Bday parties for under $5,000

"Juice is cool, but after this let's grab a beer." -two small partygoers

On Superbowl Sunday we went to a birthday party for our dear friend Miss M. She's 5. There was a bouncy house, juice, beer (not really for the kids of course), homemade lasagna and cake. The Superbowl was on inside. We sang "Happy Birthday" and watched M blow out the candles. Her whole preschool class was not invited--just good friends she was excited about having over for some playtime, to be sent home with polka dotted bouncy balls as favors. That was it. And it was a big breath of fresh air.

If you don't live here in The MP, or anywhere in CA, you might not think this birthday party sounds remarkably low-key, but it was. There was no hired petting zoo, rented facility, elaborate activity plan, overflowing goody bag pile, or catering. Yes, this party took place at the most beautiful and land-graced home any of my friends own. But despite having what amounts to a palace in these parts, these particular friends know just how to make things simple, meaningful, and down to earth.

I enjoyed it so much that I plan to wait until M's parents go on vacation so I can throw my son's birthday party at their house too. Imitation is the highest form of flatery.