This month, I decided to invite a few friends over and throw myself a birthday gathering. I’m turning 46, so it’s not a major milestone, but life is short and I figured everyone could do with a little sparkle right now. So, why not?
My parties usually involve potato chips and ice cream bars, but my friend Maddy offered to make a giant bowl of chocolate mousse, which has been my favorite dessert since I was little. Then her friend Erin, a fine artist, asked if she could make a centerpiece with papier-mâché. Of course, the answer was yes, and on the day of the party she walked in with a GORGEOUS swan, plus ribbons and candles and tablecloths, and oh my gosh, my jaw dropped. What can women not do?!
After debating what to wear, I went with the velvet dress with gold flowers, plus sheer tights and black heels. Sézane pieces always make me feel pretty — this was my trusty first-date top — so I knew I’d love wearing it. Every time someone hugged me hello, they would say how soft and huggable the velvet felt, which felt very romantic and lovely.
Freddie arrived early, of course, and I love this pic taken THROUGH the swan!
Everyone mingled and chatted, and the house felt noisy and boisterous in the best way.
Halfway through, we took a break to listen to music. My friend Rachel runs a music school, so I had asked her if she could recommend a student to play. She told me that Keira Eli was a star who writes her own music (!) so I was thrilled to hire her to come play two original songs.
Everyone was transfixed; you could have heard a pin drop. I cannot explain how slow and beautiful and moving her songs were. The moment felt almost holy.
Next up, my hilarious friend David sang Country Roads and Passing Through…
…and the crowd sang along.
Finally, long-time buddies Rob and Adam played violin and keyboard. They wanted to keep their song choices under wraps until the party…
…so everyone cheered when they played Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club.
Finally, my friends held up a tea light, so I could blow out a ceremonial candle…
And I ended the night with a kiss. I felt very lucky and glowy all evening and for the next few days — and, honestly, still! How grateful I am for these friends, as well as this online community. I told Freddie the next morning that this might have been my favorite birthday ever, and I wish I could tell my twenty-something self, who thought life ended at the stroke of midnight on your 40th, that there is so much more to come.
Thank you so much for reading! When’s your birthday? Any other Aquariuses? Aquarii? What was your favorite-ever birthday, if you have one? xoxo
(Photos by Weddings by Nato.)
