I just came across this very old photo. It dates from a time when people held pukka fancy-dress parties, this couple (above) are dressed as a gangster and his moll; complete with home-made cardboard Tommy Gun and Cigar.
In my London days, partying was BIG. A strange phenomenon of the time were the 'Surfing Parties', where Beach Boys music was de rigueur, and gaudy island shirts were everywhere. People would actually turn-up with surf boards.
I've thrown just two memorable parties here in France. The first I think must have been for my 30th birthday. Lady M wore a spectacular all white outfit including a turban, and I complimented her in an all white suit. Over the following few days, after the party was over, I kept finding bottles of wine hidden away all around the courtyard and in the huge barn. I think people must have been expecting a shortage; they were wrong.
The second was for my 50th, when we roasted a whole Lamb; I think there were over 50 guests. What a night that was!
I've given-up holding parties. I no longer have the desire or the confidence. Gone are the days when I would consume copious amounts of wine, and my appetite has considerably diminished. As for dancing until dawn; that has gone too.
These days it's an intimate dinner for four (at the most).
The issue these days if you are at a big gathering, I find is remembering names.
ReplyDeleteI used to love holding huge gatherings; but these days I prefer a quieter life! Old age.
DeleteRe huge gatherings.....my son and his new wife ( married in Slovenia a couple of weekends ago) are hosting a formal dinner in an Oxford College dining hall for all the relatives and friends who couldn't make the trip to Ljubljana. I think about 50/60 people. (DIL works for Oxford Universities and my son works for Oxford Brookes)
ReplyDeleteCan't think when I last did a " dinner party", probably 40 years ago!
I presume they're having someone to do the catering! When we roasted the whole Lamb we had a local man come to take control; I did all the rest. It's a lot of work.
DeleteYears ago we had a 70s party and hired a juke box for the occasion. That was fun. Don't have the energy to organise a party these days.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a juke box. I'm much the same as you; I just don't have the energy any more.
DeleteTo every time there is a season.
ReplyDeleteMine's over!
Deleteturn, turn, turn. Byrds.
DeleteI'm not a party person. When I was first married my other half was always up for a party, for any excuse, there were three or four a week and I hated it. And dinner parties too, who does those any more? Now I'm married to someone who's equally party allergic and it's just great, we can be anti-social together!
ReplyDeleteI like staying home with a good book. I enjoy a good restaurant every so often, but mostly I prefer being 'chez moi'.
DeleteI was never a party person. I always wanted to go home and change into my PJs.
ReplyDeleteI used to be 'the life and soul', but no more. I can't cope these days.
DeleteWhat did you do for Lady M's thirtieth and fiftieth?
ReplyDeleteU
She was a Winter baby, so not so easy to hold big outdoor parties. I was a July baby so more convenient. We celebrate differently.
DeleteParties like that are very in the past. I couldn't be bothered even thinking of a costume. Best clothes for a wedding or baptism are enough. And family gatherings more than enough.
ReplyDeleteYou two look very smart
I think we both thought we looked good at the time. Who knows!
DeleteUntil my dear farmer died seven years ago we gave a party every New Years Eve. I would cook half a ham, a whole salmon and two or three quiches, various salads would be added at the last minute along with two large trifles made to my special recipe (definitely NO jelly)and copious amounts of good sherry added. When we started having them around 50 people would be invited but sadly, over the years they began to die off. Only a handful of us remain now and all are past parties. But such happy memories.
ReplyDeleteForget to add the cheeseboard and wine.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of traditional fare that continues from year to year. It saves having to think of a new menu every year too. My Christmas it like that; it never changes.
DeleteLife is simpler and happier these days,
ReplyDeleteYes, less anxious.
DeleteToo much like hard work! I used to enjoy party planning and entertaining but I just don't have the energy or inclination anymore.
ReplyDeleteI think we'll have to leave it to those who have youth on their side.
DeleteThe last party I went to was my best friends 70th. She hired a room in a club so they did all the catering. I volunteered to drive so she could have a good time. She danced almost non stop till the end. I laid down on a bench seat in the corner, wishing it was all over and I could go home. I had a thumping headache the next day. I've given up with parties.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like my own recent experiences of 'parties'. I used to love them, but not now.
DeleteThese days, I like smaller more intimate gatherings. 6-10 is just about right.
ReplyDeleteI prefer 4 or 6. I find I can't cater for more than 6, whereas I never used to think about numbers when I was younger. It was 'the more the merrier'. Not now!
DeleteAnd family at that, it is so much easier.
ReplyDeleteQuite right.
Delete