40th birthday inspo (and a pep talk!)

[RoseWrites]

My 40th is in a few weeks. I always celebrate parties and was really looking forward to it. I planned and sent out 50+invites for a big bash but only 3 people can come and some very good friends didn't RSVP without chasing. I've cancelled it and the whole thing has left me as flat as a pancake. TBH I keep bursting into tears.

My DH is being lovely and said we can do something else instead. It is me that always plans parties, holidays etc so if I want to do something, in reality, I'll need to make it happen. Dh earns less than me so I'm conscious of £ too. I normally pay for our holidays. I need some inspiration.

I am very close to buying a campervan and going away in that. DH thinks I'm buying it as a knee jerk reaction to feeling rejected by friends and having no birthday plans. He might be right but I have always wanted one and love camping...

Anyway, I'd love ideas! What did you do that wasn't a party? We have two small DCs (5 and 11 weeks) so it needs to be child friendly.. thanks in advance for your help :)

Went out for a lovely lunch with some friends and my husband and 3m old. There were about 7 adults and 5 children. I didn’t want to do a big party with a young baby, so it was just who was about and available. Had a lovely time, was very chilled!

Why don’t you hire a campervan for the weekend and see how you get on with it?

My 40th was during COVID so all my plans went out the window! I was going to have 40 nights away at 40 across the year but instead had one night away before lockdown hit! I still had a glorious day though, we went for a boat trip down the river with my DH and DD (hired a private one for a couple of hours) and had a delicious picnic. In the afternoon 5 of my closest friends visited in the garden and we sat outside chatting and having some fizz (just entered the can have people in your garden stage). In the evening DH and I had a hot tub and some fireworks in the garden. It was totally not what I planned but it was probably one of the best birthdays I have had.

I think a weekend away is a great idea, I think your DH is probably right about the 'reacting' re the campervan - it may be the right decision for you but maybe one to wait and see - I think the hiring idea or maybe a weekend glamping is a good shout. Maybe try and pepper your whole month with lots of lovely smaller events as well - meeting up with people you would have had at the party when you are both available etc.

I wouldn't take it personally about the response to your party, this is an expensive time of year with weddings and holidays and summer childcare needing paid for and we are in a cost of living crisis, most people are deprioritising parties just at the moment out of necessity.

My friends 40th we did afternoon tea at a lovely hotel. It was so chilled, a really nice way to spend an afternoon. Why don't you try hiring a Campervan for a week or two to see how you like it before you buy?

@Benjaminsniddlegrass @Revelatio @MeinKraft Thanks so much :)

DH sent out the cancellation emails and a few lovely friends have been in touch with nice messages so I feel like less of a social reject!

I've booked me , DH and DCs a quick trip to Milan instead. Flights are only £50 (less for DCs) so it'll be nice.

Thanks again everyone x