So today I threw myself a birthday party. Yes, I know it's a few weeks late, but I was on vacation for my actual birthday. So I invited a bunch of my friends over to celebrate my birthday. As usual, it was quite a disparate group -- work friends, theater friends, internet friends. I was happy to see everyone getting along well!
I decided, for some insane reason, to cook for my own party. Yes, I catered my own birthday party. I said "insane," didn't I? The last couple days have been stressful, getting ready. I can't throw a party without cleaning my house top to bottom, and I had plants still to plant from last weekend's buying frenzy at the plant store. Not to mention all the food I had to prepare with 25 people coming over. Ever cook brunch for 25 people unassisted? In a standard kitchen with only one oven? I don't recommend the experience.
Thankfully, everything turned out beautifully. My food was a hit! I got asked for the recipes for nearly everything, from the banana bread to the baked peach french toast to the quiche lorraine to the stir-fried tofu (egg-phobic vegetarians -- what can I say). My solution to the dilemma of how to have Belgian waffles for people without slaving over a waffle iron all day was inspired -- I had a "make your own waffle" bar! On top of all that, I managed, for once, to have everything ready virtually on time and in full with no major calamities. Sad to say, an unusual event for me and food prep.
People arrived at 1, and about 8:30 or 9, the last stragglers headed out the door, so I think it was a resounding success. I got some really sweet, thoughtful gifts, and had a lot of fun talking to people I don't get to see as often as I'd like. Did I mention the food was really good? :)
Just remind me next time I want to throw a party -- I shouldn't ever volunteer to cater my own damn parties!
