I just turned 30.
I didn't have the list of "30 by 30," that I am seeing many people do, and there was no way I was going to "drop a dress size" by 30 (being only 2 months postpartum). So...I had a party! It was a bit of a challenge to come up with the right kind of party. When my husband asked me what kind of party I wanted I told him NO surprise parties. I just had a baby and I want to look good, so I need some warning! (So I'm a little vain. No judging.) I envisioned an elegant cocktail party with champagne and fancy hors d'oeuvres. I pictured everyone getting dressed up and enjoying the music and the company. I pictured 10 toddlers and 5 babies screaming and crying. I pictured no one coming because they didn't want to get a babysitter.
Luckily, the Best-Mother-In-Law-In-The-World (she really is, don't be jealous) came up with the perfect idea: a Vin d'honneur. It translates to "Wine of Honor." It is basically an intimate cocktail party that can be as fancy or casual as you want. We went somewhere in between and told everyone kids were welcome, but sent out fancy invites so everyone would know it would be a nice party. It was wonderful. We had Champagne (my favorite), sparkling juices, all kinds of hors d'oeuvres, and miniature desserts. It was a beautiful day and all the kids had fun playing outside with bubbles.
Things change so much when you have kids. You tell yourself that you won't be "that mom." You know, the one who loses herself so completely in her kids that she can't talk about anything else or do anything that doesn't involve them. Everything is so "kid friendly" that you end up only eating out at McDonald's, or worse; MCDONALD'S.
But the reality is that some "kid friendly" is a good thing. I like making things nice for my kids, but I also like introducing my kids to nice things the adult world. This party blended those two worlds. I'm thankful for such a grand entrance into my 30's!
Cheers!
Jen
