Thursday, September 16

Honoring Our Friend Nancy

The beverage table centerpiece, in my mother's compote from the 50's.
One of the table centerpieces.
Another centerpiece.
Jeanne, Nancy and Tish. Jeanne hosted the party in her lovely home.
Nancy could not have been more surprised!
The corsage pinning...

Our friend Nancy recently moved out of our neighborhood to a smaller home. She has done so much over the years to help everyone in the neighborhood, and everything she does is with grace and elegance. We decided to have a party in her honor, thanking her for all she has done for us. We told her that it was a "scrapbooking" party (in order to insure she'd attend) and we planned it as a complete surprise - and we succeeded!! I think we were just as surprised that we pulled it off as she was to discover that the party was in her honor! Before she arrived, we had all gathered and signed a placard I made for her, with a short speech I had written, which I read to her after we ate dinner. As she came through the door, toting her food contributions, I pinned the corsage on her, as she asked..."Why am I getting a corsage?" My answer was..." Because, Nancy, this party is for you!" The last two photos above show her reaction. It was a lovely party; we had appetizers, salads and desserts. We have said many times that we need to compile a cook book, and this party was another example of why that's a good idea! The foods were delicious. We ate outside on Jeanne's beautiful terrace and the weather cooperated well. I have no idea what Jeanne did to keep the mosquitoes away, but stay away they did. Elmo, Jeanne's cat - who is usually skittish around crowds - hung around the terrace all evening, getting head and neck scratches from one and all. It was a fine evening!


17 comments:

cyclopseven said...

And the party went well..in recognition of Nancy's worthy contribution. Respect the respectable person's respectability. My salute to you all.

LL Cool Joe said...

What a wonderful idea! Nancy looks both completely shocked but also extremely happy! What good friends you are!

Gilly said...

What a wonderful idea - and great that Nancy had no idea! I love her look of surprise!

She, and friends, look such lovely ladies - wish I could meet you all!!

And all those flower arrangements look fabulous!

Pat said...

What a lovely thing to do. And the corsage matched perfectly what she was wearing. Bravo!

Granny Annie said...

I think your best thing about keeping it a secret was having Nancy bring a dish. No one would guess they would be bringing a dish to their own party. What a wonderful thing for you and the other friends to do.

Olga said...

That picture of Nancy is the epitome of surprise. You have a great neighborhood.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

How sweet was that! She looks like such a lovely person and she really did look surprised! :) Beautiful flowers!

colleen said...

The third photo really pops out!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

What a wonderful neighborhood you live in. What beautiful pictures of your friends. This post makes me smile

Celia said...

Glorious party! Says a lot about you all and your friendships. Nice to know there are still people in the world who know how to neighbor.

srp said...

This type of surprise party is great..... birthday parties... not so much. Gorgeous flowers... they almost look like the ones that came for Mom's birthday. An amazing color of peachy orange.

Scarlet said...

What a great idea Judy! That corsage is gorgeous!
I'm sure Nancy enjoyed the night as much as you did!

carmilevy said...

There is nothing more heartwarming than moments where good people are surrounded by other good people. I could almost feel the atmosphere from the party through your words and pictures, Judy.

We should all be so lucky to be within a circle of friends like yours. What a delight to experience this through your eyes and pen.

tiff said...

Sounds fantastic! And how wonderful of all of you to do this - you KNOW she's still got to be walking on air!

Darlene said...

What a marvelous thing to do for a friend. If the food was as good as the flowers are beautiful, I would say the party was a bang up success.

Nell Jean said...

What a wonderful party for such a lovely friend, given by other marvelous friends. The flowers were beautiful.

JeanMac said...

What a lovely idea for a friend. She does indeed look surprised.