Is the Party Over?

I have talked about funeral entertaining before in this blog. And as I attended such a somber event this weekend, I suppose the topic rests heavily in my mind today. But I do believe that after the casket is buried, after the tableful of condolence tuna casseroles have been partially eaten and unceremoniously dumped into the trashcan, and after the mountain of dirty dishes (signs of the post-funeral reception) have been soaked and scrubbed, I think we all could use some cheering up. So why not cheer each other up with a party? (Plus, I don't believe I have ever covered the topic of post-funeral entertaining before – so it gives me something new to talk about.)

So, how does a person fill the house with joy again? With a little party of course! Nothing big, obviously – who really wants to go through all that work the day after a funeral? But a little celebration that brings a smile to one's face might just be what the doctor ordered, I should think (or in this case, it's what the therapist ordered). And so below you will find a few post-funeral party ideas. They're quick and easy to prepare, and might just help you feel a little bit better.

• Host a book club meeting. Let's be honest here, nobody talks about books at a book club meeting. It's really just an opportunity to get together with friends, swap gossip, and drink wine – the perfect post-funeral activity.
  
  
• Not really a book reader? Then host a “wine tasting.” It's the exact same thing as a book club meeting – friends, gossip, and wine – only you can drink more...
  
  
• Have a bread-baking party. Maybe it's just me, but I find something deeply therapeutic about baking breads. The kneading... the smell... the relaxed cup of coffee you enjoy as the bread rises... Plus, at the end of the day you have a mountain of carbs – the ultimate comfort food!
  
  
• Do you remember how much fun slumber parties were as a kid? Why not have a slumber party? That would definitely cheer you up! Invite a few friends over, lay your sleeping bags out in front of the TV, and stay up all night watching bad TV, eating junk food, and telling jokes. Plus it makes an excellent excuse to sleep in late the next morning.
  
  
• And if all else fails – go to the donut shop, buy mass-quantities of anything deep fried and smothered in chocolate, and invite a few friends over for a mid-morning binger.

So there you have it – a few ideas for that post-funeral pick-me-up party. I hope it helps.