Farewell Party

Over the weekend, we hosted a small farewell party for a wonderful couple who are leaving Birmingham.  They are off on a new adventure to a small town in Georgia!  We did a very casual party for the occasion with just a few families.  I took lots of pictures of the setup but totally forgot to take any once the guests arrived!  So, you will have to be satisfied with the pre-party pictures this time!

I tried to put together a menu with mainly make ahead items so I could also enjoy the party.  Here's what we had:

For Starters

Parmesan Breadsticks

Amy's Texas Margaritas

Main Course

BBQ Ribs 

Corn & Bacon Casserole

Green Apple Coleslaw

Kid Friendly Stuff

Hot Dogs

Chips

Fresh Strawberries

Dessert
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie Squares w/ Ice Cream

This was a family friendly party.  So, to make it fun for the kiddos I put together goodie bags.

The bags included an assortment of Dollar Store junk goodies including, bubbles, a can of silly string, a crazy straw, a squisky ball, some plastic bugs, a windmill, and a glow in the dark bracelet.  I also had sidewalk chalk and some sugary candy (which the kids and some Moms enjoyed!)

The grownups were greeted with Texas Margaritas (which were not yet mixed when I took this picture!) and these yummy breadsticks I ordered earlier in the week from a local bakery.

The initial plan was to have dinner outside, but it was just a bit too chilly once the sun went down.

So, we had pre-dinner cocktails outside and came in for dinner.

I also set up this galvanized tub for drinks for the kiddos (this picture was taken before we had the ice and drinks in the tub).  

I like it because it is low enough that even the youngest of kids can help themselves.

We did a set up in my breakfast room for the children and the adults ate in the dining room.

Dining Room (I filled the orchid bowl on the buffet with Easter Lilies which will still look great next weekend when we have family in town for Easter).

My daughter also helped me arrange some flowers we cut from the garden.  There are tons of flowers in bloom here in Birmingham.

 Every time we host something like this, I think "Why don't we do this more often?"

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  If not, you'll have another chance in about five days!  M.