Fall Party- November 23, 2019
When Will and I were first engaged, we sat on a park bench in Boston under our favorite Redwood tree, white notebook in hand. That day, we talked about what we wanted to be like as a couple, what we wanted people to feel like when they were around us, in our home, what our values were etc. And while every wedding decision went back to whether or not that fit into who we were as a couple, a theme emerged that sticks with us today.
Imagine walking into a house filled with good art and lots of candles, there’s jazz playing. You’re greeted by a big warm hug, the kind you get from a friend who has become family, as you float inside to the intimate party. You share good food, good drinks, and good laughs. And the night extends late, sitting around drinking wine, having good conversation, and connecting with people you love. That’s what we want our life to feel like for ourselves and when we invite people into it.
And so, with that in mind, we started Fall Party last year to bring our people together who are a part of our family, cook a special dinner, drink good wine, and celebrate love and one another. It just so happens that our anniversary falls during this season as well and my heart just feels so warm thinking about it.
Our people came over, with us cooking the main dish and each of them bringing something special they wanted to share as well. Never mind that we don’t have room for a kitchen table. It was that seamless kind of thing where everyone simply gathered around and conversation was natural. I’d wanted there to be so much warmth in all different ways, and amidst the many (many) candles that lit up the room, I looked out from the kitchen where I was standing with Will, holding Mia in my arms, and I saw our people all connecting with one another. To get to see your people in one space and having the pleasure to pause and take that in is extra special.
I’m a believer that you don’t need anything special to create these moments. Simply reach out to your people, share the intention, and open your door. Being in graduate school right now means preparing for a party might need a little more thought than what we were used to before. I found free tree trimmings, bought a wire, and made a garland and sprinkled the extras on the counter and tables. I did my research to find votive candles for a great deal. In my opinion candles and a bit of wine are all you need. We decided we valued cooking, so we found a recipe that had minimal ingredients or ones we already had, but that made us giddy just thinking about taking the first bite. And by asking friends to bring something to share, it not only helped with our time and budget, but we got to share in dishes that were so incredible and that friends were so excited to share.
Think of your people, the ones you know are there, that despite a busy schedule when you catch up it feels easy and warm, and in our case, the ones who never turn down a toast, a good joke, and most certainly being willing to dance to 80’s music, and invite them in. It can be as simple as turning on some music, brewing a pot of coffee or opening a bottle of wine, and enjoying one another’s company. But I can promise it’s just what you need during the holiday season.