I threw a party once and no one came. I was in 5th grade and it was my birthday. I wanted to be one of the “cool kids”. So… I invited “the cool kids”. Only I wasn’t one and it was fully apparent when not one person showed. Not even my real friends, because let’s just say I was no kind of friend at that point. I hadn’t invited them. Talk about a learning opportunity and a core memory being singed into my mind forever. After I begged forgiveness from my friends, felt mildly thankful that no one came as I unwrapped underwear from my mom, and ate my feelings in birthday cake, I vowed to never be “that” girl again. (the shallow one… I have still been known to eat my feelings in birthday cake).
There may be a bigger party too, but the dinner party is everything. I find it to be empowering, uplifting and honestly, we don’t get to see each other enough and engage in thoughtful conversation.
It is always fun to laugh until we cry, share stories and meet new people. The guest list is ever evolving. I chose the theme of “Pisces Season” this year. I’ve been learning and leaning into astrological energy and interpretation this year and while I still don’t know much about it, I love the idea that stars can align and my birthday was no exception. All of my best friends flew into town creating one of the most needed soul filling weekends.
I created a tablescape that leaned in on our water/Pisces fish moment. I created a runner of fish gurgle pitchers and filled them with white frilled tulips to give nod to a spray of ocean water. Gauzy peach and terracotta fabric runners intertwined to create a yin/yang moment and place settings featured acrylic starburst like chargers topped with my own collections of blue and white Imari china and Royal Crown Dalton “Old Imari”.
The cake was designed by a local bakery, Sage Cakery, and they absolutely crushed the vision of my design, Pisces fish on top with a textured base to accent the color story. They even made a gluten free accessory cake that matched beautifully!
As a note of gratitude a necklace featuring charms for each person’s zodiac was gifted to each guest. A nod to lean into your own gifts. I can also safely say, no one has ever turned down the invitation unless there was a prior commitment in place. It isn’t lost on me of course. Finding high quality people has been my mission. I love the value I gain by surrounding myself with authentic, kind and tenacious people. I consider it the gift to myself every year.
Photo Credit: Ana Ohlandt Photography
