When I discussed options with my mom about her upcoming 75th birthday, she wanted to celebrate with her good friends and do something original. That’s when we came up with the idea of a ladies-only wine tasting party!
I planned a wine-themed al fresco affair, complete with small bites to compliment each course, and set out to coordinate the decor.
Meanwhile, Mom put together a list of 24 of her closest, and long-time (70 years!) friends to help ring in 75 with a bang.
When appropriate, I try to coordinate my outfit with the color scheme — not to draw attention to myself, but instead to compliment the theme
It’s not a party without Palmer
The invitations & tasting cards
Wine-stained invitations were an ideal way to set the tone for our celebration, right from the start!
For the task of invitations, I enlisted my paper wizard friend, Natalie Mezaros of Pretty Paper Club, for these custom-designed beauties. Together, we chose rich wine hues that really set the tone for our unique affair.
These wine cards were a nice way for guests to participate in the affair by taking notes
We also created these tasting cards to allow each guest to take notes on the wines as they were presented.
My hubby, a certified sommelier, led the tasting and went through the elements (sight, smell, taste) to help deduct the process of how wines are characterized.
The flowers
This eye-popping display added several wine tones to our table setting
I consulted with my friend, Jennifer Grant of Petals, to create some especially beautiful flowers for this party. She delivered big time! She used wooden wine crates filled with a gorgeous display of hydrangeas, roses, peonies, greenery, grapes, cabbage, and kale. I was absolutely blown away when she brought these in to my house!
Once the table setting was complete, the colors were stunning!
I rented a 16 foot-long table, so lots of flowers were needed to fill the space. The wine boxes created length down the center, and were show-stoppers that fit the theme perfectly.
Grapes were such a fun surprise to find throughout the arrangements. I can’t think of a more appropriate floral display for our affair!
Real grapes and cabbage adorned the floral boxes, adding some incredible interest and texture to the arrangements.
The table linens
The tablecloth I selected was velvet, adding depth to an otherwise very crisp look
I’ve been waiting for the perfect occasion to use linens from the famous La Tavola luxury linen company. And this was it! I knew their velvet tablecloths would be exquisite for my tablescape. I visited their showroom in Scottsdale, and their consultants helped me choose (once I stopped drooling) this sumptuous king’s drape in a shade called… wait for it… Pinot. Pretty perfect!
The place setting
Four wine glasses around each table setting, ready for our tasting!
Clipboards purchased in bulk, spray-painted in a matte violet, and tied with a simple grosgrain ribbon made a great surface for the tasting cards. My neighbor’s daughter (who is in eighth grade by the way) put her talent to work and personalized each clipboard in a modern calligraphy font for each guest. And because names appeared on each board, they doubled as place cards.
No room for elbows at this table!
It was a challenge to fit five glasses (4 wine, plus 1 water) around each place setting, so thank goodness I decided to rent the extra wide 48-inch tables. Believe it or not, it was more economical to buy all of the wine glasses rather than rent, so I found these all-purpose glasses in boxes for 12, making storage easy. Natural mango driftwood charger plates provided a nice contrast to the deep-toned tablecloth, and I’m now the proud owner of 24. Let me know if you ever need to borrow two dozen light wood chargers or 125 wine glasses!
The food & wine
Caviar toast points were served as our first course
I brought in a fantastic caterer, Jennifer’s Catering, for the four-course tasting menu, and worked closely with them to pair the food with our wines selections.
Here’s what we served:
- 1st Course: Caviar Toast Points with Champagne
- 2nd Course: Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with White Burgundy
- 3rd Course: Pancetta-wrapped Beef Filets with Red Bordeaux
- 4th Course: Pear Tartlettes with Semillon
Champagne was served with the first course
My husband, the sommelier, so happy with his Champagne
The birthday girl & her guests
Hosting this party outdoors allowed plenty of space for guests to mix and mingle before they were seated
The matriarch of my family — in pink and in all her splendor!
Presenting the wines
Happy Birthday, Mom!
The celebration was a hit, the decor came together beautifully, and my mom and her friends all enjoyed the wine tasting party!
Lory,
This is just stunning! The colors are superb and the flowers are incredible! What a lovely event for your mother and her friends. I love the idea of wearing a coordinating color to your event!! You are incredibly talented.
Thanks so much Mary. It was such a fun party to create – I loved celebrating my mom with all of her friends there! Xoxo Lory
I am in awe and enjoyed every loving and thoughtful detail you put into this wine tasting Birthday party for your mother. What a beautiful gift you bestowed to her. An unforgettable event from start to finish! Bravo Lory!
Awww, thank you Marie! Your words are so sweet and mean so much. It was truly such a joy to host this party. Xoxo Lory
What a beautiful gathering & celebration for your Dear mom, everything looked Absolutely stunning. Bravo to the host & hostess !
Thanks for some great ideas, as I’m planning a 60 th surprise Birthday wine tasting party for my friend, so can I please borrow your wine glasses lol my hats off to you for all your hard work ! What a blessing you are to your mom, I can’t wait to see what you do for her 80 th! Kind regards B