As much as I love to throw parties, I have to admit that I am in fact the hostess with the mostest that freaks out at least two weeks before the big event.
Will people actually show up? And if they do show up, will they be on time? Will they enjoy the hors d'oeuvres? Will there be enough hors d'oeuvres?
And most importantly -- if people actually show up, on time, and enjoy the abundant amount of hors d'oeuvres -- will they leave saying they had a great time and that yes, Richmond.com should absolutely throw another party ... soon?
It's a lot of stress for a girl to take, and to tell you the truth, people tell me to "chill out" all the time. Which means I'm already stressed out enough (warranted or not), as it is.
But with all this planning and worrying, I got to thinking ... what must the city's singles and avid event attendees worry about as party time approaches?
Sure, if this were a house get-together at a friend's place or a regular bar night out with the girls, the only thing you'd be worried about is which "downtown" top to throw on. But this is a different kind of party for some of our readers. Something different, something new, something exciting, fresh and yes, even a little scary.
As I said last week -- I do believe people freak out a little when they see the word "single" used as the attention-grabbing title of an event. Yes, you may actually be single and on the prowl most Friday and Saturday nights, but there's neither a label above your head nor a sign hanging on the door that celebrates this fact, quite like our parties do.
And as I sit here half concentrating on writing my article and half compartmentalizing my list of party needs into "beach/summer favors" and "Richmond.com propaganda," it occurs to me that really, the only thing any of us should be concerned with, is having a little fun.
Forget about the labels of single, taken, "just friends," dating, married…OK, maybe remember that you're married…but forget about the others and join Richmond.com and Europa Mediterranean Café and Tapas Bar for what it is we have to offer.
Meant to read: This is a party you don't want to miss. Come out and take advantage of our FREE appetizers and fantastic drink specials. What more could you want?
To avoid any confusion, Richmond.com's "Summer Lovin'" Singles Mingle will be held TONIGHT from 7 to 10 p.m. in the downstairs lounge at Europa, located at 1409 E. Cary St.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. at the Europa and Hard Shell lot, located on 15th and Main streets; but you'll want to get there early, as the lot fills up extremely fast.
As mentioned before -- Europa will be offering up some of its best menu items for tasting and for free. Enjoy special discounts on beer and wine, especially for this Richomnd.com, as well as the deliciously concocted and specially priced "Bikini"-Tini.
As always, everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to sign up as one of Richmond.com's potential daters for our blind dating column, "A Shot in the Dark." Best of all, yours truly will be in attendance, Bikini-Tini in hand, to answer any questions and suppress any doubts you may have about signing up.
New to our usual "Singles Mingles," Comcast Dating On Demand will be in attendance, offering to produce video dating profiles; yet another way to meet new people, and possibly, the new romance in your life.
So, as the hours wind down and the Richmond.com "Summer Lovin'" Singles Mingle approaches, don't worry about what you're wearing (we're sure you'll look fabulous in whatever you choose) and don't worry who you're with (in Richmond, we're all friends, especially after a few cocktails).
All you have to do is show up. We'll certainly be there; will you?
Are you ready to take a chance at romance with Richmond.com and "A Shot in the Dark?" We thought you might be. All you have to do is click here. Come on, you know you want to.