Last Friday, I welcomed a group of friends to celebrate Spring!
As I have lamented, it was a very long winter, so this was a celebration I had looked forward to and did my best to time when the tulips would be blooming. I got pretty close!
Knowing that I couldn’t control what would be blooming outside, I asked the lovely ladies of Outdoors Contained to help me create a garden inside. Several weeks ahead, we walked around the house to discuss what would go where and gathered my containers, so that it truly reflected my style. Another special element was the party favors….I wanted everyone to take home a mini bouquet. Outdoors Contained helped source these vintage style containers – some tall, some small – and we agreed that all the arrangements would be unique, with one specific detail. Each bouquet contained at least one pink tulip!
Another key decision was hiring Watson’s Catering to take care of the food. I knew that I wanted to be free to greet and visit with my guests, so I needed help making and serving the food and drinks (in my collection of pink glasses). In a small world twist, Watson’s owner, Susan Scully, grew up across the street from my house and her best friend lived in my house.
Unbeknownst to me when I planned the party, the Tulip Party feature in Better Homes and Gardens came out in the May issue. My friends, stylist Eddie Ross and artist Jeanne McKay Hartmann, who were collaborators on the article, were on the guest list, so it made for the perfect photo op among the tulips. In yet another small world twist…Eddie worked for Susan Scully when he was in high school and it was what motivated him to attend the Culinary Institute of America!
Here’s a look at how the party unfolded.
The “E” cake was a surprise gift from Susan….E for Elizabeth and E for Eddie! As the party continued into the early evening hours….that cake became our dinner with a side of champagne!
Here’s to Spring and celebrating with friends!
