Similarly to a previous commenter, we have quite a small house, but with a very large deck and yard (backing into National Park). My husband had 4 (FOUR!!!!!) parties over the course of 2024 for his 4.4.84 40th birthday. For each party we ended up hosting 60-70 people. Friends played music and kids roamed freely. I made all the food, but accepted help for dessert, which various friends contributed to! The vibe was great and I’m glad we went to the effort.
For my 40th, I went for a bush walk with my husband while the kids were at school. After, we went to a very nice restaurant (with the kids) for dinner. Safe to say I’m the introvert in the relationship.
I wonder if there’s something about an April birthday...I love that you pulled that off together. How cool. I’m sure your children will cherish those memories too. And—Joe chose a hike for his birthday too! Introverts know where to grow 🌱
South Beach sounds lovey esp this time of year when it’s so grey out all the time. I turned 40 last year and threw myself a massive party. I invited everyone I love to come to my backyard (we have a very very small 1920s bungalow but a decent yard and a great, big deck) any time between 2 pm and 11 pm. I loosely planned for the afternoon to feature knitting or quiet reading, my neighbor offered to give a short Krav Maga (Israeli self defense) demonstration in the early evening, we served crock pot pulled pork sandwiches for dinner, we had cake, and then when it got dark we had a dance party. I told people they could bring their kids or come alone. They could pop in and say hi or stay for the entire time. They could come, hang out, leave, and come back later. They could bring food or drinks to share or not. The kids ran amok with popsicles and jumped on the trampoline and played driveway basketball and the teens flirted and it was a blast. I think by the end of the day over 100 people had come through the party (most of my friends have 4+ kids so things can get fun pretty quickly.) If you cannot tell, I’m an extrovert (ha!) but I felt so loved and just felt overjoyed to spend a day doing a bunch of things I love surrounded by people I care about. Happy upcoming birthday!
Ok this sounds super similar to what I (too an extrovert) have been planning! Just a giant rolling open house. And have to include the kids, who love a party like nothing else. Especially when there is dancing…
How funny! I am plotting something similar for my 40th (also next month! April ‘85 was a good moment!) except instead of my backyard I am thinking of inviting all my favorite people (family and friends - kids and adults!) to meet up at an art museum outdoor park near us from like 2-5 - whenever people can join. And we will have blankets spread out and things for the kids to toss around and fizzy drinks and cupcakes for all. I live in NC and spring is at its perfection in April so it’s a good celebration of all the things I love - public parks, art, museums, coconut cake, champagne and my village ❤️
Similarly to a previous commenter, we have quite a small house, but with a very large deck and yard (backing into National Park). My husband had 4 (FOUR!!!!!) parties over the course of 2024 for his 4.4.84 40th birthday. For each party we ended up hosting 60-70 people. Friends played music and kids roamed freely. I made all the food, but accepted help for dessert, which various friends contributed to! The vibe was great and I’m glad we went to the effort.
For my 40th, I went for a bush walk with my husband while the kids were at school. After, we went to a very nice restaurant (with the kids) for dinner. Safe to say I’m the introvert in the relationship.
I wonder if there’s something about an April birthday...I love that you pulled that off together. How cool. I’m sure your children will cherish those memories too. And—Joe chose a hike for his birthday too! Introverts know where to grow 🌱
Kisses! Noses! The best Mary Oliver! Loved this post and now I want to google hotel deals in South Beach. Maybe next winter…
Podcast tour v1
South Beach sounds lovey esp this time of year when it’s so grey out all the time. I turned 40 last year and threw myself a massive party. I invited everyone I love to come to my backyard (we have a very very small 1920s bungalow but a decent yard and a great, big deck) any time between 2 pm and 11 pm. I loosely planned for the afternoon to feature knitting or quiet reading, my neighbor offered to give a short Krav Maga (Israeli self defense) demonstration in the early evening, we served crock pot pulled pork sandwiches for dinner, we had cake, and then when it got dark we had a dance party. I told people they could bring their kids or come alone. They could pop in and say hi or stay for the entire time. They could come, hang out, leave, and come back later. They could bring food or drinks to share or not. The kids ran amok with popsicles and jumped on the trampoline and played driveway basketball and the teens flirted and it was a blast. I think by the end of the day over 100 people had come through the party (most of my friends have 4+ kids so things can get fun pretty quickly.) If you cannot tell, I’m an extrovert (ha!) but I felt so loved and just felt overjoyed to spend a day doing a bunch of things I love surrounded by people I care about. Happy upcoming birthday!
Ok this sounds super similar to what I (too an extrovert) have been planning! Just a giant rolling open house. And have to include the kids, who love a party like nothing else. Especially when there is dancing…
Love to hear this went so superbly for you!
How funny! I am plotting something similar for my 40th (also next month! April ‘85 was a good moment!) except instead of my backyard I am thinking of inviting all my favorite people (family and friends - kids and adults!) to meet up at an art museum outdoor park near us from like 2-5 - whenever people can join. And we will have blankets spread out and things for the kids to toss around and fizzy drinks and cupcakes for all. I live in NC and spring is at its perfection in April so it’s a good celebration of all the things I love - public parks, art, museums, coconut cake, champagne and my village ❤️
Spring at perfection! So true. Sounds wonderful.