Party Time!

I love to give parties and entertain.  I think part of the fun is the planning and the anticipation as the day approaches for the party.

Last year when my daughter was here, we set up a canopy outside and put lights all around it and tables and chairs and of course a portable bar along with a CD player and the party was on.  It started on the 4th of July and we had a couple more during the summer.  Everyone looked forward to our "Party Central" parties.  

There was nothing fancy, just family, friends and neighbors who all joined together for an evening of laughter, dancing and just plain fun.

So it is that time again to open up "Party Central".  Only this year there is a big change.  We will have everything on the screened in porch and plan to add some food.  One end will be set up buffet style, one end will be a conversation area and the center section will be free for all those free spirits who just have to move to the music.

The lights have been put up and we'll have some decorative lights as well.  The grill will be set up on the north patio for burgers and hot dogs and inside we'll have whatever the guests decide to bring with them to share.  The bar will be open with plenty of ice and some sodas but everyone will need to bring their own special spirits if they choose.  Music will be playing with an assortment of CD's that daughter and I have and if anyone wants to bring their own, we'll accommodate.

For a successful party, I want all my guests to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable.  So I try to make them a part of the celebration and evidently my enthusiasm works as everyone seems ready and willing to help.

But now, I'm in the planning stages and to me that isn't a chore but just part of the fun.  I'll make my list of food items I need to get and have on hand, plenty of ice and sodas, cups, plates and whatever else I can think of before that final day.

Fireworks will be going off all around us plus I'm sure we will have plenty of our own right here as my grandson will not disappoint and I think a few of the guests are bringing some as well.

I just get excited thinking about it and still have over two weeks before it happens but that is the way I am.  As I said, I love to entertain and have fun with family and friends.  We would have had a head start by having a party over Memorial Day but daughter was moving that weekend so we'll just have our big blow out on the 4th.

And I'm sure there will be more with one last one before we have to say good bye to summer and hello to winter.  We had one in late fall last year so as long as it is not freezing, we'll be out there at Party Central.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!!   HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!