Frugal Parties

Frugal parties are making a comeback. No more excess, because not as many people can afford excess in these turbulent economic times.

I'm aware that there are shows focused on decorating, throwing parties, and memorializing the efforts of party planners in the land of celebrities; I think it was brilliant both on the part of the writer and of the party planner, to get together and make suggestions for a party that's realistic.

People have been vying to outdo the neighbors for years now, even with children's parties. It's absolutely nuts that one would do so. I'm all for a party being special, but for me that's more about the people who are there than it is about the money that's been spent or the activities that are paid for.

Recently, a California friend of mine commented about a birthday party her children had attended; the mother broke from the pack, invited everyone to the park and provided pizza, cake and ice cream. The kids had a ball.