Even by my standards, this light blue tiered tulle dress with its hot pink contrasting waistband, is a rather frivolous one. I wore it on Saturday for the second of Harry’s 18th birthday celebrations- a family garden party and buffet. (All within current COVID guidelines). Poppy said I look like a Disney princess, then swiftly added “in a good way.” Harry just rolled his eyes and said it’s ridiculous.
I didn’t give a hoot. The sun was shining and I was revelling the fact that I have, “single-handedly,” (with the help of my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, friends and Ian), raised two children into actual adults. And rather nice ones at that. I wanted to celebrate them. It’s been such a tough year for them. A year in which wings were clipped and parties were cancelled. Dreams and the best-laid plans were put on hold. And so, as I did on Saturday, I toast the teenagers and the young adults for getting through it.
















The Birthday Buffet



To all of the youngsters entering into adulthood, reach for the stars. Dream big, work hard, play harder. Never apologise for having ambition, aspirations and goals. Be true to yourself and trust your gut instinct. I repeat, trust your gut instinct. And remember that everybody has a story. Be the very best version of yourself and you won’t go far wrong.
Good luck to all of those including Harry and my niece Annabel, who are sitting their A-levels and equivalents over the next few weeks. You’ve got this and you’ve got a shiny, exciting future ahead of you xxx
Notes
This isn’t a sponsored post. Gifted items are marked as such and affiliate links can be identified with an *.
Blue tiered tulle midi dress: Coast, previous season.
Shoes: Dia by Kat Maconie.
Sunglasses: Amalfi by Aspinal of London via Eyespace Eyewear (gift).
Freshwater pearl bracelet: TJC, part of a paid partnership. Get 20% off your first purchase across the entire website with code EKTJC20.
Freshwater pearl necklace: Mini Cara by Kiri & Belle.
Earrings:Abhika by Nekewlam in emerald quartz-pearl-blue topaz, (gift)
*Double cocoon chair: Garda by Home Essentials.
Slate table mats: The Just Slate Company.
Small copper serving bowls: The Just Slate Company.
*Shellfish lobster platter: Emma Bridgewater
*Tomato plate: Vegetable Garden collection, Emma Bridgewater.
Polka dot cake stand: Emma Bridgewater, past season.
3 comments
It takes a village for sure but Liz, you definitely deserve major kudos for raising two amazing humans. And honey you are amazing xxx
Well you deserve to wear this dress (you look amazing in it btw), bringing up kids on your own is no mean feat! You should feel very proud Lizzy. Yummy food too, I could eat it all now. x Jacqui x
Thank you so much. That’s such a lovely thing to say. Yes, I’ve been a lone parent since the day after Poppy’s 13th birthday. She’s now 20. To be honest, I always felt like a lone parent! xx