Ideas for elegant intimate 70th Birthday Party for Mom?

I planned a 70th Birthday Bash for my Mother in Law in May, it was over the top, used every color in the rainbow, balloon bouquets, flowers, cake, finger food, non-alcoholic punch, lots of people - it fit her personality. I don't know why, but that one was easy.





My mother's 70th is in November, and I am having a hard time planning a small, elegant and intimate party for just family. Ideas? She is a true southern "Lady", enjoys finer things, eye for quality, prefers simplicity, and loves her family -- I was thinking about a standing rib roast, several courses, various wines with each course ... Suggestions? Ideas?





help?

Ideas for elegant intimate 70th Birthday Party for Mom?
If your mom likes the finer things, rather than decorate, spend the money and effort on a "butler". I think you're mom might get a kick out of seeing a butler that caters to her family's whims - what do you think??





The menu sounds great - include the baby potatoes-that sort of thing.





You might google "Fine Dining @ home, menus". That might help you come up with some different and elegant things for the "Southern Lady".





Good Luck, T
Reply:Joanne A. W. has a point well-spoken from one who may know better than anyone!





To your point, however...elegant doesn't necessitate several courses. Serve her favorite meal and surround her with the family she loves so much. Perhaps for that intimate touch, you could ask each member of your family to recall a memory they have of her or make a verbal offering of what makes her so very special. And...would she love an old, favorite photo that has been professionally "redone" and framed...one that has special meaning for her?





Best wishes for a warm, fond memory in the making.
Reply:I am 70 and from the south. If it were me, I'd like to go to an elegant restaurant. One with dim lights and maybe candles on the tables. That sort of place.
Reply:Not certain how big the family is, the budget, or size of the home - but here are some suggestions:


Since she is a true Southern Lady - throw her a tea party. With several types of finger sandwiches, several tea selections, and since it is November - you could even include soup on the menu. Use the money that you save on the roast and wine to purchase inexpensive tea pots and cups (you can also serve coffee and lemonade). Decorate the tables with nice linens and fresh cut aromatic flowers. If she is a fan of floppy hats, you could get her a special hat to wear at tea and even ask the other ladies to wear hats. True - this isn't necessarilly a guy thing - but most will go along with it to celebrate mom!


You could also host a Night in Italy and serve assorted pastas, breads and salads - matched with Chianti or a Pinot Grigio.


What about a movie themed party where mom is the star - it will make for great future memories if it is recorded. Heck, you can set those disposable cameras on the tables and every time someone hears the words, "birthday or celebrate" you have to take a picture. This theme would go along great with the food you are suggesting.


You said that mom preferred simplicity, but I bet she isn't a simple woman - she has earned to be spoiled, at 70 years old.


Shoot, you might just ask her what her favorite foods were growing up and make her a sampling of those and take her down memory lane through her taste buds! Maybe it is as simply as fried chicken and collared greens - perhaps she just loves peach cobbler, maybe she knows of a meatloaf recipe that will make you wet your pants - never know till you ask her. At dinner everyone can share their favorite memory of mom. Now you have an evening that is all about mom.


I suspect that at your moms age, it is probably more about the company than it is about the meal. Good luck!