Q. I enjoyed the problem of your correspondent of 23
February who is organising a 50th birthday party. My own 40th birthday is looming. I do not want the day to go unmarked but I am a single woman. I am not loaded and feel it would be a bit weird to throw a great big party for myself anyway. Given that most of my friends are recovering alcoholics and not up for downing great quantities of champagne in any case, what would be the most appropriate form of celebration, Mary?
R.S., London SW15 A. Why not give a party in a Pottery Café? Block-book all the places on, say, a Saturday afternoon and invite 20 of your sober friends. People adore being given mildly competitive tasks in a schoolroom-type scenario so give each one of them an unglazed dinner plate and set them to work hand-painting it. Ask that they give the result to you as your birthday present. The procedure of hand-painting an intricate design at a small table (to a background of enjoyable chatter) is soothing. Many will select more items to decorate after they have finished their work for you. This party should set you back no more than £400 and will reap a lasting archive of pottery tributes. Warning — do not invite guests to paint jugs or bowls as these are too difficult to store if hideous.
Previous page
