I’m pretty sure that the last time I had a big birthday party, it was for my sweet 16. So more than 20 years later, I decided I was overdue.
I did a birthday cake at a bar a time or two in college, or a night out, we floated the river one once, but having a birthday that consistently falls on a holiday weekend (memorial day) means that people‘s schedules are often fulllllll. And I can be anxious about intermingling groups of friends, despite loving to host, and I’d honestly rather celebrate David, Asher, or a girlfriend, so it’s something that I have just leaned away from.
But low-key birthdays can be underwhelming and it’s no joke that it’s been a couple of rough years around here. So I decided to be a little selfish and make some of my own sunshine and have myself a little birthday party with some of my favorite people and some of my favorite things. I’m a lifelong manicure maniac, so if you know me you know I love all things about my nails. So when I learned from the team at Orly that Orly Color Labs offered private event rentals, I knew it was the perfect spot. A good manicure gives me such joy, and sharing that with those I love is such a gift.
Scheduling is often a headache, and this was no exception, but I settled on a Friday morning festivity, on my actual birthday, which made it extra fun. Lots of freelance and flexible friends made for a good turnout, but we certainly missed a few beloveds who couldn’t sneak out of the office or were momming hard. And I’ll tell you, there’s a special place in my heart for friends that get an invitation and respond by asking how they can help.
I love a brunch moment, and it couldn’t be more perfect for a morning get together. Hanks are the best bagels in LA, no competition, so I placed a catering order for rosemary salts, and prepped a yummy spread and topping board. I also set up a build-your-own yogurt parfait situation. Mimosas were a must, and I served my favorite Little West juices as well. I ordered some donuts and color coordinated the LaCroix cans, got a tiny smash cake from susiecakes and decked it out with florals, and served a giant pile (and sent everyone home with!) my homemade chocolate chippers. I’m always hungry, so I try to feed guests enthusiastically.
I hired a freelance manicurist to do manicures during the party, and I customized a loveRavayna shade (crelly [cream + jelly] lavender with a strong pink shimmer) to be a party favor, along with my Asher-inspired shade (a deep emerald shimmer.)
The location is super central (right by the Grove), and I loved that each of my attendees could imagine, mix up, and get to wear their dream colors. It was so fun to see what each of my friends chose to create, and how their personalities shone through.
The color lab is already super cute, which meant that I didn’t have to do much for decorations. They have a permanent manicure station, so that was ready for our artist and I just selfcatered. I stuck with the pink and citrusy vibes, adding some hanging honeycombs and pinwheels, but otherwise kept it simple. (I was grateful for past Ravayna when a scheduling snafu meant that we had just thirty or so minutes for setup before guests arrived- thank mercy for some hustling by David, my best gal Kira, and a few prompt girlfriends who jumped in on the speed setup.) I linked up what I could for y’all, but a few items are vintage, gifts, etc.
Towards the end of the party, I made sure to take a moment for gratitude (and another cookie).
I’m so glad I decided to do this. Despite all my nervies, it is truly special to be in a room of people you adore, and getting to see my beloveds enjoying each other, manicures, mimosas and more made my heart feel fuller than it had in a very long time. I definitely raised a (disco ball!) glass to hard-fought battles in the years past, victories and lessons worth celebrating, grace and grit.
David drove us home, and I had a lapful of (unexpected!) presents and all the feels. I must have cried at least a half dozen times throughout the day! So grateful for and humbled by love and well wishes, my beloved framily, and the realization that I am SO DAMN LUCKY to be living a life that has so many aspects that I dreamed of as a little girl.
i shared a cute video of the party over here on instagram, if you’d like to see.
To birthday wishes- the ones made, and the ones come true.
love, Ravayna
