My dear sister Erin turned 30 last week. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Tim & I threw a party that we hoped would honor her well. Because she doesn’t love to be in the spotlight, I was so glad to host an intimate dinner party with some of her favorite things.
Since we’re planning a family trip to Paris this summer, I thought a French theme for her party would be fun. The Eiffel Tower introduced the celebration on the casual handwritten invitations. We planned a French menu and tried to incorporate as many Parisienne touches as possible.
I was so excited to use several vintage pieces from Jeni Maus’ incredible collection at Found Vintage Rentals. Her farm table, chairs, trunk, and end tables really made this a special occasion in Erin’s honor. I’m so thankful for Jeni’s impeccable eye and style. The furniture was just the right touch for this outdoor 30th birthday party.
My pièce de résistance was a reproduction of a “La Vache Que Rit” (Laughing Cow) cheese vintage poster. It tied together the theme, the color scheme and even the menu for me. Check out the cow wearing earrings with a cow wearing earrings with a cow wearing earrings…
I also chose to include some bold red accents. I created striped pillows and red napkins just for the party. Red sweet peas and garden roses from my backyard and my sister’s front yard graced the tables along with bouquets of fresh parsley. Even though I initially planned to use more elaborate florals, these casual arrangements seemed just right for the special day.
We started the evening with cocktails as guests arrived. What a treat to have the talented Maxwell Garces set the tone with gypsy jazz guitar. The live music definitely added an unexpected flair to the party.
I wanted to create an opportunity for guests to share what they loved about Erin and special memories they have with her. I know that she doesn’t love to be the center of attention, however, so I created a little museum, the Musee d’Erin, using an antique hutch.
Everyone brought a photo of her or an object that reminded them about Erin. What fun it was to see each person’s perspective on my beautiful sister.
Thanks to my friend Sarah Maizland for taking the wonderful photos.
Don’t miss tomorrow’s post. I’ll share about our menu and the rest of the lovely evening.
I’d love to hear what you think. Please leave me a comment.
Tags: birthday, birthday party, dinner party, farm table, French, Garden Roses, La Vache Que Rit, Laughing Cow, Museum, party, Red, Sweet Peas, Vintage, Vintage Chairs, Vintage French Birthday Party Theme
What a beautiful setting! Very elegant, but totally relaxed.
This birthday party is to die for!! Everything’s SO cute!!! Great job Allison!!
I hope your sister had a great day / birthday!
I absolutely love this. So creative and I love that it was held on your front lawn! What a beautiful gift from the heart for your sister!
[...] that you’ve seen the decor and details from Erin’s Vintage French 30th Birthday Party, I thought you might want to hear about the [...]
Looks like so much fun! I’m inspired!
I LOVE this party!!! Your details are great and I love all the special touches you put based on your sister’s likes. I also love that this party was on a front lawn! I took so much flack for doing a party on a front lawn.
Who says you can’t do it!!!!
Sharon