I love finding inspiration in the littlest things. Over the weekend my husband & I went to celebrate my friend Sarah’s birthday. Her actual birthday is April 25th and she will always remind you that it is “the perfect date.”

If you’ve ever watched Miss Congeniality, you’ll remember this famous quote when a beauty pageant contestant is asked to “Describe your perfect date.” She replies with “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th because it’s not too hot, not too cold; all you need is a light jacket.”

This was Sarah’s entire inspiration for her birthday party. Sarah has her own event planning company and has a wonderful eye for detail, so this was certainly a party for the ages. She held the party at SONA in New York City. It was a very classy & luxe affair. After having an amazing time celebrating “the perfect date” we were sent home with one of the most beautiful jewel toned centerpieces from Rachel Cho Flowers.

In case you weren’t sure how I met Sarah – I was reminded by the beautiful calligraphy on my place card at her party. It was back in 2014 while working events together at a fine dining restaurant. Due to our shared love of events – we are constantly sharing party planning inspiration with each other online.

I also planned her a Grandmillennial Baby Shower a few years ago just before we moved out of state.

Last year, since we were no longer local, it seemed like a natural fit to send her a digital birthday party, in which I essentially curated a mood board of inspiration photos and detail shots of a beautiful party just for her. It was something small that I enjoyed doing, and it was well received. She even sent me my own digital birthday party a few months later! As I won’t be seeing her today – I decided to take it up a notch this year and set an actual tablescape in her honor.

I started off by placing the centerpiece from the party, which has deep and dramatic colors, in the center of the table. I then used her as my muse and had a lot of fun pulling items from my party closet that I thought suited her personality, style & color preferences.

The first item I grabbed was a set of gold rim dinner plates. The gold lines on the edge matched the gold foil from her invitations & menu design perfectly.

I added gold cherry blossom placemats and a floral accent plate that ties nicely into the roses in the centerpiece. I used the only silverware I own, and also included vintage cut crystal wine glasses. The cherry on top, is the little crystal bell, that’s purposely placed to the left of the head seat, as she’s left handed.

I love how this table turned out – as it really reminds me of Sarah in so many ways & almost makes me feel like I’ve been transported back to SONA to relive such a perfect evening.

Have you ever celebrated a birthday or event without the guest of honor being present? If so – did they like the gesture or did it go unappreciated?