I'm Sorry, That's Not in My Budget

Last weekend we threw a lovely dinner party for my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. My husband's only sibling and her husband came up with a brilliant idea: Have the party at home and hire a chef to come in to prepare the meal. The kids were hunkered down in the basement with a babysitter and a pizza while 15 adults mingled upstairs. There were candles, soft dinner music, and beautiful flowers anchoring each table. Wine and conversation flowed easily all night and the meal was exceptional.

And...