This National Girlfriends Day we’ve partnered with one of our favorite local lifestyle bloggers, Hayley McBride, to host a fun, all-girls get together at our cafe. We collaborated closely with awesome female owned businesses like Fleur-ish and The Pop Shop to bring this tropical summer soiree to life. Stunning shades of orange and pink roses, peonies, ranunculus and anthurium from Fleur-ish decorated the tabletops, bar shelves and dinner buffet while palm leaves acted as a table runner underneath it all. Tropical philodendron leaves marked each place setting where dinner menus were placed, and light pink linen napkins sat knotted. The party was poppin’ – literally. A balloon installation from The Pop Shop decorated our bamboo photo backdrop where Hayley’s friends took pictures after ‘poppin’ champagne at the Mimosa bar upon their entry. Orange, cranberry and peach juice acted as mimosa mixers and garnishes varied between blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple and mini drink umbrellas. Small bites from the hors d’oeuvres station including our Cheese Platter with an assortment of brie, gouda, smoked gouda, port wine and sage derby, pepper jack, havarti and mustard seed ale and Mediterranean Platter with caprese skewers, prosciutto de parma, mozzarella, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, roasted vegetables, pita triangles and hummus dip were enjoyed before taking their seats for dinner. A light, summery menu of Lemon Thyme Chicken, Oven Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Summer Spinach & Berry Salad and Summer in Tuscany Pasta Salad was placed out buffet style by Ellie’s Table. While the girls were eating, Hayley asked that everyone write down 11 affirmations (one for each girl in attendance) and place them into the mason jars she put together in front of their plates. “You are enough” and “You’re going to rock today” are just some of the many affirmations shared between the girls. The affirmation jars are meant to be opened when you’re feeling down and could use a boost of encouragement on a rainy day. After empowering one another with affirmations, our Tropical Dessert Station with Pina Colada Key Lime Dessert Shots, Pineapple Upside Down Cakes, Tropical Fruit Tarts with Mango Cream and Mini Coconut Capped Bavarian Cupcakes was unveiled to add even more sweetness to the evening. The desserts went fast, but the friendships will last a lifetime after this National Girlfriends Day event.
Venue: Ellie’s Table // Catering: Ellie’s Table // Host: Hayley McBride // Planning: Jay’s Catering // Florist: Fleur-ish // Balloon Install: The Pop Shop