Ken and I held our joint 40th birthday party on Saturday night and are still suffering the consequences (it was a very late night for 1 40 year old and 1 almost 40 year old). After several weeks of manic preparation, a lot of help from our friends (I can recommend Kirsten for decorative advice, Deb makes great paper candles and Helen rolls a mean melon and proscuitto canape), and just a few harsh words between Ken and I (I'm sure he deserved them - nothing to do with stress!), Saturday night was upon us. Our 3 terraces were lit with fairy lights and candles, there were streamers, flowers and disco balls, the eskies were full of beer and wine, the slushie machine mixed lemon and lime daiquiri and lychee sensation (very fine) cocktails, the food was prepared and ready to be served by 3 attractive teenagers (our babysitters) and the DJ had arrived with his lights and music ranging from the 1960s to date - all we needed was guests. And much to our relief they all came - 60 of them. It was a great night - there was eating, drinking, chatting, singing and dancing. Many of our friends know each other, and others realised that, as is often the case in the Northern Beaches, they had only a few degrees of separation. Two of our guests were, unbeknownst to each other, working together and 2 others knew each other from uni (in the UK). Some of us finished the evening with a swim in the pool (which had been heated during the day to about 32c) which was a lovely end to a great night. I think everyone had a good time - judging both by the feedback and the hangovers, but I'm afraid it'll be a while before I can face hosting one again.
