Tuesday, January 4, 2011

"Thyme" to Celebrate


January 4, 2011

"Thyme" to CELEBRATE



These little birdies told me that this . . .



Special lady was celebrating her 90th birthday. I know! She doesn't even look like she could be an octogenarian, much less someone moving into her 9th decade.



So to celebrate a special aunt's 90th birthday, some of the girl cousins gathered for lunch and an afternoon full of laughter as we shared stories of times spent together through the years.



I'd put away the reds and greens of Christmas, but left up this gorgeous wreath of fresh greens that I received from Liz @ Rose Vignettes. It still smells wonderful, and with its silver accents it fit right in with the party colors. Be certain to stop by Liz's for a visit this Friday as she hosts Fresh Cut Friday.



I added other white flowers with silver about the house.



Champagne mimosas started the celebration with a toast to the birthday girl.



Along with a few nibbles of pretzels.



The tables were set with mini pots of thyme,
details of silver and gold . . .



And black and white.



Hour glasses reminded us of times that we've shared through the years.



I layered black and white Courtly Check chargers on larger chargers in Ambiance Vintage Garden. These were topped with black plates and small white soup cups.



The smaller table was set with pewter chargers and checkered plates by Royal Stafford.



Shortly before the guest arrived I added a rose bud at each place setting for a touch of color.



The coasters with their elegant gold monogram were in the $1 bin at Michaels. I didn't use a table linen, so these were perfect to use under glasses of iced tea.



The luncheon offered another opportunity to use the little silver salts and peppers that were one of my birthday gifts last year.



The champagne bucket, repurposed to hold Winter Cloud phalaenopsis orchids, once belonged to my aunt. She gave it to me several years ago because she no longer entertains. It's perfect as a vessel for flowers.



Lunch was served buffet style.



~ Potato Leek Soup ~ Spinach Salad ~ Onion Walnut Muffins ~



And of course Birthday Cake!



The cake was Lemon Lavender Pound Cake. You can find the recipe here. It's a rich, moist cake made with sour cream. The glaze is lemon juice infused with lavender flowers. I highly recommend it!



Brownie bites, baked by a niece who couldn't be with us, were passed around as the birthday girl opened her gifts. Rich dark chocolate and yummy!



Everyone took home one of the small pots of thyme as a memento of our gathering.



I wish you special times with family and friends during 2011.

Joining









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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

56 comments:

  1. AntiqueChaseJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Wow, I think your Aunt looks fantastic! Love the entire table and quite jealous that you can get an orchid to re-bloom... never happens here! What's your secret?

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  2. Donna@Conghaile CottageJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Oh Sarah,
    Your celebration is "Priceless"!!! Your Aunt is so beautiful... "It is truly a timeless vision and she must have Loved it"! My VERY FAVORITE thing is "Of Course" your Aunt, then the Cake Plate!!!
    I LOVE the way you arranged your table, it gave it a clock look AND LOVE those hour glasses! They are wonderful...
    Thank you so much for letting us join in on your Aunt's special day... LOVE IT!!!
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  3. Brenda PruittJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Loving the thyme and the black and white on your pretty table! You know how much I love my herbs. And those black and white chargers: beautiful! One lucky aunt there!
    Brenda

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  4. LynnJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Just beautiful Sarah! I'm sure everyone had a great time! Lovin' the little pots of thyme as party favors. Also that your Aunt saw you enjoying the champagne bucket she gave you:@)

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  5. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    What a wonderful party! Love all the time related items....

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  6. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Happy Birthday to your precious aunt! Oh, what a lovely celebration you created for her, and she looks so YOUNG! Just gorgeous, and she looks like you. I see a family resemblance... very patrician and pretty.

    The food, the table, the entire ambiance was perfect. Great job!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  7. MaryJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    What a wonderful thyme you all must have had! I need to know what kind of vitamins your youthful looking aunt takes~ LOVE the hour glasses on the table on pedestals!

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  8. KathleenJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Wonderful! I don't know anyone who has a collection of hour glasses! You have everything. :)
    Love the favors, and lunch looks delicious.
    And the birthday gal looks fabulous.
    What a sweet gesture, just lovely!

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  9. Red Couch RecipesJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Happy Birthday to your beloved aunt. I loved this table -- what fun touches everywhere. I loved the idea of the hour glasses as a symbol of all the fun times that you have shared. What a great table and a great time. The cake looks yummy too. Joni

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  10. BarbaraJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    So elegant and beautiful! What a wonderful celebration for such a special birthday! I just love that Courtly Check. Thyme to celebrate is so cute and what a perfect memento. They looked so perfect on the table too.

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  11. Blondie's JournalJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    A wonderful birthday party for a beautiful Aunt. I am sure she loved it. I love all of your pretty dishes and the flowers. What a fantastic menu as well. The pots of thyme are a wonderful touch. Just beautiful, Sarah!

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. On Crooked CreekJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Sarah,
    Elegant. . .adorable. . .exquisite!
    I loved it all! The most unique feature are those hour glasses! My, how cleaver you are, dear! Congratulations to your dear Aunt on her celebration of 90 years.
    Thank you for sharing this special post of those close to you!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  13. Mid-Atlantic MarthaJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Oh what a wonderful meal served on a wonderful tablescape for a wonderful celebration! This looks like such a fun start to the new year -- your aunt is quite lovely and I know that she must have been so honored to have been celebrated so cheerfully.

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  14. DebbiedoosJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    That is so sweet. Everything looked so good too. I have those dishes somewhere packed away. I love the color scheme.

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  15. MarlisJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    This is a wonderful gift to your lovely aunt. Perfect memories were created around your tables! Which by the way were beautiful. I love the Thyme pots on the table.. perfect.

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  16. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Happy birthday to your beautiful Aunt! You hosted such a wonderful celebration of her special birthday, Sarah! I love your idea of using a pot of thyme as a favor and having hour glasses as a decoration. You prepared every detail so thoughtfully.
    The lemon lavender cake sound delious! Thanks for the recipe link.

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  17. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    happy birthday to your lovely aunt! your tables are beautiful. i have the black and white royal stafford plates too....

    happy new year!
    xo
    penny

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  18. xinexJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Oh wonderful, Sarah! Your aunt turned 90 and that was a great reason to celebrate. Your party is just perfect for the occasion. Sounds like a lot of fun. I do not know the maker of the peacock napkin rings but I got them from Ebay about 2 years ago, Try serching them there cause every now and then, I would still see them...Christine

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  19. JacquelineJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Auntie is absolutely gorgeous and I agree she does not look her age, whatever is her secret?!!! I loved everything you did, what fun touches. She must have felt very special and all of the food sounds really fun. I love the roses in the drinks, what a fun touch that is. Hope I look somewhat that good when I get to be that age!

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  20. PondsideJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Your aunt is beautiful. How lovely that you and your cousins could get together to celebrate her birthday. All of my remaining aunts live more than 3000 miles away - how I'd love to have a party with them.

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  21. JojoJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    What a wonderful reason to celebrate! Everything was perfectly beautiful including the honoree.

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  22. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    What a smart and pretty table! Love the checks. The food all looks delicious, and that cake looks beautiful! Wish I had some right now! ha! So nice for you to visit and comment. I'm especially glad, because you made me realize I had noted Wm Sonoma instead of Pottery Barn! Thanks! My darling Mother in law turns 90 next week and we'll go for a visit and a party! Yours was lovely!

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  23. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    how special and SO beautiful. I al looks so lovely together! Especially fond of the black and white check- love their stuff!

    Karen

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  24. KatJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    What a lovely celebration for a special lady. The table is gorgeous, as always. Love the way you used the champagne bucket! And those little pots of Thyme are adorable. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Kat

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  25. MaggieJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Sarah you are the quintessential hostess with the mostess.
    Everything looks so wonderful, the party favors, the cake & the place settings too.
    You Aunt must have loved it and getting together with all of her neices, what a lovely surprise.
    Clever you, to pull it all together at the last minute for her in this way.

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  26. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    You certainly know how to throw a party. That table and buffet are perfect. Love the hourglass idea. The champagne bucket looks wonderful with the orchids. I may have to get an orchid. The menus sounds scrumptious. Your aunt certainly doesn't look 90 years young!

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  27. Johanna GehrleinJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Dear Sarah,
    Happy Birthday to your Aunt. She is looking gorgeous. I wish, I would look at that age so delighted and vigorous. But I don't have a nice likle you. So probably I will not. Your table, buffet and all decoration is tastfull as always. I love the black white checked things combined with white and silver. Very very beautiful. It was surely a big fun party.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  28. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    How beautiful. Love the thyme plant idea. Such lovely colors on the table and perfect details. I am sure you made your Aunt a happy lady. Lovely writing and pictures. Should be in a magazine.
    CareyAnn

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  29. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Oh Sarah, what a beautiful celebration for your beautiful aunt! How cute are those "thyme to celebrate" pots. Did you stencil that, or did you buy them that way? Love those beautiful hour glasses, and of course your black and white plates are wonderful. That cake looks soooo good. I'm so glad you did this beautiful party for your aunt. She will spend the year telling people about her wonderful b'day celebration. What memories you made for her and for your cousins. laurie

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  30. Confessions of a Plate AddictJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    What a lovely party, Sarah! And a happy birthday to your aunt! Your tablescape is gorgeous and the food looks yummy! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  31. DonnieJanuary 6, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    What a gorgeous table. Your aunt is just lovely.

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  32. SueJanuary 6, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    What a lovely thing to do for your Aunt. If you can't spoil her at 90 when can you.
    Your table looks perfect at usual .

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  33. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    I love your photos. Looks like your aunt had a wonderful birthday full of memories. I love hourglasses, so I loved your collection.

    But you are a meanie for showing so much good food during dieting season! Just kidding!

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  34. BethJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    What a pretty tablescape and a really neat and fun party! The cake and brownies look delicious as do the mimosas. Best wishes to your aunt.
    blessings, Beth

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  35. Yvonne @ StoneGableJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    What a darling act of love! Your aunt looks so lovely.
    Your tables were so festive, I love the "thyme" theme.So very creative!
    That cake looks soooo good! Now I want something sweet.
    Yvonne

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  36. The TablescaperJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    What a magnificant celebration for your aunt. I love the touch of the hour glasses and your gift of time, or thyme. Actually, having prepared such a clebration is a gift of both.

    - The Tablescaper

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  37. JessaJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    A beautiful celebration. Love how you added flowers to silver. Nicely done.

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  38. MarigeneJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Your aunt looks fabulous for 90 years old...happy birthday to her!
    I love the hourglasses...what a cute idea. I can almost smell the thyme all the way up here in Kansas. The black and white is so nice after seeing so much red and green the last month.
    Happy New Year, Sarah.

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  39. Sweet Bee CottageJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Sarah, this is just so lovely and thoughtful! What a wonderful birthday luncheon.

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  40. Chari at Happy To DesignJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Hi Sarah...

    What a sweet and beautiful birthday celebration, Sarah! Your aunt is such a beautiful woman...and you're right...I would have never guessed her to be celebrating her 90th birthday! Your table is so pretty...I love the black and white check place settings! And...the hourglasses...awesome! I love the look and the idea! I bet you ladies had a fabulous luncheon...it sure looked delicious! Thank you for sharing this special day with us, my friend!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  41. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Sarah...what a spread and your tablesetting....GORGEOUS!! Happy Birthday to your aunt and what a lovely niece you are to honor her and her 90th birthday.

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  42. bjJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Oh, Sweet Sarah..you do know how to throw a fabulous birthday bash. I know your beautiful aunt just loved every single minute. Is she CERTAIN that she is that old??? She is so pretty.

    I just copied your cake recipe down..I want to try that. I don't have a CC cake stand to serve it on so mine won't come CLOSE to tasting as luscious as YOURS. :)))
    xoxo bj

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  43. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    This looks like the perfect party. Your decorations are fabulous!
    Happy Birthday to the queen of the day.
    Another friday favorite for sure :-)

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  44. April DJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Oh! My Friday post was about a lovely birthday girl too--what a celebration, 90 years! Your tables and all look SO beautiful. Menu sounds wonderful. Beautiful!

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Without having ever met you, I just know you entertain with such graciousness. It's all so elegant but I think my fave is the hour glass things. Just perfect! xo

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  46. ElaineJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Oh my, what a lovely celebration! I certainly will be using many of these ideas in the future! So glad I ran across your blog....have become a follower and can't wait to spend some time wandering around your place a bit. :)

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  47. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    What a beautiful party for a lovely Aunt. Your right... I would never have pegged her for 90ish. :) I love it that you are getting so much wear out of that wreath! It looks great! Your table scape is gorgeous! Love the MC pieces.... So much to love here! :) Thanks for linking in for Fresh-Cut Friday. I REALLY appreciate it!! :)

    ~Liz

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  48. AmyJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Lovely blog and a lovely tablespace! :) Your Aunt looks much younger than 90! Happy Birthday to her!

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  49. ellen b.January 7, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Hi Sarah! What a great time and event to celebrate your Aunt. Everything is lovely and the food looks fabulous. A very Happy New year to you and yours!

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  50. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Hi Sarah, What a wonderful birthday luncheon for your Aunt. The table is so pretty and the food looks yummy...especially the cake!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  51. Courtney ~ French Country CottageJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Hi Sarah~ Love this- What a fantastic setting and so much fun for your sweet Aunt! I love the little pots of thyme and the silver champagne bucket~ gorgeous! Looks like it was a wonderful day~ thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  52. Oliva OhlsonJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Your tablescape is so beautiful and so full of details! I love your post title and the hourglasses! Happy belated birthday to your aunt!

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  53. MaryJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    What a stunnng celebration for very lovely lady - I wish her many more happy birthdays!

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  54. VictoriaJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Wow..such a magnificent post and what a lovely tribute for a special celebration! Hooray! much joy!

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  55. ......Michele @ Portlandia VintageJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    What a beautiful gathering you created! You truly are generous. Thanks for the cake recipe - I love the idea for my lavender.

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  56. bonniJanuary 21, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Can't wait to try out all this black and white! You certainly have the best collection of table adornments!

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