A couple threw a $39,000 birthday party for their 3-year-old daughter
Why?
Recently, Australian couple Eric Lembo and Trang Nguyen invited 220 people to their 3-year-old daughter Lauren’s birthday party.
The Disney-themed party included entertainment from a former Australian Idol contestant, strolling characters, a magician, photo booth, balloon artist, face painter, a children’s high tea, and a menu with truffle arancini, paella, oysters, pork belly, and tempura scallops, according to the Perth Times. Lembo even placed a giant chandelier-lined marquee on the grounds of the popular riverfront venue he owns, which is where the party was held.
The party cost the couple almost $50,000 Australian dollars, or about $39,000 U.S. dollars.
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When I was growing up, my parents threw birthday parties for me in our backyard.
There were presents and a cake, and all of my friends were there. I have no memory of how we entertained each other. Perhaps a good old-fashioned game of tag? But I do remember feeling joy.
It was a simpler time. Today, a perfectly themed birthday party is just a click away for parents who use Pinterest and Etsy. As a mother, I am not immune to such temptation. Last year when my daughter wanted a Frozen-themed party, I turned to Pinterest for ideas. We played Pin the Nose on Olaf. I sprinkled fake blue jewels on the picnic tables. I made “Do you want to build a snowman?’’ goody bags that were, admittedly, adorable.
But I almost talked myself into making an entire Frozen-themed treat table that included yogurt cups resembling melted snowmen, pretzel rod icicles, and snowflake cupcakes. If I had unlimited funds, would I have found a crew to construct a skating rink and hired Elsa and Anna-costumed skaters to perform? Would I have brought in a life-sized ice castle?
I don’t know what it’s like to be wealthy enough to have those kind of party options. But I learned something when I decided to skip the themed treat table. It wasn’t necessary. The flock of 5-year-olds at my daughter’s party didn’t notice. They were too busy chasing each other with water balloons, mouths open wide, belly-laughing in the sun.
Back in Australia, Lauren reportedly had a great time at her party. But I bet if her parents served fruit and goldfish rather than oysters and scallops — do 3-year-olds even eat oysters and scallops? — she would have had a great time, too. I bet the magician or the face painter alone would have been enough entertainment. I bet she hardly glanced at the marquee and, instead, spent a lot of time running around with her friends.
I wasn’t there to see if Lauren’s face lit up when her loved ones sang “Happy Birthday.’’ But so far I’ve been to 13 birthday parties for my own children, and that has always been the single best moment of the day for them.
And singing doesn’t cost a thing.
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