My Birthday Party

Hard to believe a whole six months has passed since my half birthday party, but it has! This week I'm planning what I consider to be the most important party of the year: my birthday party. Last Thursday I secured the location — 15 Romolo, an under the radar and up-and-coming hot spot on the San Francisco bar scene — and this week I have to make and send the invitations. Since 27 isn't a milestone birthday, I'm keeping things chic and simple. There is no theme, but pink and flowers will play a big role in the look and feel of the invite. To see how I made these pretty invitations, read more

Just because I'm hosting my party at Wish Bar, doesn't mean I won't have any fabulous decorations. When hosting a party at a restaurant, bar, or venue that already has its own decor, ask the owners what extras you can bring in to enhance and change the atmosphere. In most cases they will be flexible and allow you to use the tablecloths, candles, vases, etc. of your choice.

Shades of purples, golds, and yellows are the colors of my 26th birthday party, so I'll incorporate these into the already existing look of the lounge bar. Gold silk rose petals will be strewn around the dance floor and on the coffee tables. Burgundy satin fabric will carpet the walkway in front of the bar and cover the aforementioned coffee tables inside. The snacks will be served in small scalloped gold bowls.

The centerpieces will be large wine glass shaped vases filled with shiny rhinestones and purple bouquets. Hundreds of small candles will be placed in yellow glass votives to create an attractive, glowing light. Yellow ribbon will line banquets and the bar. Instead of the usual, everyday napkins, I'll supply the bar with monogramed purple napkins that have my name and date on them. Got another great idea on how I should decorate the bar for my party??? Please share it with me!

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My 26th birthday party is being held at a local bar named Wish, so a specialty cocktail isn't as necessary. Guests — who will come dressed as their favorite cocktail — can order drinks at the bar and the need to make a specialty drink in advance is eliminated. When hosting an event at a bar or restaurant you can usually rent out part, all or none of the bar. As much as I would love to have an open bar, my pocketbook won't allow me to. However I do want everyone to have the opportunity to toast fabulous moi during the birthday cake ceremony. Therefore, I've discussed it with the owners and everyone will receive a champagne cocktail at midnight. When the party is over they'll let me know how many bottles of champagne were consumed and I will pay that cost. To see the recipe I'm using for a classic champagne cocktail, read more

As crazy as it may seem, I always make my own birthday cake. I know most people like it when someone else makes them a super special birthday cake, but I love making cakes so it's a pleasure to make my own. For the cocktail party I'm hosting, I want a classic cake with beautiful presentation. Right now, I've settled on this recipe for a golden cake with sour cream chocolate frosting, but you never know, I may decide I want to make a different one by the time the actual party comes around! To see how this gorgeous cake is made, read more

I'm planning my birthday party and everything down to the last little detail must be perfect. Although it doesn't start until after dinner, it's a cocktail party and therefore I want to provide my guests with something to nibble on during the course of the night. I'll put together some delectable bites that can be made well in advance and taste fabulous at room temperature. The hors d'oeurves will be some of my favorite snack foods: Marinated olives, candied walnuts, cheese straws, and bacon wrapped dates. All of this will pair perfectly with most types of cocktails, beer or wine. To serve these simple and classic appetizers at your next party, read more

It's only 13 short days until my 26th birthday, so it's time I get moving on the party! I take my birthdays very seriously and by serious I mean I celebrate the entire month of September and always have a fabulous party. My last birthday blow out bash was in 2003, so this year I am hosting a huge cocktail party and inviting everyone I know. I've reserved a bar called Wish, here in San Francisco, and instead of asking guests to wear cocktail attire, I'm asking them to come dressed as their favorite cocktail. How will I do this? With a cleaver and crafty invitation, of course! To see how I made it, read more