Event Planning

Each one of us has something that makes them shine, that brings out a light of joy that is so bright, it can’t help but be noticed by others.  For Lilah that light shines the brightest when she is planning an event for her friends, like this year’s Valentine’s Day Party.  

It begins with planning.  She plans the old-fashioned way with a notebook and pen.  Her plans are detailed, categorized and researched.  Pinterest is a place she spends time searching for beautiful crafts, delicious desserts and fun activities.  Her findings are recorded and ingredient lists are created.

No detail is overlooked.  Decorations are hand made, rarely purchased.  Hours are spent cutting, gluing, glitterizing and displaying.  Those who are blessed to live with her are the recipients of this beauty that she brings into our home.

Menus are planned and dietary needs of her guests are taken into consideration.  She had vegan offerings, gluten free offerings, chocolate free options and even fruit (embellished with a bit of sugar!)  The food must be displayed beautifully as well, for it is part of the experience and that experience should be beautiful.  Lilah learned that not all that is on Pinterest is at it seems, a very valuable lesson for all of us.  Some of her recipes, like the Jolly Rancher lollipop, did not work and were abandoned in favor of others that did, like the chocolate dipped Glutino oreo cookie covered in sprinkles served on a bamboo stick!  

Activities are well thought out.  The tape ball (another Pinterest find) kept the kids busy for over an hour.  It was fun, challenging and the trading that took place after the game was finished reminded me of pin trading at the DI tournament.  One of her friends held the most wanted eraser and after an impressive stalemate, finally relinquished it in return for six erasers to complete his set!  

In order for this type of event to be successful time must be given to the planning and execution of the plans.  Lilah had the luxury of hours and hours to work on this project.  She went to bed late the night before since she, not I, set up tables, made place cards, organized supplies and prepared the cupcakes.  She woke up early to help clean, make the frosting, prepare the treats and organize the games (she had a minute to win it challenge as well as the tape ball, an epic gum drop tower where Minecraft skills were transferred to gum drops and toothpicks and a heart search).

In no way was this my party.  Grace was Lilah’s sous chef, helping dip the cookies in white chocolate and stuff the raspberries with white chocolate chips.  I helped clean and  made last minute runs to the grocery store for toothpicks and a balloon for the guessing jar.  But when it was time to celebrate, when the guests had all arrived, I was able to sit with my friends off to the side, away from the party and enjoy their company while sipping a hot cup of coffee!  

It was a beautiful event.  It was a display of Lilah’s gifts and talents that was shared with those she loves.  This was her 4th Valentine’s Day party and she is truly growing into a talented event planner.  Well done Lilah!  Well done.