- this table is going to be STUNNING...

And, I am really excited about the after-dinner entertainment aspect of this party!!  

If things go well -- next week I'll be blogging all about it...