HOW I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY DURING A PANDEMIC

Birthdays are not cancelled!

Covid-19 has changed the way in which we do many things, even when it comes to celebrations. Birthdays are just one of the milestones that are being celebrated a little differently now. We have gotten creative with how to celebrate special occasions…between virtual Zoom parties, a car parade, social distancing house visits from family/friends, etc. Celebrations are still important and my spouse and I were not going to let the pandemic make us into party poopers!

Usually, my birthdays involve a fancy dinner in the city with my spouse or a week getaway at our favorite beach destination. Because we are being extra careful since I have a compromised immune system, it isn’t worth it for us to dine out or take a vacation. There was no reason I couldn’t still have a celebration, so I got creative.

Make your own Party!

Here are a few tips on how I created a fun way to make my birthday feel special at home.

• Where is your party spot? Pick a room in your home you think would make a great place to hang out for the duration of your party. I got really extra and decked out a portion of our living room. I used our ottoman as a dessert table that was later transformed for a romantic candlelight dinner for two (if you have a coffee table, that works too!) Yes, I ate cake before dinner…after-all, it was my birthday and that’s acceptable, right?! If you plan on celebrating with a special birthday dinner, you can either order for delivery from your favorite restaurant or if your spouse, significant other, or your best friend/roommate feels inclined to cook for you, relax and take in feeling pampered on your special day.
• Have your cake. A birthday is not complete without blowing out the candles on your birthday cake…so make a wish! The table included vegan-baked goods from a local baker that included cake and cupcakes. I also added a pot of flavored hot tea and of course champagne, for toasting!
• Pick a color theme. Since I knew the living room would be the space we would celebrating in, I wanted to compliment the existing color palette of the furnishings and decor. I went with hues of rose gold, chrome gold, peach, dusty rose and burgundy. In order for the items on the ottoman to not fall over, I laid a large piece of wood over top of the ottoman. I then covered it with a white table cover and draped this sheer table runner in a pretty dusty rose color. I also used this chiffon silk-like ribbon for more texture by tying a bow on the champagne bottle and wrapping it around the base of the crystal flower vase.
• Go all out with Decorations. I made good use of balloons by using this DIY balloon garland kit. I draped the balloon garland on the top of our sofa. I also decorated with this set of latex balloons. Let’s talk flowers…a major decoration essential. My better half gifted me with an array of beautiful blooms from our local florist. Since it is already known that I enjoy creating my own flower arrangements, the bouquet was filled with loose flowers like Peonies, Roses, Carnations, Stock, Orchids, Queen Anne’s Lace, Eucalyptus and a few other flowers I don’t know the name of.
• Get dressed up. This is a day to celebrate yourself and what better way to feel special than to get all dolled up. Capture pictures to honor your special birthday for years to come.

Despite all that has transpired in the world these past several months, I was reminded that all that I truly need more than anything is my health, my family, and my loving spouse. I still have the gift of life and for that, I’m very grateful!

So, if you have a birthday coming up, host yourself a birthday party at home and celebrate you!