Bon Voyage Party

In today's economy, it is not surprising to see people packing up and moving away seeking better opportunities. We, as a nation, have endured great hardships with multitudes of lay-offs, downsizing, facility closures, in short, great job losses. With that being the case, many of us are having to bid our friends and neighbors farewell and wishing them great success, happiness, and job security. What better way to say au revoir than to host a bon voyage party.

Keep it simple!

For this party, we are saying farewell to a family who is military. They will be moving to Virginia from Denver. They have two children who are in elementary and junior high. Many changes will be faced and many farewells will be exchanged.

Invitations:
I have decided to invite our immediate neighbors, those who know the family and have assisted each other while shoveling snow, community projects, or offering a spare egg or cup of sugar.

The count will be 30 people. We will send evites with a military motif.
We decided to have a barbecue. Chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs will be grilled. Baked beans, potato salad, leafy green salad, and fruit salad will accompany.

For hors d'oeuvres, we will have an assortment of cheeses, dips, vegetable trays, etc..all types of foods that both parents and children enjoy.

Beer, wine, and cocktails will be offered for the guests. Bottled water, sparkling water, and juice boxes will be offered for the kids.

Dessert will consist of a table filled with brownies and cookies. Coffee will be served for adults.

The theme is "farewell". It is essential that when orchestrating the gathering, everyone knows the premise for the party. Upon entry into our home, we will have a big poster with the kids' picture of which everyone will sign. This is a little keepsake for the kids who are moving to keep and reflect. The picture is of everyone playing outside draping arms around each other.

For the adults, we decided to offer a gift certificate to home depot for whatever organizational needs they will purchase upon their arrival to their new home.

The party will begin with a toast to the family wishing them a safe passage and encouragements to keep in touch. This followed by dinner, games for the children, a social, dessert, and a quiet close to a nice gathering.

It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory. ~W. Edwards Deming
When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. ~Victor Frankl