My favorite time of year is a very happy toss-up between the week of Derby and every day that falls between Thanksgiving and our annual holiday trip to Chicago to see the Christmas lights. Falling just behind, though, is the moment I get to set my table for my birthday, for the 4th of July.
This year, I did choose to go a little more red, white, and blue than normal with the help of Aerin Lauder for Williams-Sonoma. Blue and white scalloped dinner plates under a floral salad plate are strikingly bright against dark blue linens from Crate and Barrel.
Red came in in the form of some gorgeous peonies I spotted at Nanz and Kraft Florist, and their rich color added in just enough patriotism for me. Silver napkin rings and placard holders from Williams-Sonoma brought a little more formality to the table, while more natural texture showed up in the form of the vintage horn and silver salt and pepper shakers and the black marble vase from Mahonia Studio.
Birthday cake in my life was always a grand thing when Mamaw was planning. Italian Creme Cake was offered up on so many special occasions that I’ve had to take a break from it for the past several years. Lately, holidays and special occasions have had a much simpler dessert option. For me, this year, it was a white cake with plain buttercream, stuffed with a simple raspberry filling. Light, simple, and- at a petite 6″ size- is just sizable enough for everyone to have a taste. The milk glass stand was an Amazon find, and has gotten so much use!
Friends, we take off for our Second City on Wednesday for some fireworks, family time, and- hopefully- a lot of food. For my birthday, and almost every day during the summer, nothing sounds more perfect than a Chicago dog and shaved ice while lounging on North Avenue Beach. Stay safe, sweet readers, and Happy 4th!
** this post was not sponsored in any way. all thoughts and opinions are my own **
Shop the Table:
