So....here is Part 1 of my Birthday Lunch.....These Gift Bag 'Bags', were from a different place and were somewhat taller than any I had used before...I loved the color! Lavender is my favorite color---so they were perfect....Except for one tiny problem....The little cute letters that I was sent by Betty's cousin Carol....though a wonderful idea, in theory.....just wouldn't stay on these bags....lol....Something to do with the paper that these particular bags were made of, I think......So I lost my "N" almost immediately...making my name 'aomi'....and the "Y" on Betty's bag came off, leaving her 'Bett'....I did try to keep putting them back on just long enough for all the ladies to see there full name....It was a loosing battle.
As you can see here....in both Betty and Kim's bags, the letters are coming away from the paper....My favorite is this one below....the "A" in Dianne, on the way down.....lol.
And if you look carefully at that first picture again or right in the picture above, you will see that when I put the "N" back in my name, I stuck it on upside down.....Like I said...More Trouble Than It Was Worth, but a very lovely idea....! In spite of that---the table with the bags really looked very pretty.....
Besides having the beautiful flowers, a gift from Van, (Terri's Flowers from Van were on the Living Room Glass Table....you will be seeing more of them along the way)---Van's flowers were in the middle of the table. Besides all these gorgeous arrangements, I asked Van to do something special that I could put on the table for each lady....like, maybe with an Orchid or something......
And he sure did come up with something incredibly pretty and something that each of them could absolutely take home....They were these truly stunning Orchid Sprays! I loved that he covered the little water glass with a leaf tied with a bow......
All I said to him was that my colors in the Table Cloth were Lavender, Pink and a bit of blue......I just loved what he did and so did the ladies......
Then, in front of each bag (And inside, too) were these little personalized 'Happy Birthday Naomi' bags of M&M's in colors chosen by me.....
It's just a nice little edible 'chocolate' touch that everyone can take home with them.....Oh, and by the way, each gift bag had a very tall thingy in it that commemorates July 4th, which I knew would be coming very soon after my Birthday.....
These were the biggest Pin Wheels I have ever seen...but I thought they were so very colorful and fun and appropriate for the coming Holiday....And as you can just barely see over there on the extreme left side...there was a Back Scratcher in each bag---all the Ladies were thrilled with this very useful item! (More about the gift bags contents, later.....).......
And so....here are the Ladies.....Above, the wonderful Jacquie Scott---who's Birthday was two days before mine, and who's name was included on the cake, and the fabulous Bridget Hanley. They were having a few laughs.
And me---The Birthday Girl and the very dear and extremely talented Annie Guilbert....This is the only picture of me, taken by Bridget...But I am very happy to have it, even though I am quite 'pudgy', shall we say...But, that is the natural color of my hair! So, drat it that I'm somewhat overweight---it's all that delicious chocolate I am always allowing myself......!
And above.....two more of the beautiful "Ladies", the very dear Seemah Wilder, who's Birthday we well celebrate at the end of July, and the still very gorgeous Kim Hamilton, who's Birthday we will celebrate in early September....Kim had just arrived back here from New York 4 days before the Luncheon....and she now has a second Great Granddaughter....Fantastic!
And rounding out our little group of eight Ladies, the incredible Betty Garrett, who, as we know, just turned 90 years old on May 23rd, and the very wonderful Dianne Travis, who's Birthday we celebrated in March of this year....and of course, there is dear Jacquie, again......Notice please, Betty's clothing.....Later, she changed into a very special costume as part of the "special" Birthday present that all of the Ladies gave me this year......
We had some goodies before lunch....My favorites: Hummus and Pita Chips, some Crudites with Dill Dip.......
And that Bowl above over on the right-----my all time favorite: It's a Chicken Curry with Raisins that you put on Crackers or Pita Chips....Yum, Yum, Yum.......! Oh, and by the way, look at these adorable earrings that Annie has on....Cute as a button!
She is a Mermaid.....! Everyone loved these earrings and wanted them for themselves........
More To Come.......
Note: Part Two will be coming along soon....and there may even be a part three.....Hope you have enjoyed Part One, my dears......
- had this to say:
What could be more wonderful than to be given an orchid spray to take away.
I love your use of colour - it would brighten anyone's day.
You look great and the baby of them all. What I love is how relaxed you all look and why wouldn't you with all those goodies - to say nothing of the actual food. Those dips yum yum!- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 2:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I just love your birthday celebrations and lunches. Everything is so pretty. I can't wait to see what costume Betty donned.
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4:08:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
The dendrobium orchid sprays were a wonderful touch, Naomi. I love seeing the photos. Too bad the letters didn't stick. Next time, use magic markers to paint them on - you're an artist - you can do it!
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 5:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
there's never been a time I haven't enjoyed your ladies who lunch! And your birthday is great so far!..and you look fabulous Naomi!
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 5:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, Naomi I love the way you write your posts because you make it very inclusive as if we are right there celebrating with you. Lavendar bags - how lovely.
And the orchids are just gorgeous. Van is clearly very talented. Everything matches - oh I do love complementary colours.I can tell you love attention to detail and it shows. Everything is so well thought out. The M&Ms - where do you get those done? Great idea.
What wonderful friends you have. And by the way, you are looking fantastic. It was great to see a birthday pic of you. Your hair is natural? You have less greys then me, a beautiful complexion and you do look the baby in the group.
Looking forward to the next part. What fun!- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 5:57:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
OMG! I am so sorry that I missed your birthday. You see I was on vacay at Odd's parents planning my wedding which is actually tomorrow at 2pm. That's why I am bit in a stress lately.
You looked so radiant there as usual and ladies looked like their having a blast. The flowers looked great and I like those goodie bags too!
Anyway, it's better late than never. Belated Happy Birthday. And can you email me your home address coz I might send some homemade cookies (if it's possible and hopefully it is!) to you.- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 7:02:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Loved that post! Roll on part two! xx
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 7:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Here I am :) Hurray!!!
Sorry to be so so so so late my dear Naomi but just wanna wish you a Belated Birthday Greetings.
You don't look a inch of 78 at all and may all your wishes come true with lots of cheers & health always!!!
Luv you much and what a wonderful celebration there with the Ladies who lunched :) Wish I was there to partake this lovely day :D
Luv
Betty- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 8:25:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Looks like such a fun time!
I love the flowers!- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 8:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Love how every detail is taken care of, wonderful table and decorations.
Oh, I am an earring person, love those mermaids!! perfect summer earrings!!- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 9:00:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Sweet! I can't wait to hear about the surprise. In a bit of synchronicity, one of my blogger friends talked about "The Dick Van Dyke Show" in her post today.
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12:23:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a pleasure seeing your photos of The ladies who lunch! So great to have such a lovely friends!
Loved each details of your party, Naomi! These bags, the blue glass, the gorgeous orchids, these personalized Happy Birthday Naomi bags of M&M's. All looks pretty and lovely.
Thanks for sharing your Birthday with us!
A big hug to you!- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12:58:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The orchid was a lovely touch. Your Ladies Who Lunch are such a wonderful, lively group. Sorry, I missed sending my best wishes on your birthday. I like how you spread out your stories, like teasers
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 1:16:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I was looking forward to this post...and I'm glad there'll be a Part 3!! :)
The letters falling off the bag added to all the fun; I love that you were Aomi and Betty was Bett. ;)
The orchids are BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL! What a nice touch...and so was the back scratcher! The pin wheels are hilarious! Are they really THAT big??
Tell Annie I'm going to raid her jewelry drawer! As much as I love mermaids, I need a pair of those earrings. She looks like a riot!
I can't wait to see what you'll post next. So far it looks like a wonderful celebration among the best of friends. You really do go ALL OUT!
PS - You look fantastic! I can't believe that's you're real hair color. Maybe all the chocolate keeps it dark. Thanks for the tip! :)- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 2:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love reading about the ladies who lunch, and your clever gift bags, beautiful table and flowers!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Ms. N!!!!! I was thinking about you the other day, I was in Great Neck area ... Stopped by some wonderful Deli to get lunch! You can not beat a good old NY Deli sandwich!! I look forward to PART II and Betty's outfit!
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 2:33:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You always have such fun at your birthday get togethers!! I loved all the photos. There is nothing handier than a good backscratcher!!
I love the beautiful orchid sprays! Lovely color and a great idea!
You don't look pudgy to me! I am more pudgy than you. I used to be able to pinch an inch. Now I can grab a slab!!! LOL
Looking forward to the next parts, and I hope there is 3 parts!!
Happy July 4th dear "aomi"!! teehee- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 7:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
A happy belated birthday wish to you. If I had such lovely birthday parties... I might like celebrating mine too. What lovely company.. just to get together with close friends is so special.
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 7:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Whenever I read your ladies who lunch posts, I am always moved by the close friendship and bond you all have to each other. How special to have each other and that you all make it a priority to get together. I love it!
- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 9:16:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so sorry I am so late with my birthday greetings! I love the lavender bags...so pretty and I think it would become part of the fun after a while with the letters falling off and changing your names! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and just keep celebrating!!!
- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 6:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You ladies really know how to party. The details are amazing. I have really got to rethink my cupcake and candle approach.
The orchid sprays were perfect and gotta love a back scratcher. I have named mine Brad.
Well you are still teasing about "the gift" so I guess I will just be patient.
Thanks for inviting us even if it is after it is all over. Almost like being there though.- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 6:43:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, did you try glue to help those letters.... There might have been a wax sheen on the paper that made the letters fall off....Cute anyway..
You are lucky to have such good friends....Thank you lucky stars for them. Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, dear friend.- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 9:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
TWO floral arrangements by Van PLUS those delicate and beautiful sprays he made for each place setting... how wonderful!! The table looked terrific!!!
I am so happy that you were surrounded by your dearest friends. I know they are a source of comfort and strength for you, as well as helping you laugh and enjoy a good time. You really need that!
Those falling letters made for a fun memory.
I love the photo of you and Annie. I think you look great, and as for being chubby... I can relate. I too like to delve into the chocolate WAY too often. Oh heck! We are enjoying one of life's great pleasures!
I know you will have a grand view of fireworks all over the Los Angeles area. Enjoy the blasts!!- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:44:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Looks like a wonderful birthday, Naomi! Most importantly, a wonderful group of friends.
xox- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 7:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
It has been so much visiting your party and seeing your wonderful friends. I will definitely be back for part two.
- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 7:21:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I think the "falling letters" just add character to the bags. :)
Everything looks beautiful! As do you! (and pffft! on being pudgy!)- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 9:01:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Yay! Your birthday party! :)
Those letters on the gift bags were fun! Hehe, Sounds like you all had sense of humor about them falling off, though. :)
Love the orchid sprays, have never seen anything like that. What a wonderful idea. :)
Did you say "M&M's"???? Mmmm...
It's touching how you remember everybody's birthdays...
You look as lovely as I remember you and I've never had crudites and dill dip. Don't even know what those are? I'm guessing I'm missing out!- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Birthdays are meant to be celebrated and you certainly know how to do it and do it well! I love the gift bags. I think the fact that the names kept falling off just makes them even more fun. And the orchid sprays are exquisite. Your Van really does a fantastic job when it comes to flower arrangements.
I'm so glad you had a lovely birthday Naomi. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this story1- Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 4:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Darling, you DO have the best lunch parties! LOL Bridget Hanlley, one of the reasons I always dreamed as a child of moving to Seattle. You ladies are a fun bunch! Yes, I suppose you'll always get a little red, white, and blue on your birthday.
- Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 9:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
you look so pretty!!
everything you do is just plain class
a classy broad as they used to say ;)- Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 7:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The orchid sprays are just gorgeous! Orchids are my favourites and these are simply beautiful!
And you look fantastic in that photo and don't let anyone (especially you) tell you otherwise :)- Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 12:56:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Cute earrings! You're right.
Where was my birthday goodies bag? *heehee* Gorgeous orchid sprays, great company, yummy food. Awesome.
Oh and it is nice to see a photo of you - you look well!- Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a pure treat and I'm so glad you included at least one shot of you!!
- Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 8:36:00 PM PDT
x4
