A Greek Style Birthday Soirée

When you can't travel to Greece, you bring Greece to you!

Party Planning and Decor have forever been amongst my biggest passions. Having been raised by an interior designer/party planner, as well as the craftiest and most creative mother in the world, I suppose it is something that just runs in the family. Ever since I was a little girl, and July would approach, my mother and I were completely hands on and immersed in a world of party streamers, balloons, and souvenir bags to create the perfect birthday party!! In a world of different themes nonetheless, including Winnie the Pooh, Hawaiian Luau, Parisian Patisserie, Spa, Japanese and oh so many more. 

I guess none of that has really changed...

Since last year, I had been excited thinking about what theme to bring to life for this year's birthday party, oh and believe me, I've got a LONG list of themes I just love, so much I doubt I'll have enough birthdays to create them all!!!

I am also quite lucky to have a summer birthday, making it possible to enjoy the celebrations outdoors ! ... That being of course if the unpredictable British weather cooperates, and fortunately it did !

With the huge turn of events and all that has been happening in 2020, my birthday plans had to naturally be adjusted, meaning we would have a smaller and more intimate celebration at my parents home, which in the end turned out to be perfect. 

Not being able to travel nor enjoy the beach and some incredible locations abroad, I suddenly felt the urge to create something travel and seaside inspired. Something that would transport me and my guest to the breezy laid back Mediterranean  Islands, like something out of Mamma Mia! with a soundtrack of Meryl Steep and Cher singing in the background of course !

I wanted it all to feel fun, rustic and inviting, whilst we all enjoyed some home cooked meals with a glass of wine and Ouzo!  

Since I was aiming at those breezy sea vibes, the main colour here had to be turquoise ! I had these runners and napkins hand made for the occasion. I though the stripes gave such a nice texture and contrast to it all, as well as alluding to the Greek flag. For that rustic vibe, I rented this white wood table and folding chairs for a true outdoor Greek Bistro ambience straight out of the hills of Santorini. I thought these wicker under plates were just perfect with the setting and ended up matching slightly with the marks on the various sea shells we had brought over from Cornwall. 

​Pink Bougainvillaea, as seen on 99,99% of all Postcards from the Greek Isles, seemed like the indisputable choice. 

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with a custom drink I decided to call "Aegean Breeze", which is simply the feel I get from just from glancing at it. 

​I'll be sharing the recipe soon!

Right next to the main table you could spot the beach beads! I was actually so lucky the company who rented them to me had these white and turquoise striped covers that went so well with my table runners and cushions ! Pure destiny is you ask me!

Guests were able to relax and enjoy some iced tea under the summer sun, and cool off if they wished to have a swim!

As the biggest fashion lover, a birthday party means a chance to doll up and put together the perfect outfit to go with the theme! I by all means had to go with the Athena look! duh!

Now, moving on to what has got to be my favourite part! The Cake !!

If you know me, you'll know that one of my biggest hobbies is creating cakes and pastries! I just feel that with any social event or gathering, guests are immediately drawn to the cake! Yes, it may seem like this is only a small bit in the grand scheme of the event, but a cake at a party just symbolises so much, whilst it sparks this tiny flame of joy when it is being cut and served! Like the cherry on top of the party, so there is naturally very little room for error in this field !

When first thinking about this cake, I wanted to create something with a home-y and natural feel, which I believe is what the Greek Isles are all about! With that in mind, I gave it a semi naked finish and adorned it with bougainvilleas and white gerpom flowers to go with the centrepieces. 

In terms of flavour, I decided on a Lemon Olive Oil sponge cake, filled with a blueberry and Greek yoghurt pastry cream. 

To bring in those coastal Mediterranean Island vibes, and really bring the theme alive, I decided on surrounding the cake with crushed biscuits to look like sand and created these seashell sugar cookies in royal icing with a shinny pearl and little flowers inside to match with the colour palette! The guests each got a little box to grab a biscuit, along with the little white chocolate sea shells surrounding them as souvenirs !

Thank you all for joining me on the wonderful experience that it was to create my Greek style birthday party!

I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to reading all your comments !

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more party, decor and fashion inspiration! 

With love,

Tatiana