As most of you know, the main reason we went over to London was to celebrate my Father in Law's 65th birthday. He is an amazing incredibly giving man and has such a passion for life and fun.
He is known for throwing themed parties and loves surprises. We had no idea what to expect with this event - we just knew it would be a treat as always.
The invitation came 2 months before the party. It was a black stage with two red curtains. The curtains opened and inside was the text inviting guests to celebrate his 65th birthday. The clues were the start time was listed as "Curtain Rises" 7 PM and Carriages at 1:00 AM. He also stated the dress code as an evening at Glyndebourne , a famous English Opera venue and tradition.
His home is in Highgate, London- on the North side of the city. He lives on Hampstead Heath and has a gorgeous garden that backs up to it. The garden is very large and has manicured box hedges, lamp posts, fountains, and a swimming pool. He used so much of the garden in the decor for the party be enclosing some of the most decorative areas under the marquis that connected to the house.
Guests arrived at the party to the house which was up decorated outside with gorgeous red lights and uplighting on the portico and path to the entrance. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served in the house for the recepetion and arrival hour.
Guests were invited into the marquis to be seated for dinner at tables which were named after famous Opera's. Twinkling bee lights were placed in the enclosed hedges and the lamposts were lit including the fall greenery, remaining floral and some off the most gorgeous portions of the gardens.
On a more "prop-ey" note, large theater masks were illuminated throughout the tent, and the Phantom of the Opera himself was in a boat in the pool! ( in the actual musical there is a scene where he is in a boat under the Opera house). A black and white dancefloor defined the dancing area and entrance to the tent.
The menu jacket covers were great - they were designed to look like theater programs with the same stationary as the inviation and tied-( by me) with gold cords. The front of each said "The 65th performance of David's Birthday" and then the name of the table.
A trio of Salmon was served with a cucumber soup shot, followed by an entree of Quail and seasonal accompaniments.
As the starter was served, two amazing and gorgeous female performers from the famous Opera house took the stage and sang a medley of famous songs from various Opera's as a performance. During Entree , a trio of gentlemen called Tenors Unlimited took the stage and then proceeded out into the crowd singing and entertaining.
My two favorite parts of the evening came out of a tribute of the days Rugby events. England was playing the Rugby that evening and the scores we being updated during the party by the singers. England did not win, but the Tenors sang Jerusalem at the end of the game. Jerusalem is the hymn most commonly sung with English sports especially Rugby. Everyone stood up and sang it as well. It was incredible. We had it played at our wedding for the groom and groomsmen entrance with our also British priest and we love it. I loved seeing my husband sing it as he misses England and it is so much a part of who he is. He needed that "fix" and that feeling of pride and tradition and it was great to see him so happy to be there in that moment.
After the incredible and fun performances, the main planners of the event were all presented with gorgeous flower bouquets and thanked by my father in law. My sister in law and husband- ( the only 2 children), both gave great speeches.
The finale to the dinner was a parade of servers with elevated silver platters sparkling with torches that looked like large spouting sparklers. These were surrounded by mounds of creamy delicous homemade berry ice creams. Each server stood by their table as guests all sang to the birthday boy.
Gentlemen were asked to switch dinner partners at this time for the dessert and cheese courses.
The dancefloor opened and everyone had a great time-
Here are the pics-
My husband and I ready for the party...
Each of these ladies is the mother of one of my husbands best friends.
My placesetting at table Rigaletto...
My sister in law and husband just before the speeches.
One of the tenors came to our table to sing
and later serenading my father in law.
Maeve and I
A view of the room- with the Phatom, garden lights, etc.
Birthday Boy and I- Party is over- there are 9 of us houseguests left, we are sitting at uncovered tables- having one last toast- my dress was a cocktail length balloon dress and it bunched way up in this pic- but I like it-
The Phantom, Alone, at the end of the night.....
Or so he thought----
Yes I did! I went upstairs, changed, came down, dove in the pool, got in the boat, rowed to the side- and picked up Sylvia from Boston and took her for a ride.
Ta Da- I was the finale of the Opera.
And the curtain falls on the London trip -
Thanks everyone for your interest.