finally- a birthday party theme!

My birthday isn't until mid April, but I've already been agonizing over a theme for this year's party. I love parties (obviously), so I tend to go totally over the top when throwing one for myself. I was determined to decide on a theme by March so I would have time to prepare the decorations, invitations, and pastry menu. After looking through all the party inspiration files on my computer, I immediately realized what kind of party it would be...

That's right. I am having a completely chaotic and decadent Marie Antoinette-style bacchanal for my birthday. Champagne will spill, plates will break, and cake will get everywhere, as usual. Except this time it will add to the decor.  I need to start stocking up on pastel tulle, silk, and lace immediately. 

an engagement tea

I threw this tea party over the weekend to celebrate my friend Serra's engagement (to my brother, of all people). After throwing a couple unusually themed parties, I couldn't wait to plan a classic feminine bash like this!

All the mismatched china, silver pieces, and lace tablecloths were found during an incredibly successful vintage shopping expedition to Michigan. I don't even drink tea, so I had a long list of tea accessories to hunt down!

During three insane days in the kitchen, I made four different tea sandwiches, currant scones, clotted cream, a four-layer cake, berry tarts, chocolate tarts, lemon meringue tarts, profiteroles, chocolate macarons, and raspberry macarons.

A chalkboard described the variety of loose leaf teas, which I certainly knew nothing about.

I despise cutting the cake! All that hard work, ruined in one quick second. I butcher it every time. At least this one had a surprise inside...