The Vintage Contessa

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The BIRTHDAY SOIREE!

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Turning 58 CANNOT Be THAT BAD!

Especially when Green HEAD WRAPS APPEAR at YOUR DOOR and you have NO QUALMS ABOUT BUYING ENDLESS FLOWERS!

 

WELCOME TO MY BIRTHDAY SOIREE!

 

MY VERSION of a MESSY BUN!

The GREY STRANDS ARE TAKING OVER and I think it looks OKAY!

LA TAVOLA is taking SHAPE!

This is my FAVORITE part about giving a PARTY………….

SETTING THE TABLE.

I wish I could start THREE DAYS in ADVANCE.

THE DRINK DEPARTMENT!

MY THEME WAS CAFTANS & COCKTAILS!

THIS OLD RED CHAIR I FOUND AT THE Salvation Army YEARS AGO……….IN LIVERMORE.

I HAD TO HAVE IT!

THE CHAIR LIVED IN MY SHOP FOR AWHILE UNTIL A DASHING DUCHESS CAME ONE DAY AND BOUGHT IT OUT FROM UNDER ME!

I USED IT AT MY DESK……………, YEARS LATER SHE SOLD IT BACK TO ME AND HAD THE CUSHION ADJUSTED!

MEANING FIXED!

IT WAS A WIN WIN SITUATION!

I WAS HAPPY TO GET IT BACK………

PARTY FAVORS

WERE THESE ITALIAN URNS WITH TAFFY.

I LOVE THE COLORS OF THE SALTWATER TAFFY……..REMINDS ME OF MY CHILDHOOD ON CATALINA ISLAND!

TADAH…………I THINK I MIGHT BE READY!

THE EARRINGS WERE A GIFT AS WELL FROM MY FRIENDS DOWN SOUTH WHO OWN A FEW BOUTIQUES!

THE CAFTAN HAILS FROM AUSTRALIA.

YES, it’s a CAMILLA!

 

PINK AND YELLOW ARE MY FAVORITE!

TWO OF MY FAVORITE COLORS AS WELL!!

THE CAKE I MADE FROM A COOKBOOK CALLED A TABLE IN VENICE!

I MIGHT ADD IT GETS BETTER WITH AGE!!!!!!!!!!

JUST LIKE ALL OF US!

I ADORE TO DECORATE WITH FLOWERS FROM MY GARDEN.

I was able to NAB THE ITALIAN before the festivities began………..NOT AN EASY TASK!

LOOK HOW WELL WE COMPLIMENTED EACH OTHER!!!

This is another REAL ITALIAN!!!!!!!!!

THESE TWO!

WHAT A JOY TO SEE THESE TWO!!!

MY PHONE RINGS IN SAFEWAY THE DAY BEFORE MY PARTY AND I SEE WHO IS CALLING BUT BEFORE I EVEN SAY HELLO I ASK HER TO HOLD!!!!

I WAS IN MID CONVERSATION WITH THE MANGER OF THE STORE AS SHE WAS TRYING TO FIND ME CANDLES WHICH THEY HAD NOT SOLD IN TWO YEARS!I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT AS I COULD STILL SEE THEM IN MY MIND AT THE END OF THAT AISLE!

SO, ON THE PHONE WAS NEVER MIND DONNA!!!!!!!!

MOST OF MY FRIENDS HAVE OTHER GIVEN NAMES BUT I CANNOT TAKE THE CREDIT FOR THIS ONE!THAT BELONGS TO JULIE……..A COUSIN OF SORTS!

YOU SEE I KNEW DONNA AND TRACY WHEN I WAS ABOUT 18 YEARS OLD!

WE ALL WORKED IN FASHION EITHER IN RETAIL OR WHOLESALE……..

SINCE WE WORKED SO HARD WE WOULD HEAD TO Palm Springs TO RELAX!!!!

THESE TRIPS WERE CALLED THE EXHAUSTION CLUB.

AGAIN I THINK JULIE CAME UP WITH THIS NAME!!!!CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG DONNA!!!

SO, DONNA IS UP VISITING TRACY WHO LIVES ABOUT 20 MINUTES AWAY…………..

THEY WANT TO TAKE ME TO LUNCH ON SATURDAY!I CANNOT GO AS I AM HOSTING A GARDEN SOIREE CALLED CAFTANS and COCKTAILS AND CENA………….

I SAY CAN YOU COME TO DINNER AS I HAD JUST LOST ONE GUEST!

THEY SAY YES!!!!!!!!

SO, THEY ARRIVE IN CAFTANS ON A DAYS NOTICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE STORY GETS BETTER………BUT FIRST A FEW MORE PHOTOS!!!

I did a FULL TWIRL so you can see all sides!

SO, IF YOU ALL READ ME YOU KNOW I DO AN AGELESS STYLE POST WITH CINDY ONCE A MONTH!

HERE SHE IS………….SO LUCKY TO HAVE THESE PHOTOS AS SHE IS CAMERA SHY!

CINDY IS A DECORATOR FROM THE CARMEL VALLEY AREA……..

SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAIL FROM INDIANA ORIGINALLY AND COULDN’T BE NICER PEOPLE!

SO, WHEN I TELL YOU TO CLICK HERE ON MY AGELESS STYLE POSTS I AM SENDING YOU TO CINDY’S BLOG!

IF YOU WANT TO PEEK TODAY CLICK HERE!!!!!!!

Todays post is on a KITCHEN REMODEL!

 

I TOLD THE WIVES TO HAVE THE HUSBANDS WEAR COLORED SHIRTS……….IT WORKED!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This HUSBAND gets an A~PLUS!

FIRST COURSE is ARRIVING………..PESTO PASTA.

BANKSY & WINSTON getting ready for their second dinner!

This is what 4 pounds of pasta looks like…………..

We were 15 people, so about one pound box to 4 people.

Remember we start with this than have a normal dinner…….or CENA!

NEVER eat bread with your pasta…….you are just filling up your tummy with the bread.

You are allowed to wipe the bowl with a little piece however!

To get that last bit of sauce!

BREAD IS A FILLER.It is used if you did not have enough food.

SO, WHEN IN ITALY AND THEY DONOT BRING THE BREAD WITH THE PASTA DON’T ASK!

Let’s finish the STORY I started at the beginning……

SO, TRACY who is featuring a CAFTAN from POSITANO as she just had gotten back from ITALY THREE DAYS PRIOR to this SOIREE has a BIRTHDAY IN JULY ALSO!

Guess who recalled THAT?

IO

ME

LA CONTESSA

ELIZABETH!!!!!!!!

I was SO PROUD OF MYSELF than I ask her “What DATE ARE YOU?”

She says TODAY!!!!!!!!

YOU see I had the party on the 21st as it fell on a SATURDAY, but my DAY is JULY 22.

SO WE BOTH BLEW OUT THE CANDLES ON OUR CHOCOLATE CAKE!

 

HERE IT COMES!

WE MUST MAKE A WISH!

DOUBLE CHIN IN FULL GLORY!

LOVE THIS PHOTO!

The Table tells a STORY………..

It was LIMONCELLO TIME…see the small green glasses?

Home ~ Made by the ITALIAN.

The GUEST BOOK.

Which was a book given to me by my friends in Florence when we left…..

They all wrote a Good-Bye passage to me.

I should read those again as its been 25 YEARS this past JUNE we arrived back in CALIFORNIA!

Did I ever tell YOU I being THE AMERICAN didNOT want to LEAVE ITALY?

TRUTH!

GIFTS ADORN ME…………HAT, Green Vest, necklaces and EARRINGS!

LOVE THIS PHOTO TOO!

TO ANOTHER GOOD YEAR………..

I ADORE BIRTHDAYS and think they should be CELEBRATED!

It’s a REALLY GOOD REASON to get People together and Eat a meal INSIEME (Together).

Use the GOOD STUFF make the FOOD and SMILE through the whole process………….

It comes but ONCE A YEAR!

The CLEAN UP WARMS MY SOUL!

XX

 

 

 

Comments

  2. Lovely! What a beautiful table. It’s heartening to see someone who uses lovely, non-disposables. It hurts me that so many use ugly, earth-harming plastic! Lazy and irresponsible is what plastic says to me!

    And I LOVE your hair getting gray, and the other women who sport their natural color with such grace. A lovely party for you!

    I will only celebrate my birthday with a party on THE DAY (same as yours), because otherwise, its not a birthday party to me!

    Thank you for letting us attend vicariously.

    Reply

    • I think WE have had this conversation or I did with MYSELF!
      I too ONLY celebrate on THE DAY……………
      I made the exception this year do to the fact The Italian does SO much for this EVENT and he gets up at 4:30 AM every work day!I wanted to be able to enjoy and Not start telling PEOPLE they had to LEAVE!!!!!!The party night was perfect……….Our DAY the 22 NOT as GOOD!!!I spent it with friends popping in for a cafe and cleaning up the dishes and stemware.It was a GOOD DAY!Will you please remind me next year its YOUR DAY TOO……….and send me you phone number SO I CAN CALL YOU to wish YOU a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  4. Now, that’s a Soirée!! Once again, Happy Birthday to You! What a way to Celebrate a Birthday!! What’s even better is how so many beautiful people came together to be a part of your festivities. I can almost hear the laughter and the chiming of the crystal stemware. A most beautiful evening! Love this!!!

    Reply

  5. Yes! I love the atmosphere, ambiance, an evening party with candles and lots of good wishes and laughter! Parties and friends give us something more to look forward too! Lovely! Everything!!!

    Reply

  6. Marvelous photos–who was your photographer? I love your caftan and envy your height. I tried one on and looked like a kid playing dress-up, though we are the same age.
    I also love your white chairs–folding? We have the dreaded plastic ones, but they take up no space when stacked–important when you have three dozen. I would like to eliminate all plastic from our lives.
    That night shot is gorgeous. All these photos look like they’re from a photo spread.

    Reply

    • SEND me a photo of YOU!!!!!!!
      I imagine you to be tall and thin!!!!!!!
      Please send me a visual…….so when we meet my mouth will not be hanging open!!!!!!
      Photographer of me was The Italian of the table and people my guests.I KNOW THAT NIGHT SHOT IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!I must see who sent that to me!
      As for those white plastic chairs…….They KILLED me as they too were in ITALY some 28 years ago!I couldn’t stand them!For me they ruined the ambiance of the orchio filled gardens and ancient stuff!I DO GET IT they are easy and light and they STACK!I rented my folding chairs………..for 15 chairs it was $40.00.I pick up on Friday return on Monday……so its what $3.00 a chair and I didn’t have to HOUSE them.Worth every penny to me!Here we can rent EVERYTHING…….and they will deliver for a FEE!
      The NIGHT WAS PERFECT…………in every way!!!
      THANK YOU for always being HERE!!!
      XX

      Reply

  7. Hello Birthday Girl – I don’t know where to begin, your table looks beyond beautiful, the colour, the smiles and the pesto pasta, oh, how I wish I had been there 🙂
    ‘Caftans and Cocktails’ love this!
    You look beautiful in your exquisite caftan and thank you for modelling my cashmere wrap with your incomparable style.
    Much love – see you soon xx
    Oh, I almost forgot and your hair looks so elegant, perfect messy bun, not that it looks messy to me x

    Reply

    • I was copying that NEW PRINCESS YOU HAVE OVER THERE!!!!!!!
      Except my hair lady had her own ideas……..!!!
      I look forward to our re-union with SISTER SUE!!!!!!
      BIG HUG and I will be traveling in CATHERINE ROBINSON CASHMERE!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  8. Oh my that looks like a beautiful and memorable birthday celebration….
    I love the table setting and the theme of caftans and bright shirts.
    You are blessed to have wonderful friends and not forgetting your “Italian!”
    Sending you belated birthday wishes and I love that you are letting the tinsel in your hair shine!

    Reply

  9. Oh Elizabeth, everything is so exquisitely beautiful and colourful. And that chocolate cake … Yum!!! All your guests look like they had a wonderful time and it’s no wonder since you’re such a wonderful hostess. Catalina Island … I have no idea where that is. I will have to look it up.

    Reply

    • Did you find it?CATALINA is straight out from Orange County Newport Beach area.In Southern California!Famous for the BUFFALO that were transported there for a film and the old CASINO!!!!
      They had a shop in town that made TAFFY……..the machine was in the window so you could watch it being pulled and stretched!WE went by BOAT and were anchored in the harbor to get to the island you blew a horn for a water taxi!!!!!!A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER TIME EXPERIENCE!
      XX

      Reply

  10. HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely Contessa! It looks like it was a wonderful party! And you look fabulous! I know the food had to be delicious. I wish I could have been there. Maybe next year?….
    Sending my warmest and best wishes for many many happy years. xoxoxo fifi

    Reply

  12. I saw this quote on an IG post, yesterday and I think it is a perfect way to describe what you have done here with your beautiful post describing a perfect birthday celebration!

    “It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over a butterfly of the
    moment?” Vita Sackville-West

    You certainly have clapped the net over this incredible garden soiree to honor the privilege of another year, beauty, elegance, traditions, love and friendship! Every aspect is elevated….the garden and beautifully set table….the dishes…the pastel shades of salt-water-taffy…the theme…the caftans and colored shirts….the food…drink…laughter…stories. All this has been captured as well as your gorgeous new CAMILLA (SWOONING) CAFTAN! The Queen of all Caftans and the perfect earrings sweeping your shoulders…gifted by a long, well loved friend. Happy Birthday to the the Garden Goddess who makes magic happen….and tells the story so well!

    Reply

    • I SAW THAT QUOTE TOO!!!!!!!!!!!
      It STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS!!!!!!!!!!
      PLUS, IT WAS VITA who said it!!!!!!!!VITA and I would have been GOOD FRIENDS!!!!WE have the same LOVE of ANIMALS and GARDENS and BOOKS.
      THANK YOU!!!I have been graced with another year!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  13. Love. love , love everything. What a gloriously colorful and beautiful birthday!!! You did it up right. Did you know I ADORE taffy. Great using them as gifts. You looked beautiful and everything and every person looked beautiful also. This should be a primer on birthday celebrations!!!!

    Reply

  14. Ciao Bella!

    You certainly know how to usher in a fresh new year in Style!! And lucky Tracy for getting a Birthday Bash, della Contessa!! I do love how you colour-themed the table setting and flowers to your divine Caftan – thanks for the top to velvet-toe twirl! – and such obliging friends (Oh, your A-plus guest looks like he’s dressed from the Bhutanese Dragon King’s wardrobe – I guess a reference to the Kingdom of Happiness would be in order for your Birthday?!!) Everyone looks so merry and the pasta delish (what else did you have??)…gorgeous stuff everywhere – it’s so fun to use everything and so right that it gets used All The Time. Who cares about the washing up?? That’s what fancy rubber gloves are for!!

    Your hair is looking great! I’ve never dyed mine and it’s only a bit grey so far but I do have a few grey eyebrow hairs which is extremely irritating – thank goodness for all the newfangled brow bar stuff! – and I think I discovered a grey eyelash!!! Is that even a thing??…Enough digression…So pleased you had a terrific Soirée and you got a bit spoilt. You deserve it!!

    Baci xx

    Reply

    • I need a PHOTO of YOU TOO!!!!!!!
      YES, his Caftan was from BHUTAN!!!!!!KINGDOM of HAPPINESS…………sounds perfect!!I need to brush up on my BHUTANESE!!!!!!!!
      Nor, have I ever dyed mine.I too have the occasional EYEBROW gone GREY LOOK!
      ALARMING!I have yet to STOP at a BROW BAR!!!!!Now you have me curious about grey lashes………….
      YOU are SO FUN……..I would TWIRL for you any day!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  15. I had so much fun!! I will remember this always. Like your 24th Birthday party, which I inconveniently “remembered” as your 21st! Thanks to “The Italian” for correcting my memory.

    Reply

  16. Julie was the one to start call us the Exhaustion Club. Julie was also the originator of “Never Mind Donna”. ( I used to start many sentences, “Well never mind, …”)

    Reply

  17. Happy Birthday! You look amazing and your spirit shines so bright. You inspire me to enjoy life more.

    The table looks beautiful, the food amazing, and that cake looks so yummy!

    Reply

    • MAKE IT COUNT!
      I read somewhere recently where MOST people are NOT LIVING they are waiting…….
      This I took a photo of as it resonated with me!
      DONT BEND:DONT WATER IT DOWN:DONT TRY TO MAKE IT LOGICAL:DONT EDIT YOUR OWN SOUL ACCORDING TO THE FASHION.
      RATHER.
      FOLLOWYOUR MOST INTENSE OBSESSIONS MERCILESSLY.

      FRANZ KAFKA

      HOPE THAT HELPS!!
      XX

      XX

      Reply

  18. Darling Elizabeth,
    What a joyous occasion. What a joyous post. How delightful, delicious, delirious affair – done with such style and beauty. Thank you for living large – and setting an example for the rest of us on just how splendid that is. No one does it better than you. You look beautiful – -the years add dignity and grace to your beauty. What a wonderful celebration to YOU!!!!!

    Reply

    • TOO KIND………..
      I AM DOING IT MY WAY WHICH IS THE OLD-FASHION WAY!COOKING AND CLEANING AND POLISHING THE SILVER……….AND BAKING MY OWN CAKE!SIMPLE JOY COMES FROM DOING THIS AND IT DOESN’T COST A THING!
      MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THERE WILL NOT BE ENOUGH FOOD, BUT THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED!
      THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
      XX

      Reply

  21. Hello Contessa, Your party was the epitome of elegance and fun, but of course we expected no less from you. A very happy birthday (a bit late), and many returns!
    –Jim

    Reply

  22. Dear Contessa,
    I loved reading your blog and reliving every minute of your ( and mine) birthday dinner party. What a treat!!! A birthday I will never forget.

    Reply

  23. You look so beautiful!! What a wonderful party!! GiamPiero is so adorable!! We are gearing up for FerraAgosto- Suggestions welcome…Lots of house guests, but now I think quiet, except for local friends with holiday homes, here. Garden in full swing. Passata is my full time job. 40 tomato plants- 9 heirloom varieties. I think over 40 jars canned, and only at the beginning!! Kiss, hug, and now you, and GiamPiero, and Markus, all 58!! CHEERS!

    Reply

    • FERRAAGOSTA WE WERE ALWAYS AT THE BEACH…………..BAIA VERDE DOWN BY PUNTA ALA.LOTS OF WATER SPLASHED!
      BEST OF LUCK WITH THE CANNING!YOU NEED A HELPER OR THREE!!!!!!
      HAPPINESS WILL COME IN A CAN COME WINTER!
      VIVA 58………………YOUR NEXT?!!
      XX

      Reply

  24. Well done Elizabeth! What a beautiful soiree and certainly cause for celebration. 58 never looked so good! LOve the Caftan and Cocktails theme and that everyone jumped in with the theme. You are the ultimate party planner, can’t wait to see what your 60th looks like! All done with style and perfection, we would expect not less…just glorious! Belated Happy Birthday wishes!! Jeanne xx

    Reply

  25. What a happy, colorful celebration! I agree, Birthdays are to be celebrated; I’ve always loved mine too. Daughter sends out little “reminders” starting with a 6 month countdown!! (Less than a month to go now…..) You should try that!

    Reply

  26. You look so happy. The table, and the glassware were so beautiful! I also liked the picture with you and the husbands (colorful and cheery).
    I think this may be the best caftan you own. Perfect colors for you, and matches up to the spirit of the Birthday party so well.
    I appreciate how this party did not just appear in your yard- so much palnning and preparation. Then the clean-up! It’s all part of the event, isn’t it?

    Your beauty is exceeded only by your generosity of spirit. Happy Birthday! <3 <3 <3

    Reply

    • CONTESSA, you are a lady after my own heart. If we lived closer, we would be great friends, though I am a bit older than you, we are made out of the same cloth, if you will. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated, and my celebration gets a wee bit longer every year! You are a great lady, and my absolute favorite blogger. Why don’t you consider writing more often……I know you have plenty to say! You looked gorgeous in the pix, but you always do! Keep your adventures coming! Victoria

      Reply

    • I LIKE TO CREATE MEMORIES……..AND THIS IS HOW I DO IT FOR SUMMER!
      THE PLANNING IS CHATTING WITH THE ITALIAN WHAT SHALL WE COOK…..
      THE PREP IS FINDING THE TABLECLOTHS……..ALWAYS A SLIGHT HEADACHE!
      THE HARD PART IS WHO SHOULD WE INVITE AS I KNOW TOO MANY FUN PEOPLE!I CANNOT DO THE 50 PLUS GUESTS ANYMORE…………….SO, MAYBE FROM NOW ON WE DO SMALLER PARTIES BUT MORE!!!!!!
      YOUR GARDEN WON AWARDS……..YOU HAVE TO BE THRILLED!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

    • VICTORIA!
      THANK YOU for your KIND WORDS!I know I need too put those POSTS out more often but LIFE gets in the way………….They take me a long time to do just so you know its not a click here and a click there………….This post I did VERY FAST and it took me over 6 hours!!!!!!
      Most Posts take me a few days……………..
      BUT IF I HEAR FROM FANS LIKE YOU I MAY BE MOTIVATED!!!!
      I have a trip coming up to EUROPE SO that will give me MATERIAL FOR CERTAIN!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU you paid me a VERY NICE COMPLIMENT as there are LOTS of FABULOUS BLOGS OUT THERE.
      THANK YOU for that!
      XX

      Reply

  27. Happy bday Contessa!!! That was quite the soirée, your caftan (earrings), Flowers, that cake!!!!
    Your hair looks divine!!!!!!

    Reply

  28. My goodness, what an event you had! You, The Italian, and all of
    Your friends, appear like fantastical birds in your finest feathers, fluttering about! Happiest of birthdays insta friend! Thank you for all the beauty and inspiration!

    Reply

  29. Happy Birthday!!!! A magical dinner party under the stars for a star… you bring joy wherever you go… so, so beautiful…a movable feast for the eyes and heart… may all your wishes come true…XOXO

    Reply

  30. That is celebrating in style! You look gorgeous, the setting is like out of a fairy tale and your lucky guests look full of joy, not to mention pasta, vino and cake! May all the joy and beauty you create and spread, return to you tenfold!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  32. Oh to be a spider on the wall (or under the table) at such a perfect party. I do admire the way you wore that beautiful caftan. And the cake cloaked in real flowers — Martha Stewart has nothing on you. Like hers, your entertaining seems both elegant and comfy. Not many people figure out how to pull off that dance!

    Reply

  34. Ciao Bella … Tanti Auguri!!
    GLORIOUS photos – so much JOY. You are radiant, as are all of your friends.
    Wonderful celebration of life!!

    Reply

    • SURE…………FILLET MIGNON, peas with almond slivers, and peppers done with ANCHOVIES!!!!!SHHHHH…….don’t tell as you do not taste the FISH!Peas and Peppers came from the new cookbook called A TABLE IN VENICE!
      AS did that CAKE which was EASY and DELICIOUS!
      The BOOK is a DELIGHT…… just for the PHOTOS!
      Of course a GREEN SALAD………….fruit and than the liquors started making an entrance but I do not partake in those so all I know is LIMONCELLO!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  39. Tantissimi Auguri Elizabeth!!! You look superb in that beautiful Camilla kaftan. I also love the bowls, are they Deruta? I wish you all the best!!! Love. Luisa

    Reply

    • The little urns with the TAFFY are DERUTA………SI!
      The terra-cotta bowls and plates are AMERICAN………….
      Did you go to Your POST and answer a few of the questions?I will check.
      Hope you are having a wonderful Vacation!!!
      XX

      Reply

  40. You’re the best hostess with such joie de vivre and style about everything you do! I see your neighbor is there!!! Give her a hug for me next time you see her. I enjoyed her so much when I was there! And the Italian… You’re a beautiful couple who love life and people, and it shows!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ELIZABETH!! xoxox, Brenda

    Reply

  41. What a night to remember!!!!!!!
    Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion.
    The blokes in their coloured shirts, the ladies looking resplendent.
    Everything looked delicious………everything looked perfect xx

    Reply

  42. A delightful soiree indeed! Happy Birthday, again! Oh my, where to start?! Your caftan – the Camilla – your earrings, the flowers, the table setting, the colors, the pasta, the cake . . . and the colorful guests! Perfection! I appreciate the tip about bread and pasta . . . oops, I did not know. This will certainly save me future embarrassment! Ah, Contessa, you know how to do things with style and with apparent ease. I’ve looked through these photos again and again. What an enchanted evening! xo

    Reply

    • YOU would have FIT right in with YOUR MAN!I wonder what color shirt HE would have worn?!!
      It was a BEAUTIFUL NIGHT…………we started at 6 pm and the last guest left at 11:45pm so a lovely eve under the sky!
      THANK YOU for ENJOYING IT SO MUCH!!!!
      Hope you have SUN up NORTH……..we are covered in smoke from all the fires here!WE are SAFE but the SKY is ERIE.
      Hugs to YOU,
      XX

      Reply

  43. GEORGEOUS ,just gorgeous to share your birthday dear Contessa .YOU , the photos the party!
    SO lovely to include us .HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Elizabeth ,much good health & happiness in the years ahead

    Reply

    • OH ROS, I always get a smile on my face when I hear from YOU!MY JOHNNEY WAS FRIEND IN FRANCE!
      SO, Happy You could attend………….HERE with me!Where is your next trip going to be?
      I will send you an email!
      XX

      Reply

  45. You are incredible, I live in a cottage on a lake in Mn. I have my Anna Weatherley and Hungarian crystal packed away as the lake is casual…Now I am unpacking the boxes and serving cream soups in the covered bowls and a different bowl or plate for every course! I don’t know if I could get a group to wear caftans but I can only try.

    Reply

    • DO IT!
      Than send me a PHOTO!!!!!!
      HOW GORGEOUS WOULD A TABLE BE AROUND A LAKE or with that VIEW!
      What are you saving it for……We cannot take it with us so lets ENJOY IT!Makes the FOOD TASTE BETTER TOO!!!!Just my little thing!
      Caftans can be found all around now……..when I started wearing them they were hard to find!NOT TODAY………..You can find the cheaper ones on AMAZON than there is my YUME CAFTANS in CYPRESS…….near GREECE that are EXCEPTIONAL LINEN and COTTON.You will find CANDY on ETSY…….under YUME WORLD I BELIEVE.SEARCH MENS KAFTANS and it will come up!I actually BUY the MENS as I am TALL……..LARGE MANS is the perfect fit for me at 5’10’.DO IT!And don’t forget to send me a PHOTO!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  47. Elizabeth, this is perfection! Such a lovely way to usher in another year for your very special self! The linens, china, crystal, flowers, food- all of it just beautuful! Your caftan is gorgeous and you looked fabulous! I love that you had a theme! The men wore what you requested, plus more! Everyone looked elegant!
    Parties like this take time and planning, much thought and love and labor, and so worth it if the event is created to share with people you care about, I think it’s wonderful!
    Happy birthday! XO Heidi

    Reply

  49. You are lovely! I had a ball just reading about your party. I want to get a caftan now, I turned 58 in February and I think I deserve one!

    Happy Birthday!

    Jane x

    Reply

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