Planting Seeds | PARTY FEATURE

When I was a little girl my parents planted a garden every year. I didn’t like pulling weeds or hoeing the plants, but I sure did enjoy when it was time to pick and eat the fruit of our labors. Even now that they are retired their house is surrounded by beautiful flowers and a carefully tended vegetable garden is flourishing in the back yard.

From my childhood experiences I learned that wonderful things come from planting seeds and then tending them. I saw that same principle in my parents’ lives later on. More than twenty years ago at an age when many people are starting to think about the end of their careers, they left home and family and moved to the country of Albania shortly after communism fell. It was a dangerous time, but they went because of the need. They helped work with orphans and started a church that recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary.

They gave up a comfortable life to help people in Albania. They were still planting seeds—this time investing in the lives of people in need. For their 75^th birthday party (their birthdays are just three days apart) a garden theme seemed like a perfect fit for our celebration for family and friends. We carried the garden them throughout the decorations and food choices.

There are so many people doing so much these days with things that used to be trash. When we found the patio bench made from an old bed, it just seemed to fit with the way they have lived their lives…trying to help people create a new beginning. We added the pillows which were custom embroidered by GreatStitch.

When I was too little to do much else to help, my job was to bring refreshments. Coke was the thing that gave them that little punch to finish the job. We found this Coke bottle opener and just couldn’t resist putting it on our garden potting bench to remind us of our old times together.

Cake and Gluten Free Cupcakes by All Things Cake

Every birthday party must have cake! All Things Cake was very creative with my parents party. I really love the flowers they hand made for it.

Fabric Garland by Tutus and Bowties

Tutus and Bowties sent along tthis perfect garland. Could the colors have been more perfect?

Fruit Assortment by Edible Arrangements

My brother and his family were kind enough to send an Edible Arrangements bouquet. It easily fed all of us and had plenty to take home to enjoy. They make an awesome basket! We also added some blackberry crackers and some strawberry toast. The strawberry toast was made with french bread toasted with butter, sugared strawberries and feta cheese. A little time in the oven and they were a big hit!