i recently had the honor of helping plan my cousin joan’s 40th birthday party.  when an italian party was decided on, i immediately knew the theme would be “la dolce vita,” which translates to “the sweet life” in italian.  what a perfect way to celebrate a birthday milestone, with a night full of all the sweetest things in life… food, drinks, music, and an intimate party with your closest friends and family.

from classy invitations by in a card to set the theme and tone of the evening…

to a complimenting and really “sweet” party favor…

each party favor, by in a card, had a little thank you note tucked inside and was sealed with a picture of joan when she was a little girl to remind everyone that she is “fabulous at every age!”

for decorations, i arranged fresh flowers and candles throughout the house

freshly picked from the downtown L.A. flower mart that morning, with the help of joan’s husband, jonathan, who is also by the way the person responsible for throwing this fabulous party to honor his wife

5 different wines plus italian cream sodas to wet the palette while enjoying caprese salad, chicken parmigiana, lasagna and garlic bread from a wonderful local deli, claro’s italian market

and what party wouldn’t be complete without dots cupcakes (served with a side of cannoli of course, from claro’s)

it was a wonderful party enjoyed by all and hopefully a very memorable one for the, always fabulous, birthday girl.