This past summer H and I celebrated our 40th anniversary with a backyard party for roughly 50 people, including members of our bridal party, some college and current friends, some neighbors, our children, their partners, our grandchild, and other extended family members.
The splurge was to have it catered – with butlered hors d’oevres, hot entrees, tables, chairs and linens provided and set up in advance by caterer, a bartender, etc. It was the first time I have had a catered party (other than our wedding) and it was wonderful to be able to relax and just focus on our guests, some of whom had traveled significant distances to attend. The caterers were wonderful – even, when several guests showed up with flowers, finding vases and arranging and displaying the flowers on the serving tables. Of course they took care of cleanup, etc. as well. I was like a guest at my own party!
S did a playlist (using Pandora but with ads blocked) of love songs we liked from our dating days through present – had it playing from a portable stereo in the back yard, as well as booming from three sources in the house (near windows). (We are on an acre so no noise complaints.) S also strung up white lights for decor.
Only problem is that I am now spoiled – fell in love with entertaining via caterer! But H and I consider it a very special memory. (One day weeks after, H came across a caterer’s fork from the event on the lawn, and said that fork was a special souvenir of the lovely occasion.) A neighbor took pics for me and I put together a Snapfish album.
Truly worth it!