Happy New Year!

For the past week I have played host to literally 100 people. Several were from out of town and the remaining folks were in town guests. What would prompt ANYONE to host that many people during the holiday season? It was our 25th Wedding Anniversary! And so far as I can tell, a good time was had by all in attendance. If you were unable to make it, you were missed!

When we were married in 1987 there were certain expectations for the ceremony, reception and surrounding events. Customs used to be more rigid, but as times have changed, the expectations have flexed with current mores and customs. Back then in NY, marrying into an Italian family (and custom in my family as well) meant open bar, sit down dinner, dancing and of course the cake. We were told what we HAD to do and what we COULDN’T do. John and I like to push boundaries and step outside of the norm. Even in 1987 I knew what I wanted was not the classic expected or accepted norm. But in an effort to keep everyone happy, I did the expected things. I often felt like my wedding ran away with me instead of the other way around. The one thing we couldn’t do, but wanted to do, was have a rehearsal dinner. We were married on the 26th so everyone was having Xmas dinner with their families. My poor mother in law always wanted to host a rehearsal dinner and never got to do it.

When you plan an event the only thing you want people to remember is that you and they had a good time. If the planning is so stressful that it takes the joy out of it, what’s the point? The day after my wedding John’s Aunt Mary, who hates everyone and everything, said to me, “I have been to my fair share of weddings in my day and that was a FUN wedding. And the food was the best I have ever had at a wedding.” Ok, I guess I did something right! No one knew that because I changed the date, I lost my band, caterer and reception venue and the day of the wedding, the cake almost landed on the floor – yes really. Let’s forget it was so cold and windy that there are pics of me with my head piece flying off my head (Moment of Truth – I wanted to be Sister Bertrille when I was a kid. She could FLY!). A good time was had, people laughed, danced, ate and enjoyed the event.

Flash forward to 2012 and our Silver Anniversary. We have been planning this event since March. I wanted no hiccups. Of course you know that didn’t happen! Let’s just say that all I want people to remember is that they had a great time and so did we. The kicker was this: WE GOT TO MAKE OUR OWN RULES! Unlike when you get married, for a 25th Anniversary Party there are no real guidelines as to what we could or could not do, no rules about what we should or should not do, so we made our plan and allowed it to morph into what suited us NOW. There was no sit down dinner; everything was served tapas style in honor of our newlywed years in Spain. There was no cake, but there were fantastic little desserts you could pick up and walk around with. There was no champagne toast, but there was an open bar. There was dancing and of course a vow renewal. We had a Reggae band, a photo booth, fire dancers and a juggler – yes, really. No one told us we couldn’t have a juggler, so we had a juggler. And the favors were pounded iron bottle openers, custom made for us by an honest to goodness American Blacksmith – yes, really (and don’t ask them to make them for you – they won’t). This 4 day extravaganza reflected who we are NOW, shunning any expected customs.

Some things remain a constant, regardless of time. Old friends meeting new friends. Family reconnecting. Friends meeting family for the first time, all of whom know you differently. Old friends visiting with family. All of these things happened on December 27th and so much more. One other constant is that the hosts don’t get to eat much, or take many pictures. That was true for our wedding as well as the anniversary, so all of the pics you will see were taken by someone else and I thank those of you who shared your photos with us. Oddly there is only one food pic so far, and that is from RM Seafood.

One of our dear friends said that the party had a “circus-like atmosphere”. He said everywhere he looked there was something fun happening. I am taking that as a compliment because I felt like the ring leader in a three ring circus.

My Dad with his daughters and all of our ‘staches…

Mom and her daughters

Hubby with our son

High School friends and one of my sisters on the patio

Dinner with the family at RM Seafood

If no one hemmed you in with THEIR expectations of what was acceptable, how would YOU plan an event? What would you do? Of course you would have food and drink, but would you have odd ball entertainment? Would you bow to expectations or would you let your imagination run free? Would you follow the rules, break the rules or make your own rules?

My wishes for you this New Year are these:
• Choose to MAKE your own rules.
• Step out of your comfort zone and experience something new
• Do something unexpected
• Eat something you have never tried before
• Be happy and healthy

Food Memories this week all centered around the Anniversary Party – Xmas dinner with Dad & Jeanie at Emeril’s Fish House, Chinese food for the family at our home, paella and lechon at Bar + Bistro for 100 friends & family, and dinner at RM Seafood for the immediate family.

Until next week, go out and MAKE your own rules and MAKE your own Food Memories!