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.
