Ever since I can remember, I have counted down the days to my birthday. Literally. It’s always been for me, about the celebration – reflecting on the year that’s passed and setting intentions for the year to come. I also look forward to the same when celebrating my spouse’s birthday. Our birthdays are only 12-days apart! After being together for twelve years and married for one, it was no surprise that I was going to create something special. I adore that my better half looks forward to me creating a celebration and tells me that each time, “I make it into a memorable affair”…awww!
Since we were able to return home for several days, until my next treatment – we’ve been soaking up each moment at home. We took this “time off” as a blessing in disguise to give my body and mind rest before my next infusion. We both consider our home, our haven so pretty much every year, it is requested that we celebrate at home with a nice meal. So last night, I took ‘at-home date night’ to the next level, with a special birthday dinner celebration – reserved for two. My thoughts turned to cozying up the dining room and making the table an inviting spot filled with festive birthday cheer!
The Details.
I removed all but two chairs from our dining room and took the leaf out of the table in order to create a more intimate setting. The inspiration started with the purple and blue hydrangeas I picked from our front yard. To keep it clean and classic, I went with an all white, polka-dot table linen, with accents of silver and gold from the table decor and dishware, to the flatware. I love how it reflects off everything on the table!
The centerpiece was filled with candle lights balloons, and my semi-homemade birthday cake, took center stage.
On the dinner menu.
When thinking of what I wanted to cook for dinner, I knew I wanted it to be delicious but special too. Ever since hearing about the Engagement Chicken recipe Meghan Markle cooked for Prince Harry, I was intrigued to know what this roast chicken would taste like. Meghan happens to be a fan of Barefoot Contessa’s perfect roast chicken recipe. I’m already married but hey why not have your partner’s eyes light up when taking a first bite and praising you for a delicious meal created. It was simple to make and the ingredients are fresh herbs and lots of lemons.
I paired this roast chicken with gruyere and thyme stacked potatoes, and for the vegetables, I went with a roasted broccoli and cauliflower recipe with parmesan and garlic.
A decadent dessert.
Do you remember this Trader Joe’s pancake mix post? Well, I used this Coconut Cake with Whipped Lemon cream recipe. You guys, this cake is damn good!! The whipped cream is folded with lemon curd and I garnished the top of the cake with lemon zest. I think we had a theme going on with lemons for dinner and dessert! This is a MUST try recipe if you love coconut and lemon flavored anything.
Evening Glow…
Set the table, light candles, and cook something delicious – and suddenly a night at home is elevated into a moment worthy of savoring and remembering.
Cheers!
P.S. check out my insta story to see a video snippet of this birthday dinner tablescape!
-Photos + Tablescape Styling by Rose Angel Lopez
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