"Never be the first to arrive at a party or the last to go home, and never, ever be both."

It is almost the time of year that I most look forward to.  My black and white party. 

I'm not really sure why it has been so successful but for some reason, it is the best party of the year.  I've never had one that was bad.  We've had so much fun at them that no one can remember exactly how many we've had.  I argue with my bff, Christel, about this...she says 5.  I say 7.  Others say 6.  No one knows.  We are too old to remember.  Doesn't matter though!  We all still adore this party and will keep having them until we are old and gray...and even then, we will still be having them, I'm sure.

With my fabulous mother's help, I have finalized my menu for the year.  I've had some staples each year, but I always try to add something new and different. 

One reason this year is so special to me is that it is the first time that I've been able to have it at my own house...because I've never had my own house...I've always been in apartments that weren't conducive to having 40 something people over so it's always been at my parent's house or my friend's.  This year, it's all mine.  I couldn't be happier!  I'm so thankful that my mom has always had a love for entertaining and has taught me so much over the years.  I'm a very lucky girl to have my very own, personal Martha Stewart clone. 

Thanks mom!