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My husband’s family celebrates The Fourth of July with as much dedication and tradition as most people celebrate Christmas. My favorite tradition is “The Gala.” We used to attend a formal, sponsored Freedom Festival Gala (I’ll let you guess which one) for years. My father-in-law bought several tables and we, all 9 brothers and sisters and their spouses, got dressed up, ate a fancy meal, clapped for the award recipients, and danced the night away to celebrate America’s freedoms.
Then one year they didn’t have a band. We were outraged. We couldn’t make each other laugh in our “dance off’s,” or watch our talented sister-in-law, Lindsay, break-dance and do “the worm” (even 5 months pregnant!), or play “Most Fun Table.” We were so disappointed we complained and then went back to my in-law’s house to have our own dance. Then the price of the tickets went up and we kept having more children so our expendable income went down. But we couldn’t give up the tradition–it would be like giving up trimming the tree or leaving out cookies for St. Nick!
So Topher and I decided to carry on the tradition and host our own “Gala” every year. Its been five years now. I plan an elaborate menu, Topher decorates the backyard and coordinates the entertainment, and Topher’s sister chooses the Human Spirit Award Recipients and writes a speech for them. In the past we’ve had everything from quizzes about the states to a one-man cabaret show.
Last year our theme was “Fifty Nifty,” and it looked like this. Have I left you wanting more? The year before it looked like this and this.
This year it turned out like this:
- 2008 Gala: “Red, Hot, and Blue!”
- The menu:
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Mixed Greens Salad with pistachio crusted goat cheese medallions, pear ribbons, and pear/red onion infused vinaigrette
- Chicken/garlic/Gruyere Sausage/Vegetable Kebobs and Roasted Squash Kebobs
- Bruschetta pasta salad
- Judy’s rolls
- Key Lime Pound Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Chocolate Cheesecake
This year we really stepped it up and had a jazz trio, favors for the guests to take away, and added more outdoor lighting.
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Lest you think we plan parties like this all of the time, or that I frequently cook meals like this, let me assure you that this is our “one thing a year” we do, as a couple, to go all out for Topher’s family. We have a lot of fun planning out entertainment, themes, food, and decorations months ahead every year and in a large family especially, when it’s hard for us all to get together– just the adults– and sit and talk, eat, and make fun of each other laugh, it’s worth it.
(This year I received “The Human Spirit Award!” It’s so exciting, don’t you think?)
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