Surprise parties are like a double edged sword! They are a lot of fun to plan, but not so fun to to try and keep it a secret from the guest of honour!
When my cousin asked me if I would help her plan her mom’s 70th birthday party I was more than happy to oblige!
I love planning anything that involves fresh flowers and delicious desserts!
While I really hope my Aunt was truly surprised when she arrived at her party, I know she had a great time! I sure enjoyed helping get it all together.
It was a casual affair with family and friends. It’s always nice to see my cousins who I don’t see often enough! I could spend hours looking through old photo’s and hearing all the stories that go along with them!
Flowers from the farmer’s market made a simple arrangement in one of my old enamel pitchers.
A few daisies and tiny rosebuds were tucked into mason jars for the dining tables.
I used Pink rununculus, gerbera daisies and baby’s breath to dress up the naked cake.
This was my second attempt at a naked cake! The first one wasn’t all dressed up. It was this delicious carrot cake. I really like this naked cake trend!
I tucked tiny rosebuds, daisies, baby’s breath and greenery around the cupcakes. Simple vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes were made without to much fuss. Casual rustic cupcakes!
Since I didn’t have a tiered cupcake stand, I created one by using a large wooden charger plate for the bottom, and stacked a dinner and lunch plate from my grandmother’s (my Aunt Marilyn’s mother) china. I used dollar store candle holders to create the height between each tier!
My Aunt Marilyn was the youngest of my dad’s 6 siblings, one of only two remaining.
I don’t know where my aunt was hiding this picture, but I thought my mom was going to cry when she saw it! It is my dad at age 14. He is holding my Aunt Marilyn’s hand. She had never seen a picture of him that young.
A good time was had by all. Lot of food, fun and family. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Until next time….
Maureen
Sweet!!! It’s so fun to look back at old photos and see the guest of honour at various stages of their life. My kids recently threw me a big party for my 60th (yikes!). They dressed the tables with photos of me from my childhood and as a young adult. I hadn’t even seen some of those photos myself.!
As for the naked cake…..haven’t done one yet, but I’m intrigued.
Yum! I love cake (and cupcakes!) and your naked cake turned out beautifully!
Just lovely! Your decorating is always so lovely! And now I want a cupcake 🙂
Awww! Thanks Lori 🙂
Thank you Carlee!