Despite Mum and Dad planning to celebrate just the two of them with a romantic (if a cycle tour counts) holiday in Sri Lanka, they weren't going to get away with it that easily. So Adrian and I decided to go big, with a surprise party. The planning started in January, a solid 11 months before the big day. However as is always the case, we definitely left the planning to the very last minute. The only thing we actually did before was send a couple of emails around requesting people to 'save the date' which were designed by Eden (look at some of her work here or you can buy her Missed Mothers book here) and send across old photos and their favourite memories.
After a trip to Costco, more than one to Lidl (for excellently priced Prosecco and non-branded pop), PoundWorld (plastic champagne glasses, and plastic cutlery and paper plates), Tiger (colourful bunting and congrats sign) and plenty of Amazon online purchases (balloons, helium machine) - the weekend had arrived.
Luck was on our side, with Mum and Dad heading off to a dinner dance on Friday night in London and Mark and Di doing the best friend duty and taking them off to the rugby (SA v ENG) on Saturday in Twickenham, so we had home all to ourselves to get all party prepped. I shipped in the event planners a.k.a Adrian, Eden and Nath. Friday night involved popping copious sponges in the oven, ready to ice in the morning. Saturday involved last minute dashes to the shops, putting helium in the balloons, decorating the house with banners and plenty of fairy lights and getting canapes ready.
We showered and got ready at 6pm with an hour to go before all the guests arrived.
I think the next moment has to be one of those to go down in history, as pretty much all the guests arrived at 7pm on the dot - go team!
Following a text with a 10 minute warning from Diane we made sure that all guests had a plastic glass of prosecco and a party popper in hand and we made our way outside and the car came into the drive and off the party poppers went!!
There were definitely a couple of tears in a few eyes and plenty of hugs and kisses and it was time to get the party started.
The Food
Terri's Veggie Lasagne
Steve's Famous Chilli and Guacamole
My Chorizo, Feta, Chilli and Veg Cous Cous
Tessa's Mini Quiches
Sandra and Jacqui's Salads
The Pud
Karen's Cheesecake
Alison's Pavlova
My 4-Tiered Chocolate and Vanilla Cake with Strawberries and Chocolate Cupcakes
Vicki's Gin and Tonic Cupcakes - Look at her Instagram page here
The Drinks
Lidl Prosecco
Adrian's Homemade Punch
Dave's Kegs of Rebellian
& Whatever else was lying around
It was the best evening ever and it went on until the early hours of the morning, to be exact around 4am after plenty of cheesy hits including 'Oops Upside Your Head' and the 'Macarena'. Now I will let you enjoy the few select photos that were taken (thank you Bob) ...
Bring on the next 30 years of marriage Mum and Dad and we hope you are enjoying Sri Lanka!
xoxo
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