When it came time to throw my in laws (who I adore by the way) a 50th Anniversary party, I knew what I had to do! Keep it simple, keep it beautiful and KEEP IT LOCAL! (Even if some of the most important family members were from out of town… giggle, snort!) When having a party of any sort there are several things you have to accomplish, but most important is that your guests feel welcomed and comfortable! What good is a party if everyone leaves thinking, “Boy, I am busy for the next 10 years if I get invited back there again!”?
Sooooo, I don’t feel the need to share my entire check list of things “To Do” (unless you so request an article about that too). I do feel the need to share with you, the Triad, where I got such cuteness, beauty and fun for the party we held at our house (saves a TON on rental fees). You can call me a lot of things, but cheap isn’t one of them! “We” (ie: me and the sis-in-laws) agreed it would be simple elegance to hold such a personal and meaningful engagement at home for family and friends to enjoy.
1. Use a local florist. I live in NW GSO, so I tried Oakridge Florist. (didn’t have to drive to far for pick-up and yes they deliver). Aren’t they beautiful? If you have time and live a bit closer, the local Farmers market would be an excellent choice as well! I did use my own vases to save a bit more and not clutter up my cabinets or recycles with more glass not needed!!!
2. Use local gifts/favors. I found these darling favor baskets at Michael’s (I know, I know… BIG chain, but I didn’t order on-line). I did however fill them with yummy yogurt covered party mix from Fresh Market. I forgot to take photos of the sweets, maybe Fresh Market will read this is do a Give*A*Way for our readers of the yummy goodness I filled the tiny boxes with. You don’t have to give party favors by any means, but I decided to add them as a festive touch to the white/cream color theme for decorations at each persons place setting. Also I found great paper goods at If it’s Paper on Battleground.
3. Use a local baker!!! Don’t get me wrong the grocery stores have delish cakes and cupcakes, but we ALL know what a personal touch you get from having your cakes custom made. I HAVE to share where I purchased this BEAUTIFUL cake, Parker’s Restaurant in Stokesdale!!! I also have to share with you that I saved 50% by having Cindy make my cake. I did go to a couple WELL KNOWN local bakers in town. When I thought I might want to give the “smaller” baker my business, I was SHOCKED by the savings!!! And the taste… it was PERFECTLY devoured and EVERYONE Oooohed & Ahhhhhd. Not a crumble left on a single plate.
4.Use a local home decor store. Yes, I said “home decor” and if you have not been to Total Bliss in Summerfield… it’s a MUST!!! Nancy and her store completely, 100%, live up to their name. All you have to do is tell Nancy your plans and she has something in the store you can use at a party, spruce up your house or just needing a simple gift for the “guests of the hour”. I found these darling place-card holders which I used as picture holder of the couple when they where younger.
5. Use a local caterer (or friend). I was fortunate enough to have a dear friend who happens to be Italian AND happens to have a portable brick oven to cook yummy, fresh to order pizzas!!! (Still trying to convince them to start a catering business for this SUPER FUN idea). We severed an incredible salad bar to go along with the pizza (thanks to my sis-in-law). What made this so nice? EVERYONE, young and old, got to have exactly what they wanted… on their pizza and their plate. Of course you can contact a number of incredible caterers to help with ALL your food and service needs for any size party… I was just fortunate to have such a contact!
6. And of course… a TERRIFIC local couple!!! Thanks Tom & Carole for showing us that 50 years is still obtainable, cherished and valued in this crazy world. You two are such a beautiful couple and I’m honored to be a part of this family!!!
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Loved reading about this party! They are lucky to have you as a daughter in law and vice versa. Congrats Tom and Carole!!!