We’re in the midst of Gatsby hoopla and I thought – what better time to finally do a recap of my 30^th birthday Gatsby-themed fete from a few months ago? (this is an excuse, I’m just such a procrastinator)

Aesthetically, I love everything about the Jazz Age. Judging from the excitement generated over the most recent movie adaptation of the novel, everyone does too. After all, what is there not to love about the period? The music, glitz and glamour, socially progressive spirit, and Art Deco in all of its bold geometric design glory still speak to us today. The 1920s was a visual design dream. I have always wanted to attend a party centered around that era in time, and figured that this milestone birthday would be a perfect excuse to throw such an event.

As a Christmas baby, I was just so excited about having an actual birthday party! As early as September, I started a Pinterest 30th Birthday board and started looking around for the appropriate Seattle venue. Crazy early, yes. Surprising? No. I love planning. I wanted the intimate, vintage atmosphere of a speakeasy (appropriate for a Prohibition-era party right?) and luckily for us, Seattle has several great options. The Needle and Thread, above Tavern Law in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, was perfect and a beautiful jewel of a space.

To gain entrance into the Needle and Thread, you pick up a telephone in front of an old bank vault door and provide an event password to the person on the other line. Once in, climb the stairs to the second level and enter a dimly lit room with glowing chandeliers, period furniture, and 1920s jazz playing in the background. It’s like being transported to another era. There is no bar menu. A bartender will ask you for a few flavor descriptors (sweet, dry, sour, citrus) and will craft a cocktail to meet your taste.

The event quickly came together and was so fun in reality. i wanted to keep the festivities simple, just cocktails, small bites, and a cake to celebrate. The invitation suggested Gatsby- inspired attire but it was not mandatory (Seattle being quite the informal city, people have a fear of dressing up for some reason). Nevertheless, several people made an effort, including Nick who thought up his own outfit (so proud). I loved being able to celebrate with our friends here in Seattle. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of my ‘Roaring 20s’  (hah, sorry, I couldn’t resist) and usher in the next decade.

Event Details:
Invitations: Paperless Post

Dress and accessories:

Dress with an ostrich feather skirt: Milly
Triple strand length pearl and gold necklace: J. Crew
Headband: Ulta (my dear designer friend Tina also made some amazing head pieces for the event)
Shoes:  Jimmy Choo (these deco-inspired shoes were for my wedding rehearsal dinner and I love any excuse to wear them again!)

Flowers: Flora Nova- my lovely and talented friend, Alexa, made these beautiful Downton-inspired arrangements for the event. (Fabulous note: she attended the party in her grandmother’s vintage fur!)

Cake: Baked (West Seattle), the cake was inspired by this design

Favors: the black and white striped bags were from Etsy and were filled with salt water taffy and sea salt caramels. I printed gold labels with 1920s-era slang to seal the bags.

Party Decor: Party City (I mainly stuck to a gold, black, and white palette)

Food and Drink: Tavern Law
Craft Cocktails
Risotto Croquettes with Fontina, Celery Root, and Truffle
Cheese Platter with Seasonal Fruit
Pork Rillettes with Pear, Mustard, and Crostini
Deviled Eggs with Smoked Potato, Caviar, and Chives
Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche, Capers, and Crostini
Assorted Olives and Nuts

Event password: Sidecar

My friend Linda kindly took photos to document the evening- here are a few favorite shots!

 

Lovely night with wonderful people.