Although it wasn’t a milestone birthday, I decided to make this year’s celebration a little extra special. An appetizer and dessert party with the people closest to me (Mom, Dad, Renae, Jeff, and Tammy) felt like the perfect way to celebrate. I chose recipes that could mostly be made ahead or were simple to prepare, which meant I could have everything ready before my guests arrived.

It turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate—good food, sweet treats, and, most importantly, time spent with people I love. Taking the stress out of the cooking meant I could relax and enjoy every moment with my guests. It was a simple celebration, but one filled with plenty of delicious memories that I’ll cherish.

Decorations:

• Birthday Banner

• Blue Balloons

Table:

• Tablecloth – Blue tablecloth

• Placemats – Paper Doilies

• Napkins – White cloth

• Napkin Rings: Silver Herbs

• Flowers – Blue Hydrangea

• Plates – Blue floral

• Place Cards – Lenox dry erase place cards

• Homemade Menu Cards

Appetizers

• Lemon Water / Sparking Water / Coffee / Tea

• Caprese Skewers

• Crinkle Cut Carrot, Red Bell Pepper, Snow Peas with Lime Peanut Sauce

• Zucchini cups with Tomato Garlic Lentils

• Dad’s Onion Rings

• Italian Cheese Board – Fontina, Fresh Mozzarella, Rosemary Olive Oil Asiago, Crunchy Italian Breadsticks

• Irish Cheese Board – Red Irish Cheddar with Chili Peppers, Irish Cheddar with Whiskey, Blarney Gouda, Oat Cakes

• Herb Focaccia Rolls

• Chilled Beet Cherry Soup

• Spinach Ricotta Pinwheels

Desserts

• Watermelon with Lime Juice and Zest

• Greek Yogurt No-Bake Cheesecake served in Lemons with Blueberry Mint Garnish

• Strawberry Ice Cream

• Brownie Chocolate Whipped Cream Cup – Used Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Premium Brownie Mix

My critique of the meal: 

I wouldn’t make the same focaccia rolls and spinach pinwheels again since other recipes are better. As always, Dad’s Onion Rings are a hit. The Chilled Beet Cherry soup was delicious. I bought a Cherry Pitter to make prep easier. I was pleased with my idea of a heritage cheese board. It was fun to select cheese from Italy and Ireland. All of the desserts were easy to make, delicious, and beautiful.