I remember this party so well! I’m on the far left and Mum is cutting the cake. I love the look of joy and anticipation on my face (and on some of my friends’ faces). I have photos of my kids, capturing this same look at birthday cake cutting time – it’s a special moment. This party had a circus theme and was complete with sideshow alley stalls and a toffee apple and popcorn seller. I remember thinking the circus carousel cake was absolutely magical. My Mum is one of the best party planners I know and has been my greatest inspiration for hosting events.
Mum wrote up all her parties in her scrapbooks and I loved reading them as a child, just as I still do now. The party written about above was another birthday for me with a Wind in the Willows theme. I was given (and still have) a Wind in the Willows cookbook and a lot of the party food came from there.
Another book which really sparked my imagination growing up, and set me on a path of joyful party planning was Mum’s copy of The Australian Hostess Cookbook. I was fascinated by the descriptions of actual events the contributors to the book had hosted all over Australia – some on far flung stations in the outback and some in city locations. The descriptions of how these parties were hosted, what the host and guests wore and the menus, is today a really interesting historical reflection of this era.
When I went to boarding school at age twelve my growing collection of cookbooks came with me. I remember reading them as bedtime stories, planning dishes to make on my next trip back to the farm for holidays. Do you have events, books or special people who have inspired you?
Absolute treasured memories. Thanks for sharing Sarah . Your Mums hand writing is Devine .😊
Thanks Tammy – it is beautiful isn’t it? (Couldn’t always read it though)! xx
I would no this handwriting anywhere! Your mum is a fabulous cook. I remember visiting when we were kids and her making such devine sweets..Much love to you and yours Sarah xoxo Sue
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Thanks Sue, much love to you all too xx