PICNIC BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JUSTJARED.COM FOUNDER, JARED ENG
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Left to right: Laurén LaRocca (Twink + Sis), Jared Eng (JustJared), Marlan Willardson (Twink + Sis)
We designed a picnic birthday party for JustJared founder, Jared Eng. Jared wanted a masculine and refined picnic party and we were all for it! Our goal was to make his guests feel like they were at a real, park-like picnic, with fun games and activities, but with elevated food and decor. Brace yourself for tons of photos (we had a hard time narrowing down on this one -- too many details!!!) and endless summer party inspiration!!
All photos by Sarina Cass of Red Anchor Photo.
Doing a birthday party for a man is something that we don’t get to do very often! We wanted to make it really festive and celebratory, yet sophisticated. So we really played up woods and fresh greens as our main focus. The food table was covered in wood crates, boxes and trays — the continuity of all that wood helped to set the tone. Then we sprinkled in a bit of white (serving pieces and pots) for a touch of modern contrast.
The Iris + Daughter hanging greens installation was one of the main focal points of the party — it was so fresh and alive — really stunning. The splash of copper in the custom signage (from A Dapper Line) added a fun, modern feel to the table.
Jared Eng with actress, Jaime King and her son, James Knight.
Jared wanted classic picnic food, so we went with Heirloom’s yummy sandwiches, a crostini station (filled with cheeses, breads and flatbread pizzas), a green salad, pesto quinoa salad and fresh fruit. We topped Aheirloom’s gorgeous handmade cake stands with eye-popping donuts from Donut Friend and the pièce de ré·sis·tance — an over-the-top, mega delicious caramel drip cake from Whisk and Whittle.
Sometimes the smallest details make us completely giddy. This time is was all about the brass ants from Arteriors Home. Many guests (and our amazing vendors) were equally smitten. They were definitely a conversation piece!
We loved seeing Jared and his godson, James Knight, playing and having a great time together at the party. So so sweet.
The other main focal point of the was the large wooden boat filled with ice and drinks! We had so much fun with that. We made an organic mint lemonade, spiked with vodka and pre-poured them into mason jars. We sealed the jars and tossed them in with the ice (ready for guests to grab), along with a variety of other drinks. We parked a vintage bike behind it and added a cluster of Geronimo fringed balloons. It turned out quite handsome, and festive!
We had a variety of potted plants, succulents and cactus to place around the main food table and at various seating areas at the party. This is a great way to incorporate fresh elements without having to do floral arrangements, especially if your party decor is on the masculine side. You can either give them away as party favors when your guests leave or keep for yourself as home decor.
Weaving in some green into lounge chairs is a simple way to add a summery and festive twist to your outdoor furniture.
Jared really wanted to have blankets on the grass to make it like a real "picnic in the park." We are obsessed with the hand-woven Turkish towels from Odd Bird Company. We layered different prints in blues and greys, and added a mix of pillows on top for cozy lounging. We placed extra blankets in a wire basket where guests could grab one and make a “picnic” wherever they liked. He also wanted polaroid cameras so his guests could take pictures for him to have as keepsakes, so we put together some trays with the cameras and added other fun items like dominos, chips, popcorn and a pretty plant.
A staple for almost all of our outdoor parties -- mini kraft paper bags filled with kettle chips and organic popcorn (or whatever your favorite snack may be!) and place in a tray for guests to help themselves to. It's always a hit with adults and kids.
For your upcoming summer party, try placing some games around, in various locations, that your friends can partake in at their leisure.
Actress, Georgie Flores, presents Jared with his birthday cake, as his friends sang "Happy Birthday."
How about those blue ombré birthday candles from Knot & Bow? Too good!
Happy Birthday Jared!!! Thank you for having us be a part of this fabulous occasion!!
xoxo!!!
CREDITS:
Birthday Boy: Jared Eng
Party Design & Drinks: Twink + Sis
Photos: Sarina Cass of Red Anchor Photo
Location: Airbnb
Greens Installation/Potted Greens: Iris & Daughter
Copper signage (“Jared’s Picnic”): A Dapper Line
Turkish Towels (used as picnic blankets): Odd Bird Company
Food Table, Aculpulco Chairs, Ottoman, Cornhole, Giant Jenga - YEAH! Rentals
Wooden Boat, Vintage Bicycle, Bench, Tree Trunk Tables, Various pillows: Found Rentals
Balloons: Geronimo Balloons
Food: HeirloomLA
Cake: Whisk & Whittle
Donuts: Donut Friend
Cake Stands: Aheirloom
Plates & Forks: Leafware
Napkins: Meri Meri
Brass Ants: Arteriors Home
Ombré birthday candles: Knot & Bow
Mini Paper Bags (Popcorn/Chips Bags): Amazon
Ring Toss: Sunny Life
Trays, Bowls, Hexagonal Objects, Various Pillows: West Elm
Various Pillows: Target
Laurén's Hair: 901too
Laurén's Outfit: Sunglasses - 3.1 Phillip Lim via ShopBop, Top - SEA, Skirt - Current Elliott
Marlan's Outfit: Sunglasses - Tom Ford via Neiman Marcus, Tunic - Marina Rinaldi
