Celebrate Everything

I LOVE any excuse to celebrate. As an '86er, not only did I turn 40 this year, I happen to know several individuals who have also /will also enter their fourth decade. Pictured above are three different parties I had a hand in planning and to say I loved doing so is an understatement.

Clients V and D had their parties a year apart, both at their beautiful home in Montague. D's party involved several activities for kids, like rock painting and other crafts, a walk to the river, and several games throughout the day and night. There was even a "timeout tent" that served as a sensory deprivation place for kids or adults to go sit if they needed a minute. There was also a makeshift photo booth with a skeleton - a crowd favorite among the friends in attendance.

V's party was similar (same friends, similar foods served), but it was a full-on game day with guests divided into three teams, noted by a custom bandana given at random at "check-in." Points were distributed throughout the day to teams and individuals. There were also heavy Taskmaster influences, including "draw the median duck" and "get V to give you a hug." And if you don't know what Taskmaster is, please take a moment to Google it.

Then there was my own party. I felt a bit of pressure because if I planned a crap party, what does that say about me as, you know, a party planner? But I kinda rocked it, if I do say so myself (my mom thought so as well, for what that's worth). Being born in March meant that I had an indoor venue (shoutout to the Marigold Theater in Easthampton, MA). I ended up creating different activation areas, which included:

• a book nook with books for anyone to take

• a photo moment (made possible by crafty friends)

• a popcorn machine

• a sensory deprivation closet with earplugs, pillows, and a white noise machine

• a board game area

• a ginormous coloring banner

There was a guestbook where guests could make mini Lego mosaics, which I now have displayed in my office. Food was a hot dog and baked potato bar, complete with my favorite toppings. Dessert was cupcakes, of course, and because I didn't really want to be the center of attention, when it came time to sing "Happy Birthday," I invited anyone born in 1986 to come up for some special cupcakes that were decorated with pink glitter so we could all feel the love.

Decorations were created and hung by my Party Planning Committee (which I recommend everyone have), in addition to Lego botanicals in vases. I had photos all over and made sure every person who was in attendance was featured in at least one. I wore a ridiculous dress of sequins and ruffles and an even more ridiculous pink bow. And I gave out sticker sheets as favors that featured some of my favorite things.

It may seem that the reason for throwing myself a party was a "just for me" moment but I honestly just wanted an excuse to bring everyone I love most together. Usually we're just seeing family and close friends all in one place at a wedding or a funeral and since I'm already married and don't plan on attending my own funeral, this felt like a great opportunity.

One of my favorite moments of the weekend was having a few different people, unprompted, say that they totally want to throw themselves a party after attending Halapalooza (because yes, I had things planned for the Friday and Sunday of the party weekend as well for out of town guests) (shoutouts to Fame in Holyoke, MA and Esselon in Hadley, MA).

THIS IS ALL I WANT!

Life is short and beautiful and so, so hard and why not do The Thing? Celebrate anything and everything because, again, why not? I'm not saying you have to spend tons of money or do something that stresses you out. Maybe your celebration is having people over to watch an old movie with themed snacks or an Olympics Opening Ceremony watch party or a potluck in a park - it doesn't matter, just do it.

...and if you need help figuring out what you want to do and how to do it, shoot me a text or email ;-)