My husband turned 60 this week. I didn’t want his milestone birthday to go without a fun celebration. As an event planner, I have made such wonderful connections with professionals who have also become friends. I assembled this village and they helped me to knock it out of the park with a super fun man-party.
Looming over this party has been our never-ending pool project. I won’t go into the long details, but needless to say even though this pool and patio renovation has been going on since February, our pool builder told us the pool would not be ready in time for the June 11 party. Once I got over the fact that the pool wasn’t going to happen — we moved ahead with a pool side party, without the water. Everyone reassured me the reason they were coming was to celebrate Doug.
My wonderful friend, Karen, with Applause Catering prepared a Nantucket-inspired menu full of all of Doug’s favorites.
Next,
every party needs a good cocktail. I hired Sourced Craft Cocktails to prepare a special menu of mixed drinks, wine, craft beers and Prosecco. They deliver all the bar ware, simple syrups, perfectly curated square ice, and premium liquors right to your door. The mixologists kept everyone happy throughout the night — and named a special drink just for the guest of the honor — The Dirty Doug — featuring Tito’s Vodka.
The hand-lettering was done by Cleggraphy Designs. Megan water colored each of the menu cards and cocktail menu for the bar. This added the perfect touch.
Bryan Long Flowers provided the elegant tablescape that reflected the perfect backdrop for a poolside gathering. Tons of candles, seashells, lanterns, hanging lights, and a few florals mixed in kept it elegant, yet masculine, too.
We finished with a sweet ending of Sweet Lucy’s Pies. Lindsey makes the best pies! All of Doug’s favorites — mini strawberry-rhubarb pies, and handheld Parker Peach fried pies.
What pool party would be complete without a shot of everyone in the pool! Our party favors were “I made a SPLASH at Doug’s 60th!” floaties and beach balls. God has really blessed us with amazing friends and it was the perfect night to recognize how special we think they are to us.
My friend Kathy said, “Leave it to Melissa to have an amazing pool party without a pool!” Take lemons and make lemonade. Cheers!
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
