It’s finally here. Our anniversary weekend! And it’s kicking off with the party I’ve been planning for so many weeks. After yesterday’s environmental-health scare, and all my worrying and stressing about how the party is going to go and who’s going to show, I’ve come to the simple realisation that this party is just one night out of my life. Whoever’s here or isn’t here, it doesn’t matter. However the evening turns out, I should just try to enjoy it. It’s supposed to be a celebration. I’m here with my husband and I intend for us to enjoy ourselves.

I’m feeling pretty good in my new dark-green satin cocktail dress with matching killer heels and a glitzy diamante wrist cuff. I’ve left my hair loose and straight – Becky tidied up the ends for me at work earlier today – and I bought the perfect pair of diamante drop earrings to complete my outfit. Our favourite tunes are playing over the speakers while the swing band sets up on the stage, and I sit at a table chatting to Becky and her boyfriend Sam. The ceiling is festooned with twinkling lights, streamers and balloons. Waiting staff weave between guests, carrying trays of finger food and glasses of champagne.

Toby’s speech earlier was so emotional and heartfelt that he had more than half the room in tears, including me. I think it wasn’t until that moment, where he thanked me for being the best wife a man could wish for, that I actually started appreciating tonight and what it means. Ten years of marriage to the love of my life, a beautiful family, and – if I’m doubly lucky – a lot more of the same to come.

I’m relieved the evening seems to be going well so far, despite not yet having plucked up the courage to talk to Madeline or Kim. Although this is my party, so they’d better not be rude or offhand. Toby’s currently chatting to Nick and Madeline at another table. I know I should go over and talk to them, but I’m burying my head in the sand for now. I’ll have a couple more drinks before saying hello. I already hugged Celia and Malcolm, who are now at a table with a group of family friends.