As the crisp fall air filled the countryside, we gathered to celebrate a milestone birthday in true autumnal style. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Vines at Oakdale in Ashland, Virginia, this 50th birthday celebration was a beautiful blend of rustic charm and elegance. From the thoughtfully curated tablescapes to the cozy seasonal menu, every detail was designed to reflect not only the warmth and beauty of the harvest season, but the guest of honor as well. Here’s a look back at this unforgettable event.

Custom Invitations: Setting the Tone for a Memorable Celebration

Every unforgettable celebration begins with a thoughtful invitation that sets the tone for what’s to come, and this elegant harvest-themed 50th birthday was no exception. I had so much fun creating these custom invitations, using watercolor designs that would pull in the various elements of the evening.

I chose to feature a blend of pumpkins, vibrant citrus fruits, and fall florals that echoed the designs used in the tablescapes and decor. At the center of the design was a custom crest, crafted especially for the honoree, that added a personal touch and was a beautiful tribute to the guest of honor’s special day.

Tablescapes that Capture the Season

The tablescapes were such a fun reflection of fall’s beauty, combining a palette of greens, creams, and warm bronze tones with a few touches of soft pinks. I paired a mix of glass and gold brass candle holders with various taper candles to create a soft, romantic glow that set the perfect ambiance for the evening. Dried magnolia leaves, accented with dried slices of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, brought a touch of rustic elegance to the table. Mini white pumpkins and a few more additions of dried fall foliage added texture and depth. The overall effect was both timeless and contemporary, perfectly capturing the essence of this birthday celebration.

A Rustic Yet Elegant Menu

The evening’s menu was a testament to the flavors of the season, thoughtfully curated to offer guests a taste of autumn:

Personalized Harvest Charcuterie Cups: Each guest was greeted with their own charcuterie cup filled with seasonal delights like fresh rosemary sprigs, plump blackberries, and an assortment of rustic cheeses. We used pink cups here to tie in the soft touches from the tablescapes and invitations.
Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey and Pistachios: Creamy feta topped with a drizzle of spicy hot honey and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios, served with pita crackers for dipping. We put these in individual serving cups for an easy grab and go that adds a bit of dimension to the table.
Spicy Cheddar Sausage Bites: Savory sausage bites with a hint of heat, perfectly balanced with sharp cheddar.
Bacon Deviled Eggs: A classic favorite of mine, elevated with smoky bacon crumbles and a touch of paprika.
Cheddar Caramel Popcorn Bags: A playful and nostalgic snack, mini paper bags filled with a mix of sweet caramel and sharp cheddar popcorn.
Personal Turkey & Brie Fig Sandwiches: Ciabatta rolls filled with turkey, brie slices, sweet fig spread, crisp apple slices, and arugula—one of my favorite combinations of savory and sweet. We wrapped them in brown deli paper and finished it all off with twine bows.
Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: A vibrant salad of pearl couscous, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and a zesty vinaigrette. I love adding something like this for pops of colors and to bring a bit of heartiness to the table.

Cozy Desserts to Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth

No autumn celebration would be complete without an array of indulgent desserts, especially in a moment where you can lean into the flavors of the season.

Mini Apple and Pumpkin Pies
Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies

The perfectly sweet ending to a perfectly sweet evening!

A Toast to the Season: Signature Cocktails & Fine Wines

To complement the cozy menu, guests sipped on a signature Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail—a warming blend of bourbon, apple cider, and spices, garnished with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of fall flair. We loved placing this in a large glass drink dispenser, allowing guests to serve themselves as desired throughout the night. In addition to the signature cocktail, we had a selection of wines available as well, allowing guests to toast to the birthday honoree and the beautiful season.

The Perfect Setting: A Wine Barn Celebration

The event was held at The Vines at Oakdale, a charming wine barn nestled in Ashland, Virginia. The venue’s rustic wood touches and twinkling lights provided a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the elegant harvest theme.

I’m so grateful to have shared in such a special celebration, to me it was more than just a party — it was a true reflection of the joy, warmth, and beauty of the season, an opportunity to celebrate another year of an amazing person, and a testament to the power of thoughtful design and intentional celebration.

Here’s to more gatherings that celebrate life’s special moments with the same heart and soul. Cheers to the beauty of autumn and the unforgettable memories it brings.

A Sugar & Spice Filled Birthday