Ah yes, the week of my birthday, where, once again, friends and family gather to eat their own body weight in cake. There is a definite theme to all my birthday presents and the respective celebrations at which they are received – cake, cake, and more CAKE! Take for example this amazing 3d patisserie card – will definitely be finding a permanent home for this little lovely in my kitchen.
This year Rob and I hosted a birthday afternoon tea at home; we moved house in September and still love our new bolthole, as today proved it’s perfect for parties!
A windy Sunday afternoon in Derbyshire didn’t deter the party goers, and we made sure the house was well decked out for an afternoon tea party – balloons, banners, and of course bunting, zig-zagging across the hallway. I’m wondering how long I can get away with having this up for, the cats seem to have designs on pulling it down though…
Starting with sandwiches, served with champagne, we tucked in to the veritable feast in front of us.
Enjoyed freshly baked from the oven, delicious fruit scones made by Al…
… and topped with home-made (by t’other Jen) blackcurrant jam, and whipped cream. Yum!
Offerings from my kitchen included strawberry swirl meringues, and gluten-free brownie bites (both recipes to follow shortly!)
And and experiment with one of my brilliant birthday presents, a cake pop maker, little white kitty cat cake pops! They are not my finest work of art but not a bad testament to my battle with the evil that is candy melts.
And what else could you finish a birthday party with, other than a big sticky birthday cake?!
Made by the lovely Jen this was one brilliant birthday cake:
- that just got better and better when I cut inside. Look at the chocolate checkerboard!
Some more fun and games…
… before waving guests off with full tummies and little party bags! Who doesn’t love a party bag, at any age?
Thanks to all my lovely guests for a great afternoon, helping to make (and demolish) all the yummy food, and of course my fabulous presents! All that remains now is for me to get baking and start using some of them…