Belated Birthday

I realized that I have still not posted about the birthday party I threw for myself a few weeks ago. I was waiting on pictures that I’m not sure will ever be coming my way so I guess now is as good a time as any to post about it (in the hub-bub of everything I didn’t take my own camera out so I only have a few from my sister and a friend’s phone).

I decided I wanted to do a 1920s/Speakeasy themed part because I turned 25 and that, my friends, is the number right smack dab in the middle of all the twenties and I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a roaring twenties party- In my twenties and going strong!

I made a dress and head scarf/hat thing, researched some era appropriate cocktails (and found non-alcoholic substitutes for the alcohol parts), as well as popular 1920s food (my birthday cake was a pineapple upside-down cake, we also had macaroni ‘n cheese, and deviled eggs to name a few), phrases, and games (ie- a crossword puzzle with 25 things about me, poker, pool) and then set about putting it all together. I even found a magazine from an antique store, in pristine condition, that was published in 1920!

My original plan was to have the party outside in Bradford’s parents’ backyard, with a couch and chairs and a table with a lamp, to look like a room inside but out (got that?). However, it was windier than any wind I have ever experienced in Utah so, much to my dismay, We held it indoors instead, which ended up being just fine.

Bradford found some great 20s music that we played and we even watched a silent film! The Artist. It came out last year and Bradford and I both loved it when we saw it and it was perfect for the theme.

 

I collected glass martini glasses for a few months so that they could be used at the party and taken home as souvenirs. Not many did though, so I now have a box in my car ready for Good Will… anyone want some?

The morning of the party Bradford woke up really sick and could barely move most of the day so I had to kick it in to hyper drive to try get all the food made and decorations up before guests arrived. I had to cut out a few things, and didn’t get all the decor out that I wanted but it is what it is. Thankfully Bradford’s mom came and helped me towards the end and my sister Caitlin and her fiance, Neil, saved me by getting some last minute things I had forgotten (Ice. Duh Julie, you need ice for mocktails.)

Bradford did help before the actual day of the party, though (he actually put all the bulbs in my stringed lights for me too, while lying on the couch sick, poor guy). He was in charge of a few things including getting the invitations out to everyone. He asked them all to dress up, which just about everyone did and it was awesome. He even added a password to the invite in true speakeasy style!

Overall it turned out pretty well. Not quite as fantastic as I imagined in my head (when does it ever?) but everyone seemed to enjoy it and that’s good enough for me!   

 Yup. Charlie was there too. And you bet I put him in his bowtie.