As I’ve mentioned before, we’re part of a 5-couple “birthday” group.  Four couples (we are close friends with) started a dinner group where we celebrate birthdays honoring each of us (usually 2 at a time) throughout the year.  I have posted about it HERE and HERE.

This year it is my turn to celebrate the birthday of our baker extraordinaire of the group, Joyce.

I decorated my concrete puti (that stands guard at the front door) with live ivy and star jasmine.

I began thinking about the table setting back in January and found a Ralph Lauren tablecloth at T.J. Maxx to help me set the color and theme.

Because I’ve been loving lanterns I picked up the white lanterns and decided to use them along with some spring flowers.

My mom gave me the depression glass plates (she had found them at a garage sale) and I’ve used them for salad and dessert.  The dinner plates are Pottery Barn’s catering plates, perfectly plain and white.

The menu will include a favorite Pistachio Crusted Chicken, fresh asparagus and roasted potatoes.  The dinner is a little rich but I’ll pass out Alka Seltzer after dinner and all will be fine!

I will post the recipe for the chicken later.

Happy Birthday, Joyce!  May 2011 be the best year ever.