When was the LAST and or ONLY time YOU threw yourself a PARTY?
I do it EVERY YEAR!
Not for the GIFTS and or ATTENTION but for the AMBIANCE of my GARDEN and the way I DO THINGS………..
I so want to CREATE that MEMORY of MAGICAL, warm summer nights!
I doubt I would do it if the BIRTHDAY fell in the WINTER MONTHS.
Well, this year was a bit different as I did not have the STRENGTH and or TIME to PULL it OFF.I do ALL the WORK as well………NO CATERING at this HOUSE,NO hired HELP only the FAMILY and NO MANSERVANT polishing my SILVERWARE!Which I did manage to DO for the 11 people who came!
This YEAR I had FRIENDS and FAMILY BRING A DISH!
I NEVER DO THAT!
The ITALIAN cooked LAMB and I Ordered MY GLUTEN FREE CAKE.
I had been BUSY with MY MOTHER who turned 91 on JULY 31;I had to move HER and CLEAN OUT her old place by MYSELF.I am an ONLY child and as I know what was important and what could GO to GOODWILL it was a JOB for ME ONLY!It took me about 3 weeks………….many trips down the long hallway to the car dragging garbage bags as I counted my STEPS thinking this is EXERCISE!I can easily get in ONE THOUSAND steps!
My favorite thing to do was put things OUTSIDE her door with a FREE sign.I think I gave a LIFT and or a GIFT to the elderly that walked by and POSSESSED!I had a woman with a WALKER that would come by THREE times a day!AMAZING how she could BEND to pick up and set on her WALKER the latest TREASURE!
One of my BIGGEST DELIGHTS was leaving OUR home at 8pm after dinner to go to MOM’s apartment with MY FIRST BORN and MY ITALIAN with TWO trucks and my FIAT500!TO move a BED and a few other BIG OBJECTS!My SON’s TASTE does not FALL far from the TREE……………..I was PLEASED he wanted what HE did and even MORE Pleased when he remembered a wooden chicken that REIGNED in our kitchen when he was a little BOY!
The whole experience was a CLEANSE for me.I did it SLOWLY and Methodically.
I think I did a GOOD JOB.
Here WE are on JULY 22, 2016 in MY GARDEN under the BIG BRONZE CHANDELIER………………as HEATHER of LOST IN ARLES calls it.TO READ HER POST ON ME CLICK BELOW.
SHE captured bits and pieces inside my Home in May when she came for a visit! http://lostinarles.blogspot.com/2016/07/casa-kirkpatrick-interiors-chez-la.html
It was a BEAUTIFUL DAY with FRIENDS and FAMILY and of course a few ANIMALS.
THE DAY BEGAN WITH A DELIVERY………something I had ORDERED.
THE TIMING WAS PERFECT!
THIS COMPLETES THE OUTFIT!
AS MY SON said when HE arrived,” MOM you look like a LEMON DROP!”
I had to AGREE.
Never mind it is MY FAVORITE COCKTAIL!
LEMON DROP MAMMA!
BANKSY couldNOT make the EVENT as MY Son had SHOULDER SURGERY the week before.
BANKSY stayed HOME and PLAYED GUARD PIGGY!
NEXY YEAR FOR CERTAIN!
LET ME GET MY MAGIC WAND!
I ADORE YELLOW……
La TAVOLA as it Evolved.
Spy My MOTHER’s CAT?
She loved the Table and Decor.
This was our wedding China.
TERRACOTTA plates.
I adored Terracotta in those days and still do.
Myself and Molly.
She is a GREAT SPORT to wear her HEADGEAR I made for HER!
MY neighbor PAUL………he ALWAYS WINS BEST SHIRT of the EVE!
Linda who I have known as long as MY ITALIAN Husband………
First Born with HIS GORGEOUS side kick!
The FOUNTAIN adds SOUND and a DASH of ROME to the GARDEN!
One NEEDS to be TRANSPORTED
from TIME to TIME!
Yes, those are RUSTED tables……..don’t you EVEN think about a CAN of SPRAY PAINT!
PATINA
REGINS in MY ABODE!
MY GRAND DOG ADMIRAL BUTTERS and MY SIR WINSTON at the CENTER of attention.
KISSES
BACI for LA NONNA!
He WON again!
THE ITALIAN!
COOKING!
THE ASSISTANT CHEF!
THE MEAL
ME!
Birthday Girl & her ITALIAN
First Born, Me and the ITALIAN.
I DID IT!
With a LITTLE HELP from the SIDELINES!
Weren’t the CANDLES FABULOUS!!!!!!!!
DRIP DRIP and OOOZE.
Does THE SON LOOK like ME or THE ITALIAN?
Tell the TRUTH!
Gorgeous Gesture!
Won BEST GIFT here!
Now
I positioned MYSELF here so the CHANDELIER in the KITCHEN would illuminate the CROWN on MY HEAD!
As the
DIRECTORESSA
I forgot to tell a someone to Accende LA LUCE.
To TURN IT ON!
Yes,
Iam Known to THINK of ALL the small details……….
Those wine bottles behind me on the table…… Damigiane…….I sourced from the TRASH in ITALY!
I was WAY AHEAD of the TREND THERE!!!!!!!
Those were PURLOINED OUT of the DUMPSTER in about 1992.
Look at the BLUE SKY in this photo!
Gift Time!
My entire LIFE I have wanted a COW!
A REAL COW…
this will DO for NOW!
GORGEOUS gardening GLOVES from my SISTER-IN-LAW.
THE ICE CREAM SCOOP…….
THAT was the answer when I ASKED WHAT IT WAS!
THE Gorgeous Church candlesticks that were GIFTED to me from my DEAR friend JENNY.
YES!
There are TWO of THEM!!!!!!!!!!
Note that came with FLOWERS……..from my exercise TEACHER!
Now, YOU know she PAID GOOD MONEY!
Do you think this person sat in an ENGLISH CLASS?
THERE IS SOMETHING TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE PRESENTATION HERE!
I AM NOT making FUN………
I am JUST POINTING out that SHE went to the EFFORT to CALL or STOP by a FLORIST and this is the DELIVERY!
IT’s ALL in the PRESENTATION PEOPLE!
I LEARNED that at a VERY Young AGE.
NEVER MIND I LOVED WHAT THE MESSAGE SAID!!!!!!!!!!
I think I will FRAME it!!
PS.
MY MOTHER turned 91 on the 31 st of JULY.
I put HER on INSTAGRAM and she surpassed ALL LIKES In my GALLERY!
WE are NOW at 637 likes
AND
CLIMBING!
She LOVED her NEW RING I gifted HER.
I LOVED the POSE she did for the PHOTO.
How many of YOU see ME in HER?
Remember
to click the TITLE of the email to LEAVE A comment………….
I SO ENJOY ALL YOUR COMMENTS!
YOU
DO KNOW I ANSWER MOST of them.
It might be worth checking back!
I
TELL MORE STORIES in THE COMMENT SECTION!!!
XOXO
RebeccaNYC says
oh he looks like YOU! no…he looks like the Italian. Hmmmm….I mean he looks like YOU. oh Lord he looks like the both of you!
contessa says
GOOD ONE OPERA SINGER EXTORDINAIRE!!!!!!!!!!
XO
Heather in Arles says
I have been saving this post for a day when I needed a smile…I know, selfish of me, especially as you were kind enough to mention me and make a link to my little blog! But I am glad that I did because you really brought warmth to my heart as you always do. This is nothing but joy here.
And now, don’t disown me but he really is the spitting imagine of the Italian!!! Just look at the photo of G in your previous post and those two men look EXACTLY THE SAME.
Much Love to you Belladonna,
H
contessa says
I KNOW!
IT IS JUST the last 28 YEARS………..everyone has said how much he looks like ME!I am a bit devastated.I will GET OVER IT!!!
It REALLY is a GOOD THING!HE looks like his PAPA…………..A GOOD THING!
XO
Jacqueline says
What a fabulous birthday Elizabeth ……. your table looked beautiful and your garden is the perfect setting.
I think that your mum is AMAZING …. I think that I love her !!!
…. and I think that your son looks so much like your Italian …… handsome is as handsome does !! …. his girlfriend is beautiful too !
Belated Happy Birthday to you ….. wishing you many happy returns of the day. XXXX
contessa says
SHE HAS GOOD HUMOR my MOTHER………….THANK YOU!!
XX
LA CONTESSA says
VIA EMAIL:
Oh, Contessa!
It’s all just so beautiful — so happy for you….
SUNDAY H.
kim says
Elizabeth,
So love everything about this! You know how to celebrate life and we should all do this! Your family and mama are beautiful. This reminds me of a photo I have saved forever of an outdoor table with chandelier. Gorgeous! Your headpiece is fab too. Love how the kitty and dogs are all included. I think your handsome son is the perfect blend of the two of you! Hope it was a beautiful birthday. xo Kim
Lorena says
Marvellous how it all came together and the main idea of throwing yourself a party and making it a memorable evening to enjoy with friends is very very beautiful.
Hope you have many more ! What a great spirit-
contessa says
THANK YOU LORENA……………….I try to make it memorable!
XX
Jean says
What an incredible experience to read/see this post!! I’m exhausted. (Oh, but I was already exhausted.) No, but really, I’m enthralled with all the glorious images and commentary. It’s like a dream with no rules. I love it. So glad I came by for this vicarious moment of joy. XXXXOOOO
Penelope Bianchi says
There are many RULES!!
HAVE A CELEBRATION EVERY TIME YOU CAN!
Celebrate your chosen spouse every time you can!
RAISE YOUR BOYS TO EXPECT BEAUTY AND CRAZY STUFF CELEBRATING LIFE!
Have lots of animals for your entire family to adore.
MAKE YOUR GARDEN A MAGICAL….WONDROUS SPACE……LIKE TARA!! NO BOUNDARIES……ROSES…..HUMMINGBIRDS……MAGIC!
TEACH YOUR BOYS THAT THEY ARE ADORED…..REGARDLESS…….(even dreadlocks)!!!)
CREATE DRAMA CONSTANTLY! Chandeliers…..candles……plants…..rugs….pillows….magic. There is such a thing!! YOU LIVE THERE! IN THE MAGIC LAND!!
And enjoy every moment!
How lucky am I to know the adorable and beautiful….and lovely La Contessa???
Thrill of my life!!
contessa says
“IT’s like a DREAM with NO RULES!”
HOW I ADORE THAT LINE……………..
THANK YOU DROSS into GOLD for the VISIT!
Looks like YOU had a marvelous time with THE STYLE CRONE recently!!!
XX
contessa says
PENELOPE…………..
I AM THE LUCKY ONE to KNOW YOU!
THANK YOU!
XO
Libby Wilkie says
Yes! I certainly DO see your Mother in you. How very nice to have her with you, and looking so chic! What a fun fun party: I do agree that having a party for yourself is one of the best things in life. Thanks for sharing it all with us!!!
Jen says
What a beautiful celebration! Happy birthday!
Maria Anagnostopoulou says
I wish all your birthdays to come to be like this one! The yellow roses are my favorites too!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA CONTESSA!
Lidy@FrenchGardenHouse says
My new friend Contessa, Oh! How I love this post, and already, YOU! You truly have the knack of celebrating each and every day, with joy, grand gestures, small blessings and your own special personality. I love this! I have given myself parties over the years for my birthday, now that I have three adorable grandchildren I treat my whole family to an event or “outing” that they will not soon forget. I want to leave them a legacy of joyful living and so that they will not soon forget me. 🙂
xo Lidy
contessa says
THEY WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!!!
XX
t says
What a fabulous party. We need more celebrations in life. I think I may follow your lead and toss my own birthday party…I like to be a directoressa, too… and use all my crystal, china, linens, flowers, and invite lots of friends for lots of laughter.
contessa says
DIRECTORESSA………..is one of MY FAVORITE WORDS!
XX
DO IT!
Margaret says
Have very recently come across your delightful blog and been enjoying looking through it. I do adore the head pieces and am wondering if you would divulge whether you attach the flowers to an ordinary headband. They look such fun!!!!!!!
LA CONTESSA says
YES!I DO………..I actually use a Glue Gun.Put the headband on a head form……..so it is stretched.You must cut with wire cutters the stems, so the flower lays FLAT.
GO TO IT and have FUN!!!!!!!