Birthday wishes… or birthday plans?

In exactly one month I will be celebrating my birthday.

I have never liked birthday parties much – with the exception of when I was a little girl, I always preferred intimate celebrations for my birthday. It seemed egocentric and self-involved for people to organize bashes for their own birthdays. Now I feel like maybe it’s just about me not having valued myself enough for the past 10 years to want to do that for myself. Now I believe I am worthy of a little celebration, if I’m so inclined. That it’s ok to want to celebrate the fact that I’m still here and while not perfect, I’m healthy and relatively happy. Now it feels ok to admit that, and to want to share it with the people I love and who love me. Now I feel it’s ok to organize a bit of a bash for it, and have fun with it.

I would like to have it outside in the backyard, to enjoy the green and the cool air when evening comes.

I would like to decorate simply, with small vases of wild flowers and bright napkins, and hang a string of fairy lights on the patio, and light lots of candles.

I would like to have lots of delicious finger food and tapas, things people can enjoy while talking and even dancing.

I would like to have a cocktail or two, maybe a bowl of sangria (such a great drink for summer nights!) and lots of options for those who don’t want to consume alcohol.

On the other hand, I am a very nervous hostess, so I don’t know if I’ll end up really doing this – but a girl has the right to change her mind, right? At least as long as the invitations haven’t been sent yet

Photo credits: 1, 3-7: Martha Stewart Living; 2: Designer’s Block UK