My in-laws are setting off for a 1-1/2 years LDS church mission to Mexico in a few short weeks.
I decided all seven of us daughters and daughters-in-law needed to get together for one last girls night before our madre left.
This couldn’t be just any send-off party…
It had to be special.
So I went all out and diy’ed a chalkboard (instructions Monday),
I created bright colored diy tissue paper flowers for weeks (instructions here),
I gathered up all the mis-matched chairs around my house I could find and borrowed a couple from a neighbor,
strung outdoor lights and brought our dining table outside…
What could be better than a surprise party?
I put the youngest daughter in charge of devising a plan to get Miss Madre to the party without suspecting a thing…
the youngest in the family is often good at telling a few white lies to get what they want, right?
The plan went off without a hitch.
Total shock!
Nothing about this party was matchy-matchy including the plates. I used all vintage china that I’ve been collecting from thift stores over the years. I also purchased a variety of Mexican sodas, which my boys happily downed in a day so I could use the empty bottles for flags and tissue paper flower centerpieces.
I created a printable on my computer then copied it on to a transparency which I then put on my overhead projector and copied it to the chalk board.
Everyone pitched in a brought a Mexican feast. My contribution was going to be enchiladas from Cafe Rio. De-lish, right?
Only thing is they decided to close unexpectedly early Saturday afternoon without informing me about the catering order I put in.
The Mr. went to pick them up and called me, starting the conversation with, “You’re gonna love this…”
I put in an S.O.S. call to another Cafe Rio close by and they said they were unable to help me with such short notice.
Luckily there was another Mexican restaurant nearby who saved my arsh.
Cafe Rio and I will be having some words.
Despite the debacle, we had a serious fun fiesta.
Sweet madre-in-law, I will miss you. It’s true, you did move my silverware to a drawer you felt more functional one time without my knowledge and yes, you are very inquisitive but that’s what I love about you. From the time I came on to the scene you accepted me with open arms with nothing but love, support and zero judgement…EVER (ok, except when you thought I was over breastfeeding my babies). You are caring and loving and have raised a wonderful family. I am forever blessed to be a part of it.
As an only child I always wanted sisters. And I got 6 of the best out there!
Para simpre dios este con vos.
God be with you till we meet again.
Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!
Dear Michelle,
Hope you are doing well. Have been following your blog regularly now, but haven’t commented. This post was so full of joy, love and warmth. I couldn’t contain myself! The beauty of your relationships glow through these pictures and your beautiful honest writing.
I LOVE your thrift finds, the china is simple exquisite! The party theme is also so different and fun!
This was indeed a refreshing read! Keep em’ coming!!
Have a great day!
xoxo
Eva
Thanks for commenting Eva. I loved putting together the party!
What a fun party! Love the decor and the mismatched chairs!
Thanks Bethany!
Michelle – This is SO WONDERFUL!!
Extremely creative at virtually every turn – from the handmade flowers to the very clever wrap for the favors (I especially love the strips of road maps to suggest ‘travel’ – very, very sharp of you!)
Based on the festive setting, the lovely beverages with little umbrellas and the menu, it would seem that this was a roaring success! I love the snapshot of your mother-in-law standing next to the map smiling – looking like she had a blast! As well, the group photo was wonderful (your hair has gotten long! Looks great!)
Thank you for sharing – you are a living testament to the fact that DIY makes everything extra special. For those of who share the preference for DIY – a HUGE thank you to you!
Aww, thanks Shannon. The party really was SOOO much fun. I loved putting it together too. 🙂
You really know how to throw a party! You look into all the little details that make it so special and memorable! I loved especially the quirky chairs, and those amazing plates!
You’ve inspired me to encourage bonding times among small groups like these….
Thanks Valerene! You’re right about memorable little details. They for sure make a party. Thanks for your comment!
What a sweet send off! Looks like fun! I would have been totally sweating about those enchiladas – what the heck?!
Thanks Carmel! Yeah…the enchiladas was a definite “what the heck *&^%#” moment for sure! Oye.
So many great things in this post! I love that it was a surprise and obviously put together with lots of love. What a beautiful send-off for your in-laws!
P.S. As I have two sisters of my own, I know how awesome it is that you now have six 🙂
Thanks Jen! By the way, happy anniversary! The church you were married in was GORGEOUS!
Michelle,
I have been following your blog for about three years now. I love it. You are so inspiring!!! I would rather read your blog in my little free time then watch the news! This post screams two words, love and priceless. Have a great day.
-Autumn
Wow Autumn! Thanks SO much for your comment and for reading my blog. You seriously turned a blah day in to a sweet day! “)
I love the colors and the chalk board! Great blog and such a cool design!
Gracias mucho!