Kate & Emily

Email to friend

I had a 40th Party with a fancy dress theme - come dressed as anything beginning with an F. I had 2 flappers, 2 firemen, a fat son, family, several flowery guests, one fairy cake, 3 'real' fairies, a 53 year old, 2 formal guests (black tie), a fool, fitness fanatic, 2 farmers, a flashy couple, Freddie Flintoff, a flower power hippie, a finacially fucked doctor, a french lady, Felicity Shagwell, an FBI agent, several foxy chicks, a forties babe, a fabulous lady or 2, feathers, a fishy shirt, and an ironed grey shirt (Iron's sign being FE), a flamingo skirt, and one who brasenly claimed to have made f-all effort (but certainly throw herself into the party spirit and my father who billed himself as frisky and fun-loving! I was furry - rather saucy furry dalmation dress (oddly I already had in my wardrobe! I bought it as it made me laugh which, in hindsight, isn't the best way to go choosing evening wear!!)

I was so pleased with my party. I so nearly didn't do it, but I knew if I didn't nothing would happen and I'd end up feeling incredibly flat. I'd encourage anyone else facing any milestone birthday as a singleton to bite the bullet and organise your own party, as clearly we're not going to be surprised by a trip or party being organised for us! It was ace as I made it a house party, invited all sorts, encouraged them to bring friends and cleared furniture to make room. I borrowed music and lights and found these FABULOUS things called scene setters to decorate the room - it's printed themed plastic, 4 ft high and 50 ft long so you can stick it to walls, bookshelves etc. I had fireworks and red carpet paparazzi with Marilyn Monroe cut-outs (for Famous!). It was bring a bottle and i told everyone there was F-all food. Crisps and nuts, cheese and bread and that was it - nothing to worry about and i just enjoyed it all. Beamed alot at people, shook a leg on the dancefloor, had the children there which is what childhood memories are made of, and was then surprised when it was all over. And of course the presents are ace! I know you shouldn't say that as it sounds very grabbing but you know how you miss having a husband to buy you thoughtful presents at birthdays that are surprises? Well all inviting friends to a birthday party means that they buy you lovely surprise presents! I feel back in touch with friends and revitalised! Not at all down in the dumps about being 40!!