Here are Autumn party ideas including the pretty table that Cindy set, party favors that I brought, boot trends, and a Citrus Olive Oil Cake that was a hit at our house. I also have a gift guide that practically everyone can use.
Cindy Hattersley had a fun celebration for us at her new home in Salinas, CA this week. She invited seven ladies who actually all met online in the blogging world! (Online dating works). In fact, Annie Diamond was the first blogging “real life” friend that I made when we met close to ten years ago!
It’s Five Fave Time…and don’t forget to check out what Annie and Cindy have for us too!
Aren’t the gourds on the table colorful….and such a pretty cake from Cindy’s local bakery. I’m wearing that Anthro skirt from a recent post. There are still some sizes available in regular and petite.
1. Autumn Table With Party Favors
I bought these small matches in a bottle along with a scented candle (similar). On the tags, I put personalized messages to each guest, like for Kim “You fire up positivity” and for Annie “You spark creativity everywhere.”
2. Boots: Lug-Soled
The day after the party, I wore this comfortable outfit. This is in Cindy’s back yard. I’m wearing a super soft Madewell cardigan, Gap Tee shirt, skinny jeans, and the lug soled booties that my family gave me for my birthday. They are really comfortable and will be great for walking around San Francisco or when traveling and walking on cobblestones in cooler months.
3. Boots: Combat
Cindy wore this cute outfit when we went out to lunch. You can read more about How to Wear Combat Boots Over 50 here.
4. Lemon Poppy Olive Oil Cake
My hairstylist told me about this Citrus Poppy Seed Olive Oil Cake from Eye Swoon. So I made it and it was a hit!
We wrapped it up and it stayed moist for a few days (until it was gobbled up).
You may also like How To Achieve Classic Cozy Rooms.
5. Gifts Everyone Can Use
I just ordered personalized stationery from Minted for myself and thought what a great gift it would be for anyone on my list. It comes in a nice box that would only need a ribbon to wrap. Lots from which to choose and it came quickly! You can order Bombas slippers in Father or Mother toddler sets. They have gripper soles and for every pair purchased one is donated to someone homeless.
Our son, Thomas loves this hot chocolate with practically homemade marshmallows. You may have seen my knitted blue throw (lots of colors)…we all love how cozy it is. We are going to be doing some driving over the holidays and I think this neck massager would be nice to have in the car…or while watching television.
People are saying to shop early due to supply chain lags. Do you have any gifts that you think are great this year?
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Juliet says
MA … such a fun luncheon in Cindy’s stunning courtyard. I loved your creative and thoughtful party favors … and treasure mine. I also love your day-after outfit … that sweater, those boots! And, your smile knocks it out of the park. xo
Cathy says
I got that massager about a year ago and it has been a great find – works really well and not expensive.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Good to know!!! I saw other good reviews, too. Thanks Cathy!!
LA CONTESSA says
NOT YET BUT THE NEW James Bond IS ON MY LIST!
HOW WAS IT?
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND GREAT TO SEE EVERYONE!
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
I feel like I know you, Cindy and Annie, so when I see your get-togethers I can imagine how much fun they are. I loved your ideas and have jotted a few down. I’ve started my shopping but it’s going a little slower than I’d like since I’m also in the process of moving to a smaller “cottage”.
My son took me to see the Bond movie. My husband was a long-time fan of Bond. It could have been just a tiny bit shorter but still was action-packed with a few twists.
Happy 65th, in my book you are a youngster. 🙂
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
Good luck with your move, Karen!! I thought the movie was a bit too long too.
Shelly says
Happy birthday! What a nice party it must have been and the cake was a beauty.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It sure was, Shelly!!
Linda Salazar says
What a nice birthday celebration…you have made so many friends through blogging! You all have such a talent for entertaining. I have Athena’s cookbook, the cake recipe is probably in there. I made her Raspberry Galette once…easy and so good! I found her blog last year when I was on vacation. My husband loves the WS Dark Hot Chocolate, it likes to mix it with his coffee. 🙂
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
wow…that raspberry galette sounds great…imagine warm with vanilla ice cream!
Gail says
What a beautiful birthday celebration with wonderful friends. And how special to be in Cindy’s fabulous garden. Thank you for more fun favs, you, Cindy and Annie always bring us the best ideas. The neck massager is on MY Christmas wish list! The Citrus Olive Oil cake looks heavenly but I’m having trouble getting the recipe. Any suggestions or other places to look for it?
Hugs
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sorry, Gail, I fixed the link.
Gail says
Thanks Mary Ann! I got it and can’t wait to make it!
J says
lovely Sunday post. would like the recipe, but it does not come up. ?
thanks
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sorry, I fixed the link.
CAT says
Another great post but didn’t Cindy move from her home in Salinas?
Mary Ann Pickett says
New home in Salinas…she was in Chualar.
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
What a beautiful friendship that you share, and such lovely ladies.
I bake lots, and enjoy it, give plates of my home baked goodies away too
The Citrus Poppy Seed Olive cake really sounds excellent. I am going to bake that
for sure. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
The cake and table setting is fabulous looking.
Your booties are a great gift for you, so nice of your family to gift you something so special.
All your favors that you gifted were so nice, and the treasured messages mean so much to your
“gal pals.” Writing something personal to a friend means so much because it comes from your
heart. I am a card person and send LOTS of cards.
Sending smiles.
Mary Ann Pickett says
So true Katherine!
Mary Ann Pickett says
My daughter is coming on Wednesday…and wants me to bake another citrus loaf!
cindy says
Love these fie faves. You look so cute in those boots. I love your gift ideas. I am going to save these for later but not too much later. We sure had fun celebrating your 65th (poor thing). Also thank you to Francesca for the board game suggestion. We always do a board game for Christmas!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I love a board game too!
Francesca Browder says
Happy Birthday Mary Ann!:) How lovely you all got together. I am giving more books this year- The China Room is excellent, and the new John Le Carre and Lauren Groff- and puzzles by Pomegranate are all popular in my house. And board games, currently Gloomhaven is taking over our dining room!!Happy week:)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Wow! Francesca…thanks for the great ideas!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! I’m still smiling from our time together in California! I loved your citrus olive oil cake. I think I ate more than my share, tell Howard I’m sorry! 😍
Your little party favors were thoughtful and so darn creative with the personalized tags that had to do with “lighting a match” I mean talk about getting creative! I have mine hanging on my bulletin board so I can see it often!
I am so grateful that we met 10 years ago and that I could be a part of your birthday celebration!
xoxox
annie
Mary Ann Pickett says
I wish you would come back, Annie!! Love the sprays that you left here!! And my new robe.
Thank you.