
The 30th birthday get-together for my beau was a smash hit on many levels. The stars aligned and the weather couldn’t be more perfect for an afternoon of sailing and an outdoor dinner party. After racing around the day of, I managed to pull off a dinner for twenty close friends and family without a hitch—with some helpful friends of course—and once the food was dished out, I let the hair down as planned and painted the town red.

Me and the birthday boy

A little bubbly on the boat

Captain Erika

Pirate aboard

Driftwood, succulents, mini compasses and tea lights decorated the table

A homemade chocolate cake

Chinese yo-yo’s made great decoration and become more entertaining as more wine was consumed

This pasta salad was a favorite

The aftermath the next morning