Laura's Birthday Gathering

Let’s throw a party!  

In honor of our mom and founding artist Laura Johnson turning the big 6-0, we gathered our family for a festive and fabulous birthday party full of all her favorite things. With bursts of bright colorful balloons and glass vases full of fresh blooms, this birthday gathering turned out to be the party of the season.  

Ready to join the fun?

The Gathering  

Although our mom made it very clear that she did not want a big blow-out celebration, we knew that we had to celebrate her big birthday, and what better way than with delicious food and close family.  

We hosted the gathering at our aunt Marcie’s home to create a more intimate celebration where we could enjoy each other's company and share a meal around the dinner table. Marcie’s dining room was the perfect setting for this cheerful evening.  

The Inspiration  

The overall mood for this birthday gathering was inspired by a classic birthday celebration. Picture a room full of 100 colorful balloons, fresh florals, a giant birthday cake with candles, and plenty of toasting.

We ended up creating a mood board to ensure the festive vision came to life for her birthday party. We pulled from what we’ve noticed Laura mentioning a lot lately. Like the fresh garden roses of the season, amber and pink color palettes and some of her favorite foods. 

The Table  

When designing the tablescape we featured a simple foundation of classic white linen to set the base for the colorful glassware and floral centerpieces. Each arrangement featured blooming garden roses in tall vases that brought the table to life.  

The Place Setting  

A set table instantly makes an occasion feel extra special. As we were planning this birthday gathering, we knew having a sit-down dinner would make mom the happiest.  

We layered our latest Fundamentals Collection dinner plates and salad plates to bring a wood texture to each setting. The neutral color palette from the dinnerware and linens complemented the burst of lively colors.  

The Menu  

To kick-off the birthday celebrations, we served a tower of appetizers featuring fresh ingredients. We featured bruschetta made with delicious tomatoes that are at peak season along with a simple and hearty cheeseboard. We knew the main course would be heavy, so we kept the hors d’oeuvres simple and light.  

For dinner, a savory Porchetta that was slow-roasted all day was served alongside a fresh green salad to balance the heavier meal. The main course paired well with the sparkling Rosé that felt very appropriate for this summer soirée.  

To top off the delicious meal, we presented mom with her favorite dessert with a twist! She loves a classic key lime pie, so we recruited our favorite local bakery to turn this into a key lime cake for her birthday. It was a crowd favorite and the perfect way to end the night.  

Bright hues and festive décor is such a fun way to elevate any birthday celebration. Our mom’s birthday soirée was the perfect excuse to create our own take on a classic birthday celebration. 

We hope you feel inspired to celebrate and create your own festive birthday gathering full of punchy colors and décor.

Just don’t forget the 100 balloons!