Flowers for a Friend, and Music....

 One of my very good friends turned 50 a couple of weeks ago, and for her gift, I put together flowers for her party. My friend, Dorsey, always has wonderful parties. Her beautiful garden is the perfect setting. There is always delicious food, usually contributed by her numerous friends, as well as many a beverage. And there is music. Her family is one of those where music has always been important. She has a daughter who sings old jazz, a son who channels Roy Orbinson, and many friends who chip in....(more on that in a bit). 

And there are friends that have accumulated over a lifetime.....many of them.

 These friends got together to plan her party and as I said,  I did flowers. I plucked from my garden....lavender, rosemary, hydrangea foliage, and coleus. I went to the Farmers Market for Sunflowers, and the Wholesale Floral Market for berries, Peruvian Lilies, Safflowers and Kale. There is something about arranging flowers that is so satisfying. It is like decorating on a fast track....planned in one's head....elements purchased in a day...and finished in a couple of hours.

The car was full of beautiful color by the time I was done. I was ready to take it all to the party....

 I added little pots of crayons and put butcher paper on the tables for guests to leave birthday wishes....

Home again to get ready. By the time I returned....the music had begun....

 Young men playing French Gypsy Jazz....think Chocolat and you have it.... 

 They call themselves The World's Finest Apples....hop on over HERE to hear what they do...

The evening fell into night. Dorsey's daughter Molly sang with the young gents in accompaniment.....We filled ourselves with custom concocted salads....spinach, arugula, romaine, beets, mushrooms, gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, fresh corn, kalamata olives, pine nuts, grilled vegetables and so many other choices it was hard to decide.....then topped with grilled chicken, tri-tip or shrimp...and all served to our specifications....mmmmmmmm....

And there were cupcakes to celebrate..... and ice cream cones.....

Later....there was dancing.....

Such a wonderful celebration for a wonderful friend.