Friend's 50th

[lemonsaretheonlyfruit]

Hi

Please help! I am in a bubble with my very good friend as we are both single parents. It's her 50th next week and she can only see me (our DCs are with their Dad's). I'm seeing her to 'celebrate' on sat night.

Normally I would have paid for a nice night in a hotel somewhere - or a group of us would have got together. (Birthday not actually on sat but the day itself is on a Tuesday so this would be the main night) She has things like video messages from friends to watch on the day so there is 'stuff' going on on her actual bday.

As it is, Saturday night is down to me! She has had a really hard year (in addition to all the Covid stuff) and I'd like to make it a bit special but what?!!!

We often get takeaways. I could cook but want to make it a bit more special. I know there are some nice restaurants delivering set meals but the average price seems to be around 75 quid a head!

We already spent NYE together and we always have a great time together and laugh lots but what can I do on Saturday to Mark it? There are a group of us who are good friends so I think I will sort a zoom for the night too.

Any ideas gratefully received!

[Fivemoreminutes1]

Fireworks - either small garden fireworks like Catherine wheels, or indoor fireworks. And sparklers.
Cheese fondue and wine!
Playlist of songs which have a particular meaning to her, or a collection of hit records from the past 50 years.

[Londono]

The Fat Duck restaurant rings people in advance to find out about their backgrounds/childhoods and makes a menu tailored around that.

Could you do something similar - tailor a homemade tasting menu - around favourites from her childhood to now? Angel Delight, that kind of thing?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Nice food, nice drink, your company.

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

During first lockdown, DD and I did a DIY pamper session (pedicure, manicure, facial). Could that be something you set up ahead of getting ready for dinner?

Re dinner - in my area there are a couple of chefs who prepare and deliver 3 course meals - far more cheaply than restaurants. Could you get someone else you know to ask on local FB groups ?

You could also do a champagne brunch, or an afternoon tea.

[Lindy2]

I've seen companies doing Zoom magic show parties for adults. We just did a Zoom kids party for DD10 and I spotted that adult versions are available too. That might be something a bit different to do with friends along with some lovely food and booze.