40 Years of Television

Just around this time last year, my most creative friend, L., threw a 40th birthday bash for her husband - a costume party with a twist.

The invitation looked like the striped TV screen you used to see during "this is a test of the emergency broadcast system." Guests were invited to celebrate her husband's two favorite things - his friends and television -- and to please come dressed as their favorite television character from the past 40 years!

The party was held at The Museum of the Moving Image, amidst tons of television memorabilia. Specialty cocktails -- "the Isaac Washington," "the CJ Cregg" and the like -- were served by waiters upon arrival. Hors d'ouevres were served on lucite trays with tiny figurines of famous TV characters like Herman Munster and Marcia Brady perched in the corner. Everyone was invited to use the museum's "make-your-own-flip-book" exhibit, with flip books delivered during dinner. Dinner itself was TV dinner comfort food, and the table featured fantastic TV character bobbleheads doubling as decor and favors.

And the costumes! We went to Ricky's costume shop the day AFTER Halloween and were lucky to find anything at all - the place was a disaster. But we walked away with Batman and Robin costumes. I liked mine, but my husband found the Batman costume a bit uncomfortable ("like wearing a thong.") Costumes included Laverne and Shirley, Lou Grant and Mary Richards, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, the cast of MASH, Christopher and Adrianna, and my absolute favorite -- Two Wild and Crazy Guys from Saturday Night Live.

It was a fabulous 40th birthday!