Love this Ruth, as I approach my 60th year (2025) I have been thinking about what celebration I would like. I had a party when I was 50 and actually it was quite stressful organizing it and on the night I worried more about others having a good time than me!
Laughing with friends, smaller gatherings, adventures, moments, creating the time, noticing, is my plan,
Still engrossed in 4000 weeks. Focusing on whats important knowing that I will not get it all done is quite empowering!
Hear me out (and remember, I live in Spain, where even very good stuff is dirt cheap). At every celebration I've hosted in Valencia I've always provided cava (I'm of the millennial avocado toast generation where it's still largely BYOB to any party - even in our 30s!) For me, providing the cava (and some food) is a worthwhile expense. Everyone's face lights up when you offer them a glass. It never fails to provide a sense of occasion - something special which they would never usually have (especially in Spain where, unlike a glass of prosecco in a London pub, it's still very much seen as a 'celebration' drink you don't often enjoy). And everyone generally feels very merry after a few of them! It's a win-win all around.
Seriously though, I completely agree with you and have had similar Harvey Nicks dinners wondering what I am doing. The company you're with IS 90% of the celebration. If there are some chips (and cava) going, it's the cherry on top.
Love the Cava idea, and i bet, living in Spain, you have some properly delicious ones to boot. Interesting that Cava still has a touch of exclusivity too, unlike as you say processco, which we Brits have managed to mangle good and proper, albeit my partner tells me that Franciacorta is the way ahead https://vinepair.com/articles/differences-prosecco-franciacorta/
I’m with you Lou! I had parties for my 40th and 50th and although I had fun I hardly spoke with my guests. Although my 60th was in February I’m still debating whether to throw a party or not…I love a great dance, and it’s fun to merge friends but can’t help thinking small and many may be the way forward. I’ll keep you posted!
Love these posts Ruth! So beautifully written and thought provoking!
Lovely to be mentioned as a “wise friend”! Thank you.
You’ve always got wise words Steph 😀
Thank you. Really pleased you like my blog. X
Love this Ruth, as I approach my 60th year (2025) I have been thinking about what celebration I would like. I had a party when I was 50 and actually it was quite stressful organizing it and on the night I worried more about others having a good time than me!
Laughing with friends, smaller gatherings, adventures, moments, creating the time, noticing, is my plan,
Still engrossed in 4000 weeks. Focusing on whats important knowing that I will not get it all done is quite empowering!
My venn diagram has an additional ring: Cava!
Hear me out (and remember, I live in Spain, where even very good stuff is dirt cheap). At every celebration I've hosted in Valencia I've always provided cava (I'm of the millennial avocado toast generation where it's still largely BYOB to any party - even in our 30s!) For me, providing the cava (and some food) is a worthwhile expense. Everyone's face lights up when you offer them a glass. It never fails to provide a sense of occasion - something special which they would never usually have (especially in Spain where, unlike a glass of prosecco in a London pub, it's still very much seen as a 'celebration' drink you don't often enjoy). And everyone generally feels very merry after a few of them! It's a win-win all around.
Seriously though, I completely agree with you and have had similar Harvey Nicks dinners wondering what I am doing. The company you're with IS 90% of the celebration. If there are some chips (and cava) going, it's the cherry on top.
Love the Cava idea, and i bet, living in Spain, you have some properly delicious ones to boot. Interesting that Cava still has a touch of exclusivity too, unlike as you say processco, which we Brits have managed to mangle good and proper, albeit my partner tells me that Franciacorta is the way ahead https://vinepair.com/articles/differences-prosecco-franciacorta/
Amending venn diagram as we speak ;-)
I’m with you Lou! I had parties for my 40th and 50th and although I had fun I hardly spoke with my guests. Although my 60th was in February I’m still debating whether to throw a party or not…I love a great dance, and it’s fun to merge friends but can’t help thinking small and many may be the way forward. I’ll keep you posted!
Glad you’re enjoying 4000Weeks. So insightful.