It all started out innocently enough. People started asking if I would be having my annual Halloween party--past parties here and here--so they could save the date "just in case." I've been putting off a decision because I'm torn.
On the one hand, Mini will only be 4 weeks old and I obviously won't be able to go all out. On the other hand, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and the thought of not doing my party makes me weepy. Not really, because I'm not prone to crying--but I really want to do something, even if I have to really reign it in.
Here are the down and dirty deets if I end up hosting:
1. Potluck. Kinda ghetto. I can probably do the cider, but everything else would have to be trucked in by friends--the drinks, candy apple bar, chowders/chili, platters, spooky foods, etc.
2. Paper goods
3. Sparse decorations
4. No Village
5. A handful of co-hosts to help with all of the above
Is that too much to ask? Would the party still be worth hosting? Please be honest, and tell me what you think.
I already have the theme planned if the party is a go.
Heros
VS.
Villains
Villains
The costume possibilities are endless! Comic books, movies, history, sports, TV, literature....I already have my costume planned. You know, if I decide to move forward.
Please weigh in!
11 comments:
I love it- and I'm really hoping you do because despite all the outside forces that have prevented me in the past, I'm bound and determined to finally be able to come to a famous Kaari party. Do a potluck- I think everyone will be happy to bring something.
My comment shouldnt weigh much bc I obviously will be sad not to go! But if you do do it, dont let anyone near Mini! as in rope off her room, people will want to see her, see her room and they have germs during the beginning of flu season! No party is worth a sick -up-all-night baby! Also are you prepared to miss part of your party? she might be up or need to eat or have been up all night the night before, at 4 weeks I was still having Jamie do take out and working my way up to real clothes:) I could go to others for a few hours just not have people at my house. Lance will have to do most of the heavy lifting, you may still be on the "dont lift anything over 10 lbs". My vote would be to go to a party, just not host yours! I am a party pooper though, so maybe dont listen to me:) Could you cohost? have it at someone elses but organize in true mostess style? If I was there we would do it at my place:)Ok this was a long response- I am done.
Are you really not going to church until your kid is born? I did the same thing last year before Grant was born, and I kept my other kids home! Stay away for awhile after she's born, too. Live it up!
I read Heather's comment: You are welcome to do a party at my house- I'll ditch the kids at my moms!
While I totally want you to have the party, I realize that the thought of being a co-hostess at this point in my life is overwhelming and I have a head-start on the baby thing, and I didn't have a c-section, so I can't in good conscience say it would be easy for you. Heather makes some good points. Still, the hero v. villian theme is so appealing. My kids are superheroes this year and Tyler already has his superhero costume planned, so it would be all too perfect for us. (Charlie keeps telling me to be Wonderwoman which makes me totally laugh given my rockin bod right now--maybe the KoolAid guy.) So I have no definate opinion but I would bring lots of food for you wherever the party is. You could also do a thanksgiving harvest party instead if you just need more time.
I didn't have a c-section, so my comments won't hold any weight probably... but I threw a b-day party for Kevin 3-4 weeks after Andrew was born. Andrew slept almost the whole time or I held him. I didn't let anyone else hold him. I gave him a bottle when he was hungry so I wouldn't have to leave the party to nurse him (he took one though, not everyone will).
I think hosting it at a different venue would be easier/less stressful bc the main thing I worry about with parties is cleaning before/after. If you have your cleaning ladies come though... then it wouldn't matter.
I think potluck is totally fine if you are willing to relax your standards for what you want at the party. You are an expert at getting people to sign up for potlucks.
I was dying to be social and throw a party at about 4 weeks...despite no sleep. Not everyone feels that way though.
I also think having a co-host would be smart... and a different venue could be nice, but if you're at your own house you have all your gear, so it is easier. Mini might just sleep the whole time in her crib. Sorry for the long comment! I'm interested to see what you decide.
Orange purel from Bath & Body Works could be a great gift to pass out at the door :)... and no sicko people allowed!
You HAVE to do it! Everyone will help--they just want to come. The theme sounds perfect and you will need something to look forward to after the baby.
Your theme idea is pretty awesome. If you want to throw the party, I say go for it. But, if you decide not to, think of the anticipation that will build if you save those ideas for next year!
OK the more I think about it I come up with two "worst case" - 1. Everything is going super well, she is still in her sleepy state, you have recovered well and you didnt plan the party and hate yourself that night bc you missed out OR 2. You did plan the party and things are not going well and you are sore/ miss part of it (I couldnt go more than 3 hrs without pumping/feeding but I wasnt normal), Mini isnt super happy and you are bummed it wasnt great. Which one sounds worse to you?? Then I would do the opposite. Of course we would hope for best case where everything is going wonderful and the party is perfect:) Everyone is different so I dont know if we can really tell you. I loved having no obligations for 6 weeks - I missed church, didnt return emails/phone calls I didnt want to, didnt take her out much and loved it....others hate this time! So take your best guess, people will not care what they have to do to help, everyone knows Mostess parties are the best! I am still sad I will miss the cookie party! This is another long response, I should just live there!
i agree with heather's last comment. i tend to that think you would be really bummed if you get to halloween, are feeling decent, and you didn't do a party. if you set realistic expectations for yourself (you'll need help from co-hosts, and you may have to take some breaks throughout the party) you'd probably enjoy it more. just don't play wonderwoman before halloween actually gets here--let your friends help!...i'm happy to do whatever you need.
I'm reading all these comments and just want to add that I had adrenaline my whole "first month" with both babies, it was that darn second month that it all caught up with me and I realized I needed tons more rest. If you are getting your naps in during the week- I would venture that you will be fine. As far as the baby sick thing, if she is in a carrier all night, which you'll want her in because parties are a wee bit distracting, she'll probably sleep the whole time and germy people will not be able to get to her.
Love the theme idea!
I can volunteer as one of your assistant hosts, if you need it.
As far as a baby feeding break, your baby may be a fast eater-- my kids.. 15 mins total and they were done.
You may want to float a date out there and just not commit until the baby comes, eh? She/you will know so much more about your situation once she joins our universe.
Good luck, with whatever you decide! I suppose there's no possibility that someone else's "house" (like the bodacious Ashby digs) could be used with all your bad-A decor? or would that skip the point for ya?
Hey! Some really good ideas on here - love the being social, don't like the cleanup or prep or having it at your house. Do lunch with friends or a small costume dinner party so you feel social, but don't have too many commitments. Besides, you don't have ANY idea how you might feel after you give birth....until then...leave things in the air.
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