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Monday, September 24, 2012

Happy 60th Birthday!


This weekend we hosted a fabulous Birthday party for a very special woman, my mother! It was an honor to celebrate her 60th Birthday with an al fresco Tuscan Dinner Party.

 
The scene was set on the back deck ... rich, vibrant fall colors of rust, crimson, gold, purple and brown carried through from the mums to the table centerpieces. Large bulb lights were strung high giving the air of street festival.
 

 
Alternating chairs were draped with coordinating pashminas which served to break the chill for the female guests and favors at the end of the evening.





 
 

 
 
The table was set with bright, crisp white linens, white plates and then a colorful centerpiece that ran the length of the table. Silk sunflowers, berries, and fall leaves were accented with pilar candles and twinkling lights. Each place setting was accented with a colorful menu outlining the culinary delights of the evening.
 
 
A bar stand greeted guests with a glass of red or white Italian wine upon arrival.
 
 
The Pastry Chef puts the finishing touches on the Birthday cake - perfectly decorated to fit the theme of the evening.


 
Twenty guests joined us to celebrate the guest of honor.
 





After dinner, we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed delicious cake!



The first course was a trio of antipasti: Tuscan bruschetta, fresh fig with goat cheese and honey and a medley of marinated vegetables. The second course was fried ravioli with tomato drizzle and shaved parmesan.

 

The main course featured cornish game hens with vin santo and chestnuts, risotto and roasted baby vegetables.


 A fun panoramic shot of the table to end the post. Click the photo to view larger.