It's My Party... RevGals Friday Five

Today is Songbird's birthday! Happy Birthday dear friend! You are exactly one week younger than moi. In her own honor, she gives us this theme, inspired by not the greatest parties of yore. May this year be the one you remember, Songbird.

1) Would you rather be the host or the guest?

I would rather be the host if I am really excited and motivated about giving a party. I can remember a New Year's Eve party I really enjoyed throwing. I would rather be the guest if it's the party of a dear friend, and I feel that I'm really excited about going (rather than fulfilling a social obligation).

2) When you are hosting, do you clean everything up the minute the guests go home? Will you accept help with the dishes?

You mean there are people who leave the mess 'til morning? Ewww. Yes, I need to go to bed in an orderly house. Sure, I'll accept help-- if you're a really, really close friend. Or my child. Otherwise, no. That would ruin your party experience!

3) If you had the wherewithal, and I guess I mean more than money, to throw a great theme party, what would the theme be?

I have dreamed of throwing a Midsummer Night's Dream party for the summer solstice, complete with delicate Elizabethan music and gossamer costumes and daisy chains for all involved and summer wine and sweet berries, and maybe everyone taking a part and reading from the play.

I know. I'm a geek.

4) What's the worst time you ever had at a party?

Well, I do believe that would be the Thanksgiving party I attended with spouse and children, when I knew spouse was about to leave me and no one else knew. That was pretty hellish.

5) And to end on a brighter note, what was the best?

About three years ago, when I was newly single, and faced with an "empty" weekend (i.e., the kids were with the ex) I went to a benefit party for a women's art group. Sounds boring, right? Wrong. It was held at a funky local restaurant, which was decked out in a kind of "Cirque Risqué" theme. There were booths with activities such as a womb ride (being hugged by great swaths of pinkish silk, and then suddenly allowed to slip right out), there was a drag queen host, there were models who were painted to look like animals... it was quite the bacchanal. I think what made it all so memorable was a sense I had that there was adult fun to be had, new friends to be made, and my life wasn't, in fact, over. Now that's a good party.