I used to be so good about this..then sports and the recession happened! It's one of my goals to re-instate them this year.
We try to have it the third Saturday of each month. Like Belles, football, basketball, soccer and baseball get in the way sometimes. I invite both sides of the family, and we also celebrate all of the birthdays from that month. And, like Belles, whoever can make it comes and if they can't..well, we miss them and hope they can come the next time. I like to have a seasonal theme for each month. At first I tried to create menus to coincide with the theme, but my bunch always want the same Southern menu: bacon and scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and sausage. They don't mind a little fruit or some muffins thrown in, but beyond that...no messing with the menu is the clear message. I do, however, occasionally substitute a breakfast casserole with either sausage or ham for the eggs and meats.
I am currently working on themes for this year. I have some holes in my plans and would welcome suggestions. Here's what I have so far..
January-Snow days! (wishful thinking most likely, but I can use my snowmen for decorations!)
February-Sweetheart brunch
March-St. Pat's theme or something springy..
April-Easter (will be on the Saturday before Easter)
May-Mother's Day
June-???
July-Independence Day
August-back to school
September-Apple Harvest
October-Mini Boo!Bash
November-Thankful Hearts
December-Winter Welcome
Any ideas for catchy names for the themes? One year I did a lodge theme in February instead of the traditonal V-day theme...I loved it. I used a black and red plaid wool throw with my white dishes and my Snow Village "Smokey Mtn. Retreat" piece on a pedestal cake plate as a centerpiece. I also used a few of the log cabin pieces I have on side tables, along with an ice fishing scene. It was cute and fun. Any ideas like that?? I'm thinking too...if I come up with something (one of my projects for tomorrow) I'll be back to tell you. Can't wait to see what you come up with!