Mar 5

Mar 5 That Time We Threw Gus a Birthday Party

Adoption Day, 2001 — Old Holland Road, SIngapore

Oh, but he was such a dear, little fellow, our Gus. A darling, wee Westie. Sturdy, brave, with a cobby body and cheerful expression. We adored him, and he was the elder statesman in a neighborhood filled with much younger dogs, so when he turned 15, we threw him a proper birthday party. I couldn't have done it without Leah's help — she has a creative streak a mile long and we had the time, and the weather was fine, so... why not?

Working without the benefit of a glossy Martha Stewart spread with instructions and practical pointers or even a Pinterest Board, we made it up as we went along and it was the better for it, I think. Regardless of size, all parties, big or small, have a few basic components:

guests
theme
food
music

The Guests

People you love, people you want to get to know better, people who you know could use a boost, people who you owe an invite to — a good mix makes a good party. For this one, we stuck to Gus's considerable fan base — neighbors and their dogs. Our neighborhood is full of male dogs and they all get on very well, a plus!

The Theme

Once the theme is established, everything else party-related falls into place. For this occasion, the theme was easy enough — it was Gus's birthday! His Scottish heritage, his adorable silhouette, his standing in the neighborhood as the wise old sage... Nothing too complicated necessary. There would be plaid, that much was obvious, but I felt strongly we could forgo a requirement for kilts. It is possible to be too 'themey'. So knowing when to let is go is important too, you don't want your guests to feel suffocated by your theme, just tickled by it.

Gus was so many things, chief among them, photogenic! He was such a handsome little lad, so we decided to make banners to celebrate his long, wonderful life and his classic good looks. He had done quite a lot in his 15 years — extensive international travel, survived car crashes, killed a few snakes... Instead of exhausting our at-home ink supply, we had these printed up at the local Staples and laminated. We used a hole punch, and some festive bakers string and strung them ourselves. Years later we still have them!

The Food

Cupcakes made from ground turkey, decidedly not cute... yet.

We thought there should be a festive dessert of some kind for the canines who were invited. Since I cooked all of Gus's food, (long story) I was well-versed in what healthy proteins and vegetables were universally adored by dogs, so it was just a matter of configuring something practical but yummy. We settled on Turkey Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting. Cupcakes would certainly be easier to handle and deal with than a cake that needed cutting. For garnish we used peas and cherry tomatoes straight from the garden.

A gallon-sized ziplock doubles as a piping bag, disposable and quick!

People food included simple brunch food — a seasonal apple cake made from apples picked the day before, quiche and some yummy local bacon and sausage. Considering the guest list — two and four-legged alike, it seemed best to keep everything fairly low-key.

For a party of this kind, I prefer food that is best served at room temperature and to put everything out and label it,. When it comes time to eat, there aren't a lot of questions and fuss. I like to do all the work up front, so I can enjoy the party too!

Leah pipes on the mashed potato 'frosting'

Served on... vintage days of the week tea towels!  Antique linens and Westies, how could a girl refuse? — Served on... vintage days of the week tea towels! Antique linens and Westies, how could a girl refuse?

We invited a handful of neighbors, dog-owners all and encouraged them to bring their canine companions. Since the party was in October, a few wore costumes (Gus himself resplendent in a party ruff!). The highlight, of course were the cupcakes. It took a bit of coordination, but it all worked out. Robert had a very special job, to ensure Gus had not only a head start, but had a chance to eat his birthday treat.

Ready for cupcakes!  Here we are, desperately trying to hold back the hordes. — Ready for cupcakes! Here we are, desperately trying to hold back the hordes.

Thank you Sarah Beal, for this great photo!

We think you should serve the cake now...

The Music

If Gus was turning 15, that meant in human years he was in his 70s. So, a play list was compiled of favorites from the 70s! No, no... no bagpipes (even tough I dearly love bagpipes!).

The moral of the story is... invite people over. Throw a party. Make dinner and ask a few friends to join you. Host a Game Night. Have a cocktail hour. You may think you have endless opportunities to do it, but you don't. That it's too much work, it isn't. That it costs too much, it doesn't have to. That you are too busy, you aren't. That it won't be perfect, it won't. That your house isn't clean enough, but it is.

Now you'll excuse me, I have a small dinner party to throw together...