Dressed to party....

I am starting to see through the haziness of fatigue after a long but successful weekend. I love all the adrenalin that pumps us through exciting events and I never felt one moment's tiredness during my daughter's party. It was as if sleep was for another species and tired limbs were an unknown phenomenon. I even managed to dance one of the nights away in heels without noticing as much as a pinch, a throb or an ache. See what euphoria can do for you....

the before garden shots without the sleeping bodies

The party was my version of a marathon, officially starting on Friday evening and ending Sunday night. My DD, that would be darling daughter, failed to tell me that there would be 17 arriving for lunch before the designated kick-off and 7 staying on, actually they are still here...But this mother is accustomed to the lack of important detail that falls by the wayside so Friday's lunch was solved with the local butcher's fabulous roast chicken and chips. I have always encouraged my three to have as many friends as they want to stay whenever they want and yes, it seems that they have taken me at my word....I would not have it any other way; they are the light in my life, their friends are my friends and the more around me the merrier.

Our farm is an ideal location for a party because we have plenty of space and no neighbours within close proximity to be upset by the pumping music (at least I hope not). I hired tents for the guests to sleep in and kitted them out with ex-army cots, pillows and blankets. There was very little sleeping done over the weekend so I am not really sure why I bothered with the tents; the sleeping that was done involved the hammock, the garden sofas or in the covered tent at the swimming pool. I need my sleep these days, not a huge amount but at least a few solid hours, and I am so envious of the way these kids can party non-stop for days and crash anywhere. 

the 'sleeping' tents

the courtryard 

The days and evening temperatures were in the high 30's so that presented my greatest challenge for decorating. Candles had to replace my original dream of a floral extravaganza - other than arrangements of white hydrangeas, lilys and trailing ivy inside. My hydrangea trick (bashing half way up the stems to break through the woodiness and lots and lots of water) worked a treat and they are still looking good today, despite the heat. We have a gravel courtyard that leads off our sitting room and this was where we spent Friday night. I placed small tables and chairs, like an outdoor supper club, filled the birdcage, the pathways and the steps with candles and let the evening do the rest. A magical Provencal setting sun, soft candlelight, delicious food and the best jazz band ever were the perfect backdrop. 

hydrangeas and lilys in the sitting room

The days were chilled out and spent around the pool. My covered tent creation was the destination du jour. I made this structure a year ago for my elder daughter's party and although it was meant to be a temporary fixture it has never come down. It is a simple rectangular frame covered with camouflage net that provides dappled shade. Inside low sofas and a squillion Moroccan cushions make it a very comfortable place to relax.

more garden before the sleeping bodies took over the sofas

Saturday night was a formal dinner on our front terrace and again the heat prevented much in the way of flowers. I lit the garden with many small pink hanging lanterns and as the darkness settled over the mountains the garden twinkled with a rose light. The round tables I covered with boutis - French quilts that I have collected over the years, loads of tea lights and simple iceberg roses from the garden. 

sunday morning on the terrace

lanterns at the pond

Sunday was all about the hangover and Monday all about the clean-up. Actually Tuesday, Wednesday too and it is still going strong. I think the bigger the hangover and the greater the clean-up then the better the party. Mr Frequent Flyer managed to stay up until the early morning hours of both evenings (no small feat for someone who works to his schedule) and My DD said that it was the best weekend of her life. xv