Have you ever ticked off items on your “to do ” list? Been rummaging through cupboards to find a few things? What about a dinner party of your own theme? Well, this month I am celebrating my 60th birthday. And I thought that a French dinner party would be the way to go.

Since returning from Provence early July my head has been brimming with ” French things” – recipes, fabric, books, candles etc. You just need to look at my book shelves to see that French is the new flavour of the month.

So a party it is. I have given it some thought. My own family of 4 children and partners and grand children are meeting me tomorrow at the Montville Park for a picnic lunch. I am so looking forward to this celebration. We will all help each other out by adding some food to the lunch table. Yes, I have some decorations – banner, balloons and whistles! I also have some hessian sacks for the kid’s races and a few surprises for the children. Mind you they will probably choose to climb the frames and swing on the swings.

More about that next time with photos.

Planning a French party needs a guest list, invitations and a menu. And I love the planning.

I have practised making a boeuf bourguignon until it tastes as good as the real thing. Not sure. It needs a sprinkle of herbs.

It’s good to know that I can count on my Irish friend Marg who will cook with me too. My friends in Mapleton are so generous with extra seats, glass ware and tablecloths. As I am planning for 20+ the house spaces will need changing, but that’s a job next week.

I am having the dinner on Saturday 15 July – my real birthday is 17 July.

The wine glasses are being washed. The wine and champagne is being bought. And some decorative touches will add to the atmosphere of “tres chic”. I have written down set jobs for the night. I have found an Eiffel Tower, and some signs. The menu is sorted. RSVP list is happening. Back room more cluttered. Shopping still to do. And a hundred things in between, not to mention going back to school to greet and teach my students.

The cake, well, a friend who lives down the road is making me one as a gift. Libby is very clever with decorating and hand painting.

More than the creative part of me that enjoys putting something together, is the sharing of food and conversation, laughs and stories that romancing with grandma brings. 1957 was the year I was born. My special school friends also turn 60 this year. As a way of remembering, I hope that this event will be lovely. I can’t go wild like sky diving or bungee jumping, but I can have fun capturing the French essence of a joyous anniversarie. Will post some photos soon to show you how it went. Until then, stay well and happy.