Monday, February 13, 2012

leslie knope would be so proud.

 

Here's the thing: I really like my friends. I really like planning a fun party. And I have little to no shame.

Meaning, when I marched myself into a restaurant on Saturday night armed with my own candles, centerpieces, and placecards, I ignored the funny stares and chose to focus on the reason I throw ridiculous parties in the first place: The people I love deserve to be told so.

Or, in this case, shown.

Inspired by Leslie Knope and her penchant for celebrating, I threw the girls in my book club my own take on Galentine's Day this weekend, complete with breakfast-for-dinner and lots and lots and lots of pink. I spent much of last week loading up on Target Valentine's goodies and painting tote bags (great tutorial found here), then got to the restaurant a few minutes early to set up. A friend made cookies, and each girl brought a Valentine's-themed gift worth $5 to $10 for a small gift exchange.

I won't speak for my friends, but Galentine's Day might be my new favorite tradition. I loved showing a few of the women in my life how much they mean to me, loved taking Valentine's Day and making it fun and special for a group that has made my time in Tallahassee such a blessing.

We laughed and ate and showered each other with gifts (which, let's face it, is fun for everyone). We wore red and pink and talked a lot about The Hunger Games and Downton Abbey. We showed the waitress and our fellow restaurant patrons a good time, so much so that when one of us nearly burned the place down (thanks to my aforementioned candles and a dropped menu), no one seemed to care all that much. In fact, the waitress said we made her night. I'm convinced celebration does that to people... even to people that are mere observers.

Friends deserve to be celebrated. They deserve to be shown love and appreciation. Sometimes, that love means big gestures or small, silent prayers or cards in the mail.

And sometimes, that love comes in the form of pink striped tote bags and delicious pancakes.

That's my kind of celebration.  

14 comments:

Kari said...

Love love love.

Elizabeth Dean said...

Looks like a lot of fun and now I will say that after comps I may want back into the book club! Looks like it is a ton of fun.

Erin said...

Love this! Looks like so much fun! And Leslie Knope would definitely be proud :)

Staley Mc said...

Leslie Knope would be so proud! This looks like so so much fun! I love the tote bags-so cute!

Sydney said...

oh my goodness, I am smiling ear to ear! What a lovely fun idea! I made my friends goodie bags for tomorrow but this really takes it to the next level! Good for you! I agree, celebration DOES do that to people :)

Steph said...

Woo hoo for celebrating! I love this!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful wonderful idea!! And I completely agree with you - celebrating life and love of family and friends is a thing to be cherished!!

Julianne said...

Oh so much fun!! You did a great job as usual, Annie! I wish I could have been there! :)

Denise said...

How cute and so fun!

mary kate said...

I love the fact that you celebrated galentines day! Leslie would be so proud. Those tote bags look amazing!

Anonymous said...

this is darling. SO fun!

Sabrina said...

Look at those bags! Kudos Annie:) I know everyone had a fabulous time. I think you all have the best book club ever:) Keep your celebratory spirit always.

Anonymous said...

I WANTED TO DO GALENTINES DAY!!!!!

Leslie said...

Oh my gosh, I love this!!!! And those striped bags are calling my name.