Entertaining — Anniversary

Anniversary

Let's give our friends an anniversary party!

Several months ahead, invite several couples to join the fun of giving an anniversary party for your mutual friends or family members. Divide the tasks and expenses.
Select a date close to the date of the anniversary.
The guest list might include members of the original wedding party, plus new and old friends. Send the invitations 3 to 4 weeks ahead of the party date.

Helium balloons are an economical way to decorate a party room. Select colors the bride used for her wedding party.
Swirl, swag, drape, or tie tulle netting over doorways and windows. Attach tulle bows to chairs and corners of tables if you have room.
String tiny white lights over everything - over doorways, around silk or fresh plants or trees, or the dessert table. Tuck in fresh greenery from the florist or from party planners' gardens.
See if the wedding party wishes to wear their original wedding garments.
Arrange a collage of photos featuring the life of the couple up to the present.

The menu you select will depend on the number of people and space available. See the Entertaining section for more information.
A sit-down dinner is usually more elegant than a buffet, but buffet serving is ideal if the guests are seated at several small tables rather than one large table.
A simple menu can be very elegant. Try a beef ribeye or tenderloin roast, fresh asparagus, new potatoes, a green salad and dinner rolls. For an elegant and yummy dessert, make our Hearts and Flowers Reception Cake.

For this occasion, conversation and reminiscences will carry the evening.
The guests of honor might decide to renew their vows. They will need to make the arrangements.
A receiving line could be arranged so everyone is introduced. Include members of the original wedding party and the party planners.
If space allows, a dance following dinner would be most appropriate.
Select soft background music during dinner. Dance music could include what was popular when the couple was married.

Turn on the music, light the candles... Here comes the bride!