Lunch with Francesca

Happy 50th, Francesca!

Francesca celebrated her 50th birthday with friends and family at our home. We were very fortunate to be able to share this joyous day with our dear friend.

It was a wonderful event with lots of friends, sunshine, blooming lavender and delicious food. What a wonderful experience to have such a great friend. She is always so friendly and willing to help with anything. She truly is a person that cares about everyone around her.

Francesca entertained everyone with her lovely food and delightful table settings. For starters we had butternut soup served in tiny tin cups, corn muffins baked by one of her dear friends and garlic foccacia. For mains we had her famous steak dish and lasagne prepared by her sister with the most beautiful salad that consisted of strawberries, poached pears, pomegranate seeds - sparkling red like precious stones, cheeses and some greens. The reds were just beautifully contrasted against the greens. The desert table was loaded with yummy goodies. Koeksisters, juicy and simply delicious, lemon meringue pie, and the most adorable cupcakes decorated exquisitely and topped with Turkish-delights. The cupcakes were especially made by one of Francesca's beautiful daughters.

This really was an afternoon to remember. We had the most awesome weather - a day with warm sunshine. After lunch we soaked up the last rays while lounging on the rattan chairs on the stoep enjoying the views of the garden. What an enjoyable afternoon spent with friends. Everyone really had a good time!

Here's to you, Francesca! May there be many more birthdays. Salute!

{Many thanks to A. for sharing with me some lovely photo's that I used for this post.}