After going over several times in my head and discussing it with hubby about whether we needed a birthday party for R, we decided that this time, we shall have one at home with all his friends over. Even after making a conservative guest list, I hit a figure of 35 odd invitees including the children and adults. Phew! all of them in my house for an evening had me in jitters. I had woken up to the party call just 10 days prior to the D-day, so that left me with just ample time to pull up my socks and hit the action button.
I was going to outsource all the food since I have neither the passion, ability or the resources to cook up a party menu for so many. It had to be all finger foods was something I was sure of. As a first order menu, I decided on Dhokla, some non-spicy kababs, finger chips, popcorn, cake and juice. Now, finding a good joint supplying these at a reasonable rate was a challenge. Most of the restaurants nearby were big names who would not undertake a relatively smallish order and also with their rates, even if I had managed a bargain, it would've still been a tall amount for a homely affair. Totally not worth it.
As I began my hunt for suitable eating joints in the vicinity, I realized how inadequate I was in terms of knowing my neighbourhood well. But, trust the internet and the blogosphere to come to the rescue. In the end, it was the typical case of overlooking something that was right under my nose. We have passed by this place practically every other weekend and I'd even taken note of the catchy name and made a mental note several times to check out the place. Obviously, that never happened and memory too failed to rise up to the occasion.
For those interested and lazy to click on the link above, the joint Chaipatty-a lovely name, right?- is a charming, warm and cozy place to have amazing snacks and kullad chai. Not a big place in terms of area (at least this branch- they are located in four branches around B'lore) but I'd recommend this place for anyone looking to have good food and a quiet conversation or even spend time alone with a book for company. They have a few books and magazines stacked up for reading. If you are still particular, there is even justbooks right next door.
We sampled and ordered paneer pakodas and cheese balls from Chaipatty- finger chips and kababs were dropped from the menu instead.The dhoklas were to come from a different place. With the food and cake ordered, I tackled the rest of the itinerary- decorations, props and the (uber essential) return gifts without which no kid party ever ends!-in the next couple of days. Despite starting on the preparations a tad late, I managed to put together the logistics well in time.
The party was quite a success with almost all the invitees turning up, food being appreciated and most importantly, the kids having a super duper gala time. For a moment I thought I'd go deaf with all the chaotic, noisy merry making all over. It's a different story that in the aftermath place looked like it was hit by Sandy. But, what the heck, we had a great time!
Leaving you with some pics...
I was going to outsource all the food since I have neither the passion, ability or the resources to cook up a party menu for so many. It had to be all finger foods was something I was sure of. As a first order menu, I decided on Dhokla, some non-spicy kababs, finger chips, popcorn, cake and juice. Now, finding a good joint supplying these at a reasonable rate was a challenge. Most of the restaurants nearby were big names who would not undertake a relatively smallish order and also with their rates, even if I had managed a bargain, it would've still been a tall amount for a homely affair. Totally not worth it.
As I began my hunt for suitable eating joints in the vicinity, I realized how inadequate I was in terms of knowing my neighbourhood well. But, trust the internet and the blogosphere to come to the rescue. In the end, it was the typical case of overlooking something that was right under my nose. We have passed by this place practically every other weekend and I'd even taken note of the catchy name and made a mental note several times to check out the place. Obviously, that never happened and memory too failed to rise up to the occasion.
For those interested and lazy to click on the link above, the joint Chaipatty-a lovely name, right?- is a charming, warm and cozy place to have amazing snacks and kullad chai. Not a big place in terms of area (at least this branch- they are located in four branches around B'lore) but I'd recommend this place for anyone looking to have good food and a quiet conversation or even spend time alone with a book for company. They have a few books and magazines stacked up for reading. If you are still particular, there is even justbooks right next door.
We sampled and ordered paneer pakodas and cheese balls from Chaipatty- finger chips and kababs were dropped from the menu instead.The dhoklas were to come from a different place. With the food and cake ordered, I tackled the rest of the itinerary- decorations, props and the (uber essential) return gifts without which no kid party ever ends!-in the next couple of days. Despite starting on the preparations a tad late, I managed to put together the logistics well in time.
The party was quite a success with almost all the invitees turning up, food being appreciated and most importantly, the kids having a super duper gala time. For a moment I thought I'd go deaf with all the chaotic, noisy merry making all over. It's a different story that in the aftermath place looked like it was hit by Sandy. But, what the heck, we had a great time!
Leaving you with some pics...
Lot of friends |
The Birthday boy making merry |
modest decorations |
Add caption |
Super Duper party eh? Unfortunately I cant see any of the photos! but that doesnt matter...I loved reading that description...
ReplyDeleteOh..you can't see the snaps? how bad! thanks, RM. The kids did seem to enjoy a lot..:-)
DeleteGreat job uma...u are becoming a pro....gear up for party games next time :) (i assumed u did not have any this time....am I correct?) I like chaipatty - have been to the Indira nagar one a couple of times and liked it a lot.
ReplyDeletehey thanks, Aparna..coming from a veteran planner, that's quite a compliment :-))) I had not planned for any games since IMO the kids are still young to be in a mood to follow structured instructions. Maybe in the coming years, yes! I shall ask you for help then :-)
DeleteLet's do chaipatty again when you come down next.
Sure, would love to :)
DeleteBest wishes and that was a nice party, apparently:)
ReplyDeletethank you, Rahulji! :-)))
DeleteNow that is a good party , you did not invite me , I am going to put a complain to Rishabh that his mommy did not invite me :(
ReplyDeleteBikram's
aww...you can come over and we can have a party again!
DeleteThe cake is looking so yummmm... I so so so want a piece :(
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are lovely Uma... and the kids seem to have had lot of fun!
come over Me, we can have some cake together..:-)
DeleteMy best wishes to your son!
ReplyDeleteThe menu selected by you sounds mouth watering, and so does that cake.
We have a Chaipatty, just about 2 km from our house in Whitefield, and as you have said next to it is the the Just Books also, though we have passed by it many times, we never stopped to check it out. Will do so next time, and try their kulad chai and snacks.
Best is to order things from outside for such parties, it definitely saves a lot of headache.
Thanks, Rama for the good wishes...and looks like we are neighbours and are talking about the same branch :-)
DeleteBirthdays for kids are great fun and must be celebrated without fail.
ReplyDeleteYou did well and 35 is a good crowd. R would have relished opening all the gifts.My best wishes to him
Oh, yes, R did enjoy opening all the gifts..thank you, Sir for the wishes.
DeleteUma a big big thanks for the mention and the kind words. hoping to be of service as always in the future too. Do ping me whenever next at the branch with friends or family. Will ensure you have a good time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chirag..I'll be happy to come back with friends and family..will let you know :-)
Deleteyayyy..Uma, see that's what experience makes you by years..hehe...no time and yet you can plan and do everything..:) Glad the party was a success
ReplyDeletehahaa, Latha..can't say about experience but guess that's what happens when you are pushed to the brink ;-)
DeleteI've not organised many parties and 35 is a staggering figure for me - be it kids or adults, I'd be totally lost. Wow, you deserve a big pat on the back. Nice pics too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I was quite apprehensive hosting such a large number..I kept wondering, oh where will everyone sit??..lol...but then you really don't get to think so much when there are so many around, so even better :-)
Deletethanks, Vibha!
Nice decorations, yummy cake and as evident from the pics as well as your post, a happening party!! Congrats for successfully organising such a party for kids!! :-)
ReplyDelete