Partay!!

I've been wanting to write about this for months!! But I haven't been able to since it was about a surprise party for mom, and she is one of my most loyal readers :) So let's start from the beginning. A couple months ago, my dad mentioned having a surprise party for my mom's big 60th! And of course being the party lover I am, I thought it was a fantastic idea. My dad was so cute, because he wanted me to make the invitations. He had seen some of my previous work and knew I really enjoyed doing those sort of things. So off I went, the guest list started and the planning begun.

Invitation designing, slideshow creating, menu deciding, party planning, flower choosing.... that was me for a solid 2 months (but loving every minute) Everything had to be perfect, because this was not only for my mom, but my best friend! We finally picked the venue, a private club that friends of my parents belonged too. We knew we would be taken care of there and it was a fantastic location with wonderful staff.

So at last, the day came. I bought a new dress, had my makeup done, straightened my hair, got all dolled up and off to the party I went. I was so anxious waiting for my parents to show up. I think we really pulled off the perfect surprise party!! Boy did we have her fooled, she thought my dad and I were going to celebrate with her the following weekend, and that she was on her way to meet friends of theirs for drinks before heading off to dinner downtown. She got the surprise of a lifetime! Her face was so priceless, I loved it.

I wanted to show some pictures of some of the details of the party... I was so happy the way everything turned out! I just had to share :)


The final invitation, the pictures do not do it justice! It was a champagne colored shimmer paper and the decorative paper up top was beautiful!! A shimmery turqouse color, with a gold screenprint on it (gotta love the Paper Zone!)


Directions and RSVP Card


The back of the envelope... It's what people were going to see first, it had to be cute!


And of course the favors (filled with yummy chocolate)

I had so much fun making everything, and I am so happy the way they turned out! A lot of work though! Maybe one day I'll make my own wedding invitations... This was great practice :)

Below are some pictures from the party:


Left: The flowers arrangements I made. Right: The finished table setting (with favors)


Left: Doesn't my mom look happy? Right: Wonderful Friends and Family


Left: David and myself. Right: My lovely mom and me.

Well, that's a wrap! I thought this might turn into a long post.... oops. But every moment of the planning and the party was SO much fun!! I had to show off some of my hard work.  Oooh oooh... I almost forgot, I just have to include what was on the menu!!  It was to die for!  My only regret was not getting enough, I had to leave in the middle of dinner to start setting up the slideshow....  

~ Our delicious dinner ~

Appetizers

Belgian Endive filled with Roasted Vegetable Puree

Belgian Endive filled with a garlic, lime cream sauce topped with prawns

Crab Cakes with Tomato Remoulade

Salad

Mixed greens with Apples, Blue Cheese, Nuts & Citrus Vinaigrette

Caprese Salad

Dinner

Sliced Medium-Rare Tenderloin with Arugula & Herbs

with a mushroom bordelaise sauce

Salmon with Pinot Gris Sauce

Side Dishes

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Fresh Green Beans with Peppers

Assorted Breads including:

Flatbread, Focaccia, French, Fresh Rolls

Now, doesn't that just make you hungry??  It does me!  I can taste all the wonderful food all over again.  Good thing the boyfriend is making dinner right now :)