Who’s in the kitchen Back in the day, kid’s birthday parties were simple affairs

Our Moms made a cake, there were bowls of pop corn, potato chips and some type of candy. An over the top party might have had crepe-paper streamers, balloons and maybe even pizza. Entertainment consisted of musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey etc. Judging by today’s standards, we adults got the short end of the party stick!

For my 9th birthday I decided I wanted a Cinderella theme. All my friends were asked to dress as Cinderella. One by one all the girls arrived dressed as Cinderella. Didn’t think any step sisters would show up. Then the last girl arrived….. as Batman, complete with cape and black boots. I was really annoyed at her but in those days we didn’t hold grudges, which is a good thing, because 25 years later, “Batman” moved in across the street from me. Good thing I like you Gina Mallin, that, and the fact you always seem to have the missing ingredient I need when I’m baking or cooking.

When I had kids things changed. What was in vogue then were “entertainers” We would hire someone to dress up as a character that our kids were enamored with at the time. We’d serve pizza, cake and give out goodie bags. Today there is no such thing as a party in a house. Will it be the museum, Gymboree or zoo? Do you want the full party package? Face painting, balloon animals, rides and ponies? Or is your kid a baseball fan? Parents are making parties at the park…..not the ones we played in as kids, I’m talking Citi Field and not just reserving a few rows, we’re talking renting the entire stadium.

You didn’t think my husband wouldn’t have a party story, did you???

When Jerry was turning seven he was invited to his friend Lenny Schwartz ‘s birthday party. Jerry came home so excited he could hardly contain himself. He told his mom of the ice cream and cake, lots of snacks, pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs, and most impressively, he lived in a private house and had his own room. His mom said “You want a great birthday, I’m going to make you a great party. Invite 3 friends for next Sunday, this is going to be a party you will never forget” And how right she was about that.

Jerry invite his two best friends and “Lenny”, this would be a good time to impress him.

Sunday couldn’t come soon enough…..and then it couldn’t end fast enough.