When it comes to hosting a birthday party, making your guest of honor feel special is of the utmost importance. Set yourself up for super-hostess status by designing an elegant table that includes thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers—an arrangement of the birthday girl’s favorite variety, of course—and custom menus, which have never been easier to pull off thanks to tons of online printing options that take just a few clicks to order. The rest is as easy as remembering these key elements: incorporate plenty of candlelight, stick to a simple two-tone color palette (we love blue and white for summer), and add a hint of glamour—perhaps in the form of gold flatware. Show that you’ve gone the extra mile by incorporating individual serving dishes for things like olive oil and antipasti.
And, possibly the most important part of the dinner, don't forget to toast your honoree in style. A fresh Chardonnay, like Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Columbia Valley wine, is the perfect complement to your meal and the occasion. Celebrate the person of the hour by sharing a few words that are as heartfelt as the event you’ve organized. Toasting tips to remember: focus on the guest of honor, always include a compliment, and keep it short and sweet—it’ll be the most memorable part of the night.
