Birthday Pretties

Last week was my birthday and last weekend we celebrated with a small party!

(I really need a celebration in the wintery middle of March).

I had a really bad headache the day of the party and will admit that by the time the guests arrived, I would rather have laid on the sofa with an ice pack and a warm blanket than entertained guests.

But I forged ahead and made things look pretty while David cooked an amazing gourmet meal.

I bought a pretty mirror a short while ago, and although it's a bit small for the sideboard, I really liked the prettiness of it, which made the space look a bit like a lady's dressing table.  

There is a part of me that likes a very elegant feminine style and it's revealing itself now (as much as I sometimes strive for a more austere look):

I removed the long white runner from the sideboard.  It was so nice to see the lovely wood on the sideboard top, although it probably all seems too *brown* to some of you who are mixing in lighter woods.  

I love buying assorted flowers and putting them together in lively bouquets all around the house:

Eva Zeisel lidded bowl (left) and a very old Limoges bird plate (back)

The one great thing about having neutral walls and furniture is that I can add and subtract colours easily.  

A blue moment in the living room:

In the background, you can see the fun party banner I put up in the dining room

I like to keep the table very plain with white linens since I have a small living and dining space and don't want things to get too busy with all the girlish floweriness (hehe) going on:

Only one tiny arrangement for the table:

The flowers sit in an old crystal tabletop lighter I removed the top from...

The pretty sideboard mirror has a deep bevel.  It beautifully reflects the dining room chandelier:

David surprised me with two beautifully wrapped gifts (he is getting to know my favorite colour schemes):

I received lots of cards and money (lucky me!) - these two cards are from my aunt and darling mother.  The sweet little bone china fox is from David's mum: 

Here is the bounty the next morning - more cards and presents (a bottle of perfume on the left and a tiara, which is odd since I am not at all a princess):

I also got several decorating books, including "The Great Lady Decorators" from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law:

And this one from David:

Everyone gets a book list about two months before my birthday.  That way I get what I want and no one has to wonder what to buy me, although there are always some surprises thrown in.

Hope you have a lovely week...!