By 
In the days pre-COVID birthdays were essentially limitless. Every August I would celebrate in a myriad of ways ranging from cute lunches with my girlfriends, to summery white parties and an occasional a trip somewhere special. Whatever the setting, whatever the theme it essentially came down to the people I was lucky enough to spend my special day with, something I appreciate now more than ever.
This year of course would have to look a little different, I had plans to do an outing at sea with some friends but ended up canceling out of precaution. Fortunately I found another way to enjoy the day that was as enjoyable as it was aesthetically pleasing. And although I wasn’t able to gather with friends, I consider myself extremely blessed to have done so with family.
My original thought was a late lunch in the afternoon, with the feeling of a green countryside. But at the risk of sounding spoiled, the closest public picnic tables happen to have view of the ocean. So I found a beautiful spot right under a nice tree, bringing my forest vision back to life. A tea party seemed like a step up from a traditional picnic, but I replaced the tea with something more bubbly.
Upon arrival around say 3:30pm we setup camp with lots of linens to keep everyone comfortable and safe and of course, set the scene. I was happy to have multiple passersby give compliments, one in particular who strongly encouraged I capture the moment with a photo, to which I assured her had already been thoroughly done.
We also lucked out entirely on the weather, with the ocean breeze making us all feel much more comfortable sitting together as group.
The small floral arrangements served as great antidotes to the strong winds, in addition to brining joy with the various shades of pinks, purples and coral I chose for a not so shabby chic tablescape.
For the menu, I stuck to the tea party script for the most part. Scones, sweets and tea sandwiches, all of which were mostly vegan. Of course I had to add my signature cheese plate, pink champagne with beautiful ice cubes and of course, cake.
TREATS // macarons, plaisir sucré and tartelette passion framboise from Ladurée Beverly Hills which has an all vegan menu. Chocolate cupcakes and fruit tart from Whole Foods, vegan whip cream and raspberries in shot glasses by yours truly.
SCONES // Vegan recipe here and mini jam jars.
TEA SANDWICHES // tomato and pesto, cucumber and vegan cream cheese, smoked salmon and vegan cream cheese.
CHEESE PLATE // raw honeycomb, strawberries, olives, wensleydale cranberry cheese, salami, figs, vegan cheddar, blackberries, pickles, honey roasted peanuts, triple cream brie, purple cauliflower, garlic dip, fig and olive crackers, grapes, cheddar and candied ginger.
CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL // brut rosé over ice cubes frozen with strawberries, edible flowers, and blueberries.
CAKE // My absolute favorite marble cake from SusieCakes with pink buttercream frosting and I added a few pink carnations as garnish.
Everything we ate was delicious and the scenery made it really feel like something extra special. I highly recommend a trip outside and a strong theme to get your mind away from the constant day to day routine at home. Whether it be a little tea-less tea party or an end of summer picnic, something aesthetically pleasing with a good friend for a few hours is exactly what we all need right now.
