Oh my, kindred spirit on the pink theme here for my own grad party over a decade ago! My sister dubbed me a “gradzilla” and she wasn’t wrong. She earned a blister from fanning out the stacks of pink and yellow napkins just so, and my boyfriend (now husband through some miracle) saw me truly snap for the first time when all the tablecloths started blowing away just when guests were set to arrive. So thankful for guidance like yours over the years that has mellowed me out so much that I recently hosted friends for dinner still in my ballcap and dirty gardening clothes. 😅I hope you have the loveliest party!
To be fair, depending on the number of guests - store bought cupcakes and fruit, cold drinks, and rented tables and chairs does cost $1000+ in my town. Most of us do not have access to enough portable tables or chairs or a large enough tent to provide shade to comfortably host all the people who have invested in / cared for our grad as they grew up. (How did you find chairs at the last minute??) In other words, the bare minimum—snacks and seating—for a party of this size costs real money.
I was talking about thousandS with an S at the end. ;) I love to attend parties like these, but it just isn't in the realm of our personal reality. I'm not down on those who party more extravagantly! I just like reminding myself that there isn't some standard I have to meet. (Example: we did not have much shade to offer our guests, and that's okay.) We borrowed plastic tables from a variety of family and friends. We borrowed metal folding chairs from our former church for Cal's party and for Ruby's, we borrowed from the community center where we hold Holy Alliance. We kept our guest list low and two family members provided chocolate chip cookies and watermelon. Yes, ALL of these things - even relationships - are a privilege. But no one should feel pressured to do more than what works for them. 🩷
We had Bram’s party last night. It down poured partway through. People danced in the rain. My mil was also on watermelon duty. It is done and it was wonderful.
Pink will be Beautiful (brought to mind Steel Magnolia’s ~ see Blush and Bashful clip) 💕 Lemon Bars are the best 🍋. Your Pineapple Flowers are Lovely. Happy Day to your Ruby River!
Congratulations ruby river (I just love that name!) I NEED fat tomato summer so badly. Bring it on!
I’m very excited about the pineapple flowers! Congratulations to Ruby River! All signs point to amazing things ahead!
So far that makes two of us! 😆
PINK!!!! I love it! Congratulations Ruby and I hope you all have a wonderful time!
Congratulations Ruby! 🎉 Good job on graduating.
Hooray for all these kids who continue to bring hope to their parents! Congratulations Ruby River! 💕
Pineapple FLOWERS?! I die.
Incidentally, what's your stance on a grown man picking all of the mini oreas and chocolate teddy grahams out of a party mix????
A common problem. Everyone has their own snack theology. When you’re down to Cheez-it crumbs and pretzels, toss that forsaken remnant out.
Congratulations Ruby! I can’t believe you are that old…or is it me that’s old. Enjoy you summer Ruby!
Oh my, kindred spirit on the pink theme here for my own grad party over a decade ago! My sister dubbed me a “gradzilla” and she wasn’t wrong. She earned a blister from fanning out the stacks of pink and yellow napkins just so, and my boyfriend (now husband through some miracle) saw me truly snap for the first time when all the tablecloths started blowing away just when guests were set to arrive. So thankful for guidance like yours over the years that has mellowed me out so much that I recently hosted friends for dinner still in my ballcap and dirty gardening clothes. 😅I hope you have the loveliest party!
To be fair, depending on the number of guests - store bought cupcakes and fruit, cold drinks, and rented tables and chairs does cost $1000+ in my town. Most of us do not have access to enough portable tables or chairs or a large enough tent to provide shade to comfortably host all the people who have invested in / cared for our grad as they grew up. (How did you find chairs at the last minute??) In other words, the bare minimum—snacks and seating—for a party of this size costs real money.
I was talking about thousandS with an S at the end. ;) I love to attend parties like these, but it just isn't in the realm of our personal reality. I'm not down on those who party more extravagantly! I just like reminding myself that there isn't some standard I have to meet. (Example: we did not have much shade to offer our guests, and that's okay.) We borrowed plastic tables from a variety of family and friends. We borrowed metal folding chairs from our former church for Cal's party and for Ruby's, we borrowed from the community center where we hold Holy Alliance. We kept our guest list low and two family members provided chocolate chip cookies and watermelon. Yes, ALL of these things - even relationships - are a privilege. But no one should feel pressured to do more than what works for them. 🩷
Congrats Ruby!🎉🥳🎓 It’s been a joy to see you grow and thrive through posts of your mom. Blessings for your dreams to become reality!🙏🏼🥰💖
Ruby River is ADORABLE (then and now). I totally am with her on the peopling situation (why do I work in HR?). I'll bet the party was amazing.
I just had a moment trying to remember if I'm a paid subscriber, but Substack very helpfully noted that I AM. Woo hoo!
We had Bram’s party last night. It down poured partway through. People danced in the rain. My mil was also on watermelon duty. It is done and it was wonderful.
Yippee for Ruby! 🎉🥳
Also, as a first year paid subscriber, I’m super excited for my first tomato summer (and I don’t even like tomatoes!)!
🩷
Pink will be Beautiful (brought to mind Steel Magnolia’s ~ see Blush and Bashful clip) 💕 Lemon Bars are the best 🍋. Your Pineapple Flowers are Lovely. Happy Day to your Ruby River!
Congratulations Ruby River!! (And i love love LOVE your tumultuous hosting genes!!😃👏)
Fat Tomato Summer!! Bring it on!
Congratulations Ruby!!