Last Thursday I turned 27, and my family and friends made it a memorable celebration. My thoughtful husband surprised me with dinner at a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, Cous Cous, and the following morning we drove up to his parents’ beach house in Delaware for a birthday weekend with my mom, stepdad and the in-laws. By Sunday we were loading present after present into the car and heading home. Time flies when you’re having fun — and when you’re unwrapping home-related gifts. Here are the highlights.
John loves a birthday wish list, which makes gifting easy and fun. I drop a few favorite items from online stores into a list and he shares it with family. I’d had my eye on a pair of faux topiaries for a while, and was thrilled they were still available when I added them to my list. They really brighten the sunroom.
These faux rosemary and mint topiaries blend well in our sunroom, which struggles to keep live plants through freezing winters since it isn’t temperature controlled. We’ve tried everything from boxwoods to evergreens with limited success, so I don’t mind artificial plants as long as they look natural and understated. Thankfully these do — they look just as good in person as they do online.
My mom gifted me a generous birthday check and a little kitchen basket with goodies: plantable organic parsley, gourmet popcorn and Barefoot Contessa brownies. Simple, thoughtful items that I appreciate.
John’s parents surprised me with a Pottery Barn wreath I’d wanted since December. It was on sale, which made it an even sweeter gift. I tried it up when we got home and considered keeping it year-round, but the pinecones make it feel seasonal — perfect for bringing out each Christmas and making the holidays feel extra special.
Here’s a closer view of the delicate bleached leaves, festive flowers, pinecones and pom-poms. The pictures barely capture how impressive it is in person.
From John and his sister I received two ZGallerie candle sconces that I’d been admiring online. Their graphic shape complements many pieces already in our home — they echo the outline of our yellow living room rug and pair nicely with the patterned quilt in the guest bedroom.
We ultimately decided to hang the sconces in the master suite so we could enjoy them daily. They also pair beautifully with our blue-and-white duvet — surprisingly versatile pieces.
Before hanging the sconces, the wall felt bare but calming. We prefer to wait for the right piece instead of rushing to fill a space.
John handled the drilling while I stepped back to perfect the placement. It’s crucial to step back and evaluate before creating any unwanted holes. We used anchors to ensure the sconces are secure — safety matters when candles are involved.
They look beautiful on the wall. I love the staggered placement — John’s idea — and the way the mirrors multiply the candlelight. Birthdays really do bring joy.
A close-up detail shot shows why I fell for them. I’m smitten.
That’s the birthday gift roundup. Many thanks to my wonderful friends and family, and especially to my husband — who has already baked those Barefoot Contessa brownies. Best birthday ever. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you ask for home items, cash, or make a wish list to share? I’d love to hear what works for you.