While growing up I spent the majority of my summer months with my grandma. I was a little too old for day care and both my parents worked full time so I was kinda happy to spend my summer nights in Chalfant, PA sleeping over my grandma’s house. She’d stay up late, she had a computer, she had “card night” and all the women from the neighborhood would come over and curse and smoke up the whole house, and she’d bake and cook delicious meals, so it was really no problem!

Just a week ago, on July 12th, we celebrated her 90th birthday and it was an honor to be able to help put the decorations and stuff together. We had an awesome photo booth in awful lighting, amazing catered food, and a slideshow.

The night before the party my incredible Aunt Maureen put together a lunch/dinner for all of the out-of-town guests that were arriving the day before the party.

I was able to see my grandma and my Aunt Patty

I was also able to see my Aunt Edith

And I was able to see my cousin Sandy and Pam that I haven’t seen for almost 6 years since I’ve lived in LA,  but I wasn’t able to get a picture of them on Friday night.

The invitations went out via SNAPFISH! and I really loved using this old black and white photo of my grandma. It looked really timeless and beautiful.

We wanted to do a 1920’s themed photo booth with head pieces, pearl necklaces, cigarette holders, and the guys had gangster hats! It would have turned out GREAT if I hadn’t forgotten my light umbrellas! Here’s a few shots of my family and my gram’s friends from the photo booth:

Some of the photo booth attendees haven’t seen me since I was “this big”… and you know what I mean!

I was in charge of the decorations. We had gotten some ideas from the catering company that had done some events before us at the same venue. They made balloon chandeliers, so we made balloon chandeliers and besides the fact that we lost a few balloons before the party even started, they still turned out really pretty.

We also got 10 flower vases from my local thrift store in Brick, NJ, at Destiny’s Thrift Shop, for $10!

We hot glued each vase with a layer of burlap and then a layer of lace over top of the burlap. We didn’t want the centerpieces to be too formal which is why we used mini roses and mini tulips. We didn’t want giant roses and tulips to overtake the centerpieces.

We also put a tin can on each of the tables with a tag that said, “90 Reasons We Love Annette! Share a story or a memory that you have with her!” I wasn’t able to get a picture of the cans on each table at the party so I took a picture when I got home. We got about 20 or so responses and they each made me cry!

During the party my Uncle Dick told a story about growing up with my grandma:

My Aunt Maureen was able to read a few of the cards that people had left in the “90 Reasons We Love Annette” tins. So hilarious!

My grandma blew the candles out!

The cake mimicked the invitations which was pretty cool. My grandma had a really awesome time which was a lot of fun to see!

The party was definitely a success. The food was delicious and if you’re looking for an amazing catering company in the Pittsburgh area, please contact 2 Ladies & a Gentleman! The slideshow was a hit,  and my gram was able to walk around and socialize with the guests at each table.

I had such a great time at the party and I’m glad that everyone who came enjoyed themselves as well! Hope you guys liked the pictures!

Happy Thursday, everyone!