After throwing my sister a mini wedding with my friend back in June, I was itching to do another event. Since quitting retail and now working from home, I’ve been craving doing other creative projects. We were planning on going to my parent’s lakehouse for my friend’s 30th birthday with a group of friends, many whom are creatives. It was the perfect mix of eclectic people that go all out and are just as extra as me. We decided on a Bohemian Solstice theme.
Our first matter of business was acquiring pampas grass…. A lot of pampas grass. I quickly learned that pampas can be quite expensive in the U.S. Luckily my friend that was coming to the party and helping me plan was staying with his family in Mexico. We were able to get 70 pampas for only $37. I was so happy I could cry. After purchasing the pampas however, we realized it’s a plant and that it might be difficult to get into the country. After multiple calls to DHL, Customs and the Department of Agriculture we were cleared to bring it in. My husband will never understand why this was so important, but like, aesthetic!
We knew that we wanted to do a circular structure surrounded by pampas and other dried flowers. At first we thought of getting tubing, etc. Then, by chance, we stopped at a dollar store to get some tiki fuel and there it was. A perfectly round hula hoop for $3 that was the perfect size to fit behind a chair. We bought some zip ties and we were able to attach the hula hoop to the chair. We tied pampas around the hoop and added other mixed stems.
For the tabletop we used a mix of rose gold, blush and nude tones. Pampas plumes, bunny tails and hand-picked reeds and flowers from near the lake house filled the table and were accompanied by candles and tiki’s. Macrame runners, ceramic pots and crystal accents completed the look. We made sure to use faux candles near the pampas as it could have turned into a fire hazard real quick! A handmade paper menu with a deckled edge was wrapped with a rose color edged linen napkin with 2 reeds.
For dinner, we served grilled steaks, pesto pasta with bacon and leeks, and strawberry and avocado salad. (Recipes coming soon!) For dessert Laura requested tiramisu. Because it was her birthday and I wanted her to still have a cake I made a tiramisu cake. The genoise cake was spongy and soaked with strong coffee. The mascarpone frosting was so fluffy, and creamy and filled the 3 layers.
The cocktails are always a crucial part of any dinner party. I made a couple of my husband and I’s quarantine go to’s, the Verdita Margarita and the Watermelon Sugar High. The Verdita Margarita was half gone before I even got a pic! The best part about the Verdita is that you will have extra and you can serve it with beer as well. I especially like it with Mexican and Wheat beers.
At the end of the night, our friend brought his telescope out and set it up in the backyard. It was pitch black after the dinner and we were able to find Jupiter with its 4 moons and Saturn. It was truly amazing to see Saturn and its rings. It was the perfect way to end an amazing weekend with some great friends.
