Longer days, relaxed schedules and a quiet social calendar are amongst my favorite hallmarks of summer. Ironically, I complained about these exact things when I was younger, particularly when they impacted my August birthday parties. As my loving mother promised me, as an adult I am thrilled with the season of my birth. More importantly, I love throwing a party for fellow Geminis, Cancers, Leos and Virgos. When hosting an adult birthday celebration, go theme-light. While I’m a fan of a good costume party, I think birthdays are enough of an event. A host can have fun being thoughtful and thematic through party elements versus asking one’s guests to source costumes. After all, it’s summer and it’s hot. Let your guests wear their caftans. Host an upbeat dinner party in a friend’s honor. If that feels too formal, pool parties, game nights, or even an outdoor movie screening will feel special. Make a playlist from the honoree’s high school years. Select a specialty cocktail from a region they love to travel to or one which pairs with a favorite cuisine. Cook or outsource a favorite meal. Lastly, delight in the act of both doing something thoughtful for a loved one and giving your other guests something to look forward to during their summer lull. Cheers!
Honorary New Orleanian Liza Joseph (@the_lizatini) shares incredible, festive recipes through her social channels. Whisk your guests away with this tropical refresher:
Coconut Margarita
2.5oz Blanco Tequila
0.5oz Orange Liqueur
1.5oz light coconut milk
1.0oz lime juice
0.5oz vanilla syrup (or agave)
Shake ingredients & serve over ice!
*Optional – rim glass with vanilla bean syrup and habanero salt.
If going the game night route, select a game anyone can learn quickly and not get dragged down by too many rules! The Parlor Game, Octavia Books, octaviabooks.com.
Add some sparkle for an even more magical birthday wish moment. Gold Tapered Meri Meri
Birthday Candles, Sparkle and Swag, sparkleandswag.com.
What’s a birthday party without a cake? Doberge, multiple flavors available, Debby Does Doberge, debbiedoesdoberge.com.
For an outdoor movie create a popcorn bar with special toppings. Bourbon Smoked Paprika Salt, Hilltop Shoppe, hilltopshoppe.com.
If celebrating a local music lover, decorate your table with these fun sculptures. Lorraine Gendron wood cut-outs, Home Malone, homemalonenola.com.
