They all conspired to delay daughter J's birthday celebration. An auspicious evening for it finally arrived this week.
We kept it low-key at her request, but still included all the trappings of our family traditions, which my parents had begun. The person of honor gets to choose the menu, and we always use fine tableware.
The cake set the theme for dinner – sunflowers and purple, J's favorite flower and color.
Gold placemats and gold-rimmed plates repeat the sunny shades of the sunflowers that star on the cake and in the centerpiece.
Napkins of lavender and amethyst wine goblets, both seen here, and a gorgeous variety of flowers bring shades of purple to the table.
Under the dining room chandelier, the flowers took on a pink cast although they were lavender through violet to magenta. It was closing in on sunset and I had trouble getting true to life colors in the photos. Blue flowers, and purples with blue undertones, are notoriously difficult to photograph.
Purple and clear glass candle holders continue the theme.
Why didn't I use my lovely Spring Violets plates for the purple theme? Vintage china pieces are often not nearly as large as contemporary plates and wouldn't accommodate the entree as well. Daughter J had requested steaks with a delicious sauce Greg found in a Bobby Flay cook book, scalloped potatoes and "something green."
I'm so glad you could join us! I'd love to hear about your birthday traditions.
Resources
Plates | Noritake 'Lamarre', used in January
Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'
Wine goblets | Fostoria 'Classic'
Candle holders | Rogaska 'Weston'
Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'
Wine goblets | Fostoria 'Classic'
Candle holders | Rogaska 'Weston'
Your table looks lovely with that pretty lavender and purple. What a lovely celebration. Simple, yes -- but so very elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanie, for the complements. I'm so glad my parents started this tradition!
DeleteLovely table for your daughter's birthday celebration. Happy Birthday to her!
ReplyDeleteThanks! She enjoyed it!
Deleteyour cake looks really pretty with the unusual colors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I crossed my fingers when I ordered it, but I'm pleased with the design.
DeleteWhat a great way to celebrate! I like that you use the better china and make the birthday extra special. The cake looks like it was wonderful especially with her favorite sunflower as an accent. Love the beautiful flowers and very pretty purple stemware! I always made sure there was a special cake for the kids as they were growing up and had whatever they wanted for dinner. It's nearly impossible for us to get together with our kids for birthdays these days since one lives 200 miles away and the other is over 500 miles away.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think family traditions are important, whether you inherit them or build your own. I imagine it's difficult to be far from children -- I was 500 miles from my parents for a number of years.
DeleteLooks pretty and like you're ready to celebrate! Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeletePerfect celebration table and I love the color palette! Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope you’re having a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely am enjoying this weekend
DeleteHow exquisite and inspiring!The cake is gorgeous!Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Our favorite bakery designs fabulous cakes -- and they taste great too!
DeleteGlad you finally got to celebrate! Thanks for sharing with SYC and the Spring tea party.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann! It's always fun to go to a party.
DeleteGorgeous table and Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Katie. I'll be sure to tell her!
DeleteWhat a lovely celebration.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you dropped by
Delete