(A quick pre-party shot of us, me in my gifted Baukjen dress & the kids in gifted Mamas & Papas outfits).
…I love a party and those who follow this blog know we have a lot of family parties which usually involve delicious Greek or Italian food (usually supplied by the family’s restaurants), the funniest and funnest company you can imagine (we literally laugh the whole time), music (always) and most of all (and soppiest or all) a whole lot of Big Fat Greek love!
I must add, the latter is what really makes these family get-togethers ROCK!
…You know when you look around and think, “We’re all loud, rubbish at listening, great at dancing and a little bit crazy (myself included) but we love each other madly”-that’s my family.
We’re such a close, strong unit, always there for each other in the good times and the bad and I realise we’re really lucky to have one another!
….And no more so than last night for a family party for my Auntie Mary’s 60th which she held at my Auntie Loulla’s fabulous and famous Greek restaurant in Manchester, Kosmos Taverna.
Loulla has featured on TV cooking Greek food and was even invited to meet the Queen at the Palace for a hospitality event for chefs (with Gordon Ramsey and others no less) not long ago and she sure knows how to rustle up a feast!
Course after course of sumptuous Greek dishes: arrays of dips, dolmathes, calamari, five different kids of salad, mixed grilled kebabs, cracked wheat and rice followed by fresh figs, Greek desserts (sweet ricotta pastries) and lots of dancing!
The kids stayed up late (we go into Mediterranean parenting mode at family gatherings and thankfully my eldest doesn’t start school until Thursday) and even my Mum with her broken foot Greek danced with only her walking frame supporting her. Told you we’re unstoppable when we party!
…We loved and laughed at Aunty Mary’s tipsy speech and her cracking dance moves to the live bouzouki player (especially when my Dad decided to serenade the party) and she was the perfect host chatting away to everyone and making sure we were happy (which we all were of course)!
…My Auntie Zak flew in from Marbella where she lives and being my youngest son Alexander’s godmother meant she got some precious time with my curly haired boy and we got to have a big girly catch up along with my favourite cousin Georgia (don’t tell the others) and Auntie Angelou!
My brother also introduced his lovely girlfriend Lucy (or Juicy as Alexander calls her-ha) to all the family last night and she got to witness him working some Greek dancing moves on the dance floor too (go Solly)!
(Georgia, Solos, me and Lucy)
…It was also adorable seeing Oliver catch up with his little cousins and do some Greek dancing of their own (the next generation is expanding all the time)… and as we rolled home full of food and merriment, we all agreed it was quite simply one of the best nights we’ve had in a long time!
Opa!
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I’ve said before but you have a beautiful family! Not to mention the food, yummy!
Stacey Guilliatt recently posted…We are (baby led) weaning!
Thanks Stacey! x
I loved loved loved this post! Your family sound like mine when we get together in Martinique for impromptu family gatherings, which end up with a lot of food and dancing to Salsa and Zouk! Nothing more wonderful! Opa!! Thanks for linking to #AllAboutYou lovely xxx
Mama and More aka Zaz recently posted…All About You Link & Pin Party
Love how similar we are darling, can’t wait to get you to Leeds for some Greek dancing together x
Firstly may I say how fabulous you look in that dress lovely, it really suits you! Your family parties always sound so great, and the food looks divine xx #allaboutyou
Mummy Tries recently posted…Book Update One
Thanks so much sweetie x
Aww looks and sounds like such a big fun fab family affair! Love it! Xx #allaboutyou
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…32 weeks pregnant – starting to feel real!
It really was, thanks Caroline x
Can I please join your family? Your parties always look so amazing. You all look like you’re having so much fun and then there’s that food!! Everything looks so delicious. Love it all!!
Heledd
http://www.runninginlavender.com
#AllAboutYou
Thanks darling, we can adopt you if you like! We always have so much fun together, thanks for your lovely comment x
What a lovely post, it is so great to see family’s together and enjoying a party! It looks like everyone had a great time, love the photos 🙂
My Family Ties recently posted…Rosemary Bacon and Cheese Bread – My Family Ties
Thanks sweetie, we really did x
The party looks fab, yet more hair envy 😉 All the food looks scrumptious xx
PottyMouthedMummy recently posted…Chocolate Banana Sticks
Aw you crack me up lady-thank you and mwah xx
Looks like you had such a wonderful time. You’re right, time with family is precious, and though you can’t choose who is in your family, you certainly enjoy the journey with them. Lovely post!
Maria recently posted…The One with Usefulness and Beauty
Aw family is precious and so lovely we all get on so well x
Looks like one hell of a party! And you look STUNNING in that colour. I always think us brunettes look particularly magnificent in red and you’ve proven me right! 😉 x
Katie / Pouting In Heels recently posted…Film Styles to Look Forward To (Or Not)
Thanks darling, love red and was so touched by all the lovely compliments, a real flattering frock x
I love the look of your family gatherings. They always look so big and happy and noisy in the best way. I think I’d be the size of a house in about a week with all that delicious food!
Haha you are so right (about the big, happy and noisy bit, not getting big-it’s all healthy food)! Thanks darling x
Your family parties always look amazing! Particularly the food. I love greek food.
Annwen recently posted…Disneyland Paris Top Tips
Thanks darling, lucky to have so many amazing restaurants in the family x
Looks like a fabulous gathering with fabulous food and beautiful people. Love the red dress on you. You have a strong resemblance to your Aunty Zak, don’t you? I thought it was your mum before I read the words! x
Ebabee recently posted…The cutest animal Winter hats for kids
Thanks darling, yes think we do look alike and my Mum and her sisters have a strong resemblance, it was such a fab evening x
You have the best parties and look stunning as always! x
You are too kind Kim, thank you xx
Looks like a great time was had by all. You look stunning in this red. 🙂
Aw thanks very much, such a beautiful dress x