Several years ago, I read a magazine article about “newfangled” parties. Like, fun ways to celebrate an adoption, or a “reset” party for a newly-divorced friend. There was an idea for a back-to-school party for the mothers of kids off to school, especially for the first time, whereby on the first day of school, one could invite one’s mummy-friends over for coffee and cake, lest anyone should be home alone, wringing one’s hands in despair, missing her little person, watching the clock tick towards pick-up time…
I thought this was a most excellent idea, and why hadn’t I thought of it first?
So, for the last few years, within the first week after Labour Day, I invite some of my neighbourhood ladies over for quiche, mimosas, and lady-talk from mid-morning until lunchtime. I love hosting this party each year, and it is nice to see faces of friends and catch up a little bit – some people I’d hardly seen all summer; others I see almost daily, but it’s a change to be able to visit without the small people tugging at our sleeves the whole time. It’s a chance to have conversations about ourselves, and not about our children and their stuff and their schedules and their issues. (You know – not as the only topics up for discussion.)
I like to serve quiche because it’s so easy to make, it’s almost embarrassing to serve… throw out some cubes of cheese and a small round of delicious Camembert, some fresh figs, grapes, and all the late-summer berries, chill a bottle of bubbly and put some orange juice in a pitcher with ice. Brew some coffee. Napkins. Plates. Party!
(Oh, and I baked some cookies too, but they were from a mix, so they still count as easy-peasy.)
One thing I will do differently next year? I will move the start time from 9:30 AM to 10 AM. Trying to make a party in the morning is tricky at the best of times, but when you also have two children to get ready for school, and one of those children is being dropped off at 9:15 AM… well, that’s just cutting it all too close for comfort.
Also? I’m only going to make the quiches (onion, peppers, spinach and cheese) studded with pancetta from now on – the vegetarian variety always goes unsliced, despite the fact that most of my friends are Jewish and/or semi-vegetarian. That’s because everything tastes better with bacon. (That’s not just my truth – that’s the law of the world.)
It’s nice to get a bit liquored-up in the morning sometimes, too. We’re grown-ups, you know. We can do whatever we want.
YAY for back-to-school time! And YAY for neighbourhood ladies who turn up for morning parties… I wish I could have invited you all. Really, I do.
Got any easy go-to party foods or ideas? You know how I love a party… share!
Jo says
Mmmmm, bacon. I had bacon wrapped water chestnuts at a wedding reception a couple of weeks ago. Yum. I’m gonna have a party for no reason. Planning it as I write! Theme? – PORK!!!
Tracey says
Thanks, Jo! You should totally host a little party like this one too… tres fun – good people, good food, and BACON! All my favourite things.. what’s not to like??!
Tracey says
Thanks, Amreen! We’re finding our groove… I hope your back-to-school time has been easy going!! xox
Tracey says
It really is, Idas… 3 eggs, 1 cup of milk or cream, plus whatever veg/ham/cheese combo you like. Plus BACON! Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes until done… throw on plate. Happy Quiche-ing!!
Tracey says
I think I tried hosting with other-parents-at-school once, but I only liked (maybe) half the people… champagne tends to help. (Hee!!)
Tracey says
Come to Montreal and see, I guess… 😉
Jo says
I want to be your neighbor. I am inspired though. Yay for friends like you!
Amreen says
what a lovely idea! and that spread looks delicious! happy back-to-school! hope your kids had a great first week.
Idas says
Quiche is easy? Dang, I really need to try a “Quick, Quiche Me” Party now!!
xo
i
Racheal says
Love it. Someone usually hosts a “getting to know the other parents in the class” coffee, but this sounds so much nicer. And I agree, everything is better with bacon!
DesiValentine says
I love this idea. I especially love the idea of having a neighbour who puts together parties like yours because mine (bless them) are well into the great-grandparent phase of their full lives. My daughter did just start French Immersion kindergarten. I wonder how the hubs would feel about a transfer to Montreal….
Tracey says
That’s really the best part, Village. I wish you lived next door too… but I’ll make quiche when you visit. 😉
Nancy says
I love- “we are grown ups, we can do whatever we want” I feel this freedom too. And no Math homework on top of it all.
You are so fun. When are you moving next door?