Monday, July 25, 2011

My mom's 93rd and Friend's Birthday Party

My mom's birthday is July 24th and she turned 93 and my friend Debjani's birthday is the 22nd. We get along so well even though I am actually closer to her mom's age than her.


I planned to have a BBQ and swimming party outside and do an ocean or beach theme. I asked Debjani what she wanted and she wanted to mix a bird theme also and so I did.



I pulled out everything that I thought I would need and laid them on the kitchen table and countertop. The morning of the party, I started laying the tableware and decorating the dining table outside by the pool, in between cooking. And then it started raining, and raining and raining. It did not stop all day so I had to bring everything into the dining room and I had to wipe all the plates because they all got wet. Ugh! Just added more work for me.



More work for me was fine because the celebrants were really glowing.


So, I set up the table, buffet style in the formal dining room. We were expecting 25 people.












I prepared and cooked all of the food except for the garbanzo Indian dish that Debjani brought, so I was really busy the last 3 days, grocery shopping, cleaning, baking, marinating and cooking. Dr. Som, Debjani's hubby flew from NY for the weekend, where he is doing a fellowship and he helped me cut the watermelon and grill the chicken and ribs.



The food!....BBQ'd ribs and chicken, beef with macaroni, pancit, crab claws, roasted potatoes with rosemary, grilled veggies, fruit salad, corn on a cob, watermelon, Garbanzo beans dish, fruit plate and Mocha chiffon cake.



And nope, I did not stick to my strict diet, lol. I figured I deserve to eat after all the work I did.





I bought this shell centerpiece from Williams Sonoma. I added a turquoise candle and surrounded it with glass stones.



I baked the chiffon cake from scratch. The glass dome messed up the side butter icing but it was really good, moist and light. I placed 3 candles on each side so that each celebrant can blow 3 each.






I borrowed the 2 wooden pelican birds from the guest bathroom.





I used 3 types of plates, some with shells, a set of Pfaltzgraff white ones and a set of Homer Laughlin's Cavalier Eggshell , which is one of my favorite sets.




I also used 3 sets of flatware, one with bird handles, another with blue bubbles and I don't know what the third pattern is called.










How do you like my mermaid wine bottle holder? Isn't she a cutie?




I served Whittard of Chelsea English mulled wine tea and it was really good. I had to refill the teapot at least 4 times.



I also served sweetened iced tea and of course various soda and beer which I just left in the porch cooler.


Here we were singing "Happy Birthday" to the celebrants before they blew out the candles and everybody laughed because my mother blew them all out, lol.



Here we are, almost all of us!



Happy birthday to my dearest mother! I hope my skin is that good when I get to that age, IF I even get there. Happy birthday to my dear friend Debjani too! I hope you have more and more birthdays to come so we can celebrate again and again.



Thank you so much for coming to join me in this special event! We all had a great time!


I would like to link with the following gracious ladies:



Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/





Lady Katherine's Teatime Tuesday at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/


Sandi's Teatime Tuesday at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/



Martha and Terri's Teacup Tuesday at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
WandaLee and Pam's Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday at
http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/



Susan's Tablescape Thurs at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Trish' Tea Party Tuesday at http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/


Thank you so much for hosting, sweet ladies!

53 comments:

Sue said...

What a wonderfully set table for this celebration, Christine! You always go ALL OUT for your entertaining! The food sure looks good- I've got the mid-afternoon hungries right now, so I am drooling over the ribs and chicken. LOL
Bet everyone had a great time at the party. :-) Sue

Debbie said...

I love all that pastel blue on the buffet table, and the food (as usual here!) looks wonderful.

And your mom is one lovely 93 year old! You obviously come from great stock.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Happy Birthday to your Mother and friend!!
The food looks wonderful - I will have some of each please. :-D

Kathleen said...

Wow, what a great party! You did a wonderful job! The table looks fabulous!!
Happy Birthday to your dear mom and your friend too!
God bless them!
Now you rest up!

Debbiedoos said...

What a partay you threw Christine! You are a wonderful daughter and friend...not to mention excellent cook and hostess. Thanks for sharing the special birthdays with us.

Blondie's Journal said...

You really know how to throw a great party, Christine!! Wish I were there to try all that delicious food you made! It all looks wonderful and your table so pretty, especially the cake!

Happy Birthday to your sweet mother and Debjani!

XO,
Janie

Richard Cottrell said...

Ms. C. What a beautiful mother. She looks so young to be 93. The party. OMG. The food. OMG. The table.OMG> What a wonderful time you all must have had. I can not wait I am having water mellon for supper. Yours reminded me. Thanks, Richard from My Old Historic House

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OH Christine,
What a feast! And your table is simply fantastic!
I love the colors, the candles, the plates, everything!
You are the hostess with the mostess my dear!
Cindy

Barb said...

Christine, girl, you are amazing!! I truly mean that. What a feast and amazing table of beautiful food you put together. Wow!!

Happy birthday to your mother and friend.

Hugs, Barb

A Hint of Home said...

You have set a fantastic table and the food looks amazing. You have been one busy girl!
Happy Birthday to your Mom and best friend!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

What can I say, Chris?!! This party is wonderful and so scrumptuos! The foo is amazing, what an incredible cook you are and your dear mother, God bless her...what is she made of?! She looks so great and yeah, with great skin! You look terrific too, my friend, like mother, like daughter! Happy birthday and God bless them. Thanks for coming by and for the sweet comments...yeah, it's a big Pent House apt., at the 14th. floor and I have a reat view! Love, FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Next time...please invite me, I'd love to grab a bite of those ribs....ok, everything, actually!!!!!!!!! LOL!
FABBY

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful party! Tell your mom and friend I sent birthday wishes.Love the pale blue dishes and your theme is great.

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine! OH, happy birthday to your friend and your dear little mother! She looks wonderful and I'm so glad to see her up and doing so well!
Now your table is absolutely gorgeous! What a treat it would be to come to one of your lovely dinners. The food looks so good too! You're a jewel!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Wow! Did you out do your self or what. And your mother, she does not look 93 at all!! Please tell her that I said so, and happy late birthday. That food looks awesome!

Debjani said...

Thank you Christine, for creating such a beautiful blog for your mother and I. From your decor to your food to our karoake, the night was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone! It was such a unique experience! I am so grateful to have you in my life. You have welcomed me into your home and more importantly your heart. And you are in my heart too.

Thank you, all of Christine's blog's followers, who were nice enough to wish me a happy birthday too!

Entertaining Women said...

Everything is beautifully coordinated for your amazing birthday feast. Thank you for sharing your design for your mom's and friend's special day. Cherry Kay

Unknown said...

Wow everything looks wonderful, especially your mom! Send her birthday wishes from us!
Have a great week!

Sonya said...

Christine que festa maravilhosa! Desejo a sua querida mãezinha um feliz aniversário. Que o Senhor a abençoe ricamente, prolongando os seus dias com saúde e paz.
Tenha uma ótima semana.
Beijinho.

Marlis said...

It's so wonderful to see your beautiful party you threw for your mom and friend. Your mother certainly does not look her age, she wears it well. How blessed you are to spend it with her. The party looks fabulous. I love how you mixed your dishes. After preparing all that food, you certainly deserve to eat some of it.. Happy birthday to both your mom and Debjani. Many blessings, xo marlis

Jilly said...

Wonderful and awesome. You have set a fantastic table and the food looks amazing. Yummy and delicious dishes you made in your mom 's 93rd birthday. I also wishing a long life for her.
detektiv

Miss Sandra said...

Dear Christine,
Such a lovely tribute to your mother and friend. You truly set a beautiful table. Your mom looks absolutely beautiful. 93 really looks young on her. Those are good family genes. Thank you for sharing the celebration with all of us!
Blissful tidings,
Sandra

xinex said...

Thanks, Jilly!

Gloria said...

Oh, Christine! I don't know if I've ever enjoyed one of your posts so much! It was so nice to feel I was invited and I was there for the party for your beloved Mom and Debjani too. Your decorations and table settings were lovely, as were your delicious-looking food offerings!!!!!!! You are such a good friend to Debjani, sharing your Mom's party with her birthday too. My favorite photo was of EVERYONE at the party! You will treasure that photo in the future, I am sure. Please wish Debjani a Happy Bday for me. And, of course, best wishes to "Nanay" on her 93rd bday. She looked WONDERFUL! So beautiful!
Best,
Gloria

KathyB. said...

Christine, I cannot believe your Mother is so close to 100 years of age.She is lovely, and more youthful looking than many women I know who are decades younger.Plus, she is blessed to be with you & your family...maybe that contributes to her youth.

Your table-setting and food , scrumptious!You sure do know how to put on a party. Happy birthday to your mother & friend.~

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Christine,
once again you have overdone yourself. This party is so fantastic and perfect. I love the turquise and white dishes. And the food is outstanding. Your Mom must have felt very special. Congratulations to her and to your friend.
Best greetings, Johanna

Lynn said...

Happy B-Day to your Mom Christine! Such a pretty table and the food looks amazing, I'm sure everyone had a great time:@)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Christine, what a wonderful hostess you are! Your table and food look fabulous! Love the colour scheme. Aqua blues and watery blues are a favourite. The polka dots and shell motifs really caught my eye. Thanks for sharing this super post with Tea Time and Happy Birthday to your beautiful mother and friend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, how wonderful to have the chance to celebrate another fabulous birthday with your mom. She is amazing and so beautiful. You do always set the most amazing tables, and you are such a wonderful cook, I always drool over all you make for these fabulous feasts. Beautiful pictures and looks like such a wonderful time. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Silvia said...

wow really lovely Christine!..Happy birthday to your mommy!!!!...everything looks delicious.btw need to know where you got those white seashells please, you have beautiful things..have a great day, love Silvia:)

Traci said...

It looks like a fabulous party & all the food looks amazing!!! I love the colors you went with. Very summery!

Kim, USA said...

Happy Birthday to your beloved Mama and to your friend Debjani. And yes I agree to you, your mom's skin is super duper beautiful at her age. I don't think mom put a lot of lotion in that pearly skin she had hehe! You have the most beautiful dishes and love the food too i am drooling ^_^ Happy Tuesday and thanks for the visit! ^_^

Susan T said...

So lovely of you to leave a message on my post. I cannot believe that your Mother is 93! and that you have grandchildren. You obviously have VERY youthful genes.
What a wonderful family party - a feast fit for a king.
Are the photos at the top some of your grandchildren? they are so very beautiful.

a quiet life said...

what a fabulous get together, of course i was playing where is waldo! wonderful spread and your mother looks so YOUNG! beautiful family, what a treat to see you all gathered and happy~

Dolores said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful/young looking mom and friend.
You amaze me...... the food and table look wonderful.....how in the world do you do all that you accomplish in such a beautiful way????????

Debjani said...

Thanks again, everyone, for wishing me a happy birthday!

Terri said...

Hello Christine,

Thanks for the tip on disabling "keep me signed in" in order to make blog comments. I would have never dreamed that would affect something like comments! Your momma looks AMAZING for her age!

Terri said...

It worked! Thanks again!

Terri said...

Christine, you are really something! Your table looks so lovely and the food you have created looks so amazing! What a delightful way to celebrate your loved ones. Your mother is so sweet, and beautiful too! Happy Birthday to her!
Hugs,
Terri

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Happy Birthday, Christine's Mom! Christine,you have set an amazingly beautiful table for this special celebration... everything is so nicely coordinated with the beachy theme and all the blue touches... your china is simply gorgeous... loved it! with those raised shell pattern...and the food simply looks scrumptious! Wow! what a spread! Loved those blue glasses and flatware and that pretty tea set is just perfect for this whole tablescape. Mom looks so beautiful and sweet and her skin is indeed glowing! Hugs~Poppy

http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

Martha's Favorites said...

Wow! Can I join your family? Everything is so beautiful. I don't know where you keep all your dishes. What a wonderful thing to do for your Mama. A blessing to her and you. Martha

Tricia said...

Christine, I don't know ANYONE who entertains as beautifully as you do! To do all the cooking AND set such a gorgeous table is most impressive! I know your mother and your friend enjoyed this special celebration. Your mother is beautiful -- I can't believe she is 93!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Happy 93rd Birthday to your Mom and also happy birthday to Debjani! Wow, what a spread you made. Everything looks delicious. Sorry you had to be inside but I am sure everyone had a great time.

Karin Åžen Cankan said...

Happy Birthday to your mom and friend.

The table looks perfect in everyway, and the food so delicious looking.

Great party I'm sure everyon enjoyed themselfs as I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you for sharing.

Lots of Love,
Karin Åžen Cankan
karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Hi Christine,

Your table looks so festive and has made me VERY hungry too! It reminds me of when my family gets together...there are so many of us. You an your Mom BOTH have such beautiful skin...I've always thought that about you, ever since I found your blog a year or so ago. I hope she had a Happy Birthday, and your friend too!

Nancy

jin said...

93rd Birthday for your Mom is such an very great things. Happy Birthday to your Mom and also Debjani. All the recipe 's are looking very yummy and delicious.
London escorts

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Happy Birthday to your sweet Mother and best Friend !!! The food looks wonderful ~~~ I will be right over..
I hope you all had a Great Time !!!
God Bless you and your family.
xxoo Diane

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Christine, pal, there's so much to see and admire at your table, it'll take up a whole page!, but...the mermaid ice bucket is sure adorable and the white parrot!! Your mom looks so happy! I just did a tablescape for TT at BNOTP with things you like...I just know!, we share a similar taste, I think. Have a great weekend. FABBY

Babs said...

Christine, Oh my your mother is so beautiful at 93. Happy Birthday to her and your friend,Debjani.
Your seascape buffet is wonderful. I love the centerpiece and the way you wrapped the flatware in the napkins. Of course, the food looks so delicious and such a variety. You really worked hard. :)
Thank you for visiting my blog with sweet comments and I hope you have a great weekend.
Babs

Rettabug said...

♫♪♪ Happy Birthday to Mom & Debjani ♫♪♪ ☺

What a spectacular celebration, Christine! You really outdid yourself, Honey. I bet your feet hurt by the end of the night.
The table looks fantastic...no wonder you have so many dishes...you LOVE to entertain. Bummer on having to bring it all inside, though.

Please give your sweet Momma a birthday hug from me. You are so very lucky to still have her with you to celebrate. Mine passed away at 78 & I miss her every single day.

fondly,
Rett

p.s. I KNOW John will love my coconut pie!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Happy Happy birthday to your mom and to Degjani :o)
What a beautiful and amazing birthday celebration! You are an awesome hostess! It all looks incredible!

Blessings & Aloha!
(I'm so glad that I stopped by to catch up! ...although my birthday wishes are a little late.)

Savannah Granny said...

I just wrote this long comment. I went to post, got a service error and my comment disappeared.
In short is said... Everybody looks awesome especially you and your Mom. The wonderful food makes me hungry and I love you girl. Short version. Ginger

lvroftiques said...

Shoot! How'd I miss this post?! Well a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your mom and Debjani! And wow what a spread!! Great job Christine! I think you deserved a little cheat too *winks* Vanna

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