Turquoise-rimmed Bernaud china introduces a non-traditional color to the palette.
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
When the post-holiday doldrums began to creep in a few years ago, Birmingham designer Lesley McRae resolved to bring a little life into the winter season. Modifying traditional Valentine's Day themes, she planned a ladies-only gathering for a few friends and family members.
Since then, the Cupcakes and Cocktails party has become an annual affair that celebrates love and friendship and brings a sweet jolt of chocolate into the lives of all the women who attend. Together, Lesley and her 9-year-old daughter, Charlotte, select the fare and décor and have even created a fun pink punch for the younger guests. "It's wonderful to share this tradition with her," says Lesley.
The designer uses shades of pink and brown for her soirée, contrasting bright pops of color with softer hues in the floral arrangements. The French vanilla, turtle, caramel, and baby pink-frosted pastries, as well as the signature blush-colored Sweetheart Cocktail, serve as décor that is both beautiful and delicious.
"Whether or not our guests have a significant other to celebrate Valentine's Day with, they always know they'll be loved and welcomed here," says Lesley. Cheers to that.
Sweetheart Cocktail Recipe
Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham calls it a Normandy Cocktail, but hostess Lesley McRae refers to the pink concoction as a Sweetheart Cocktail at her annual Valentine's Day get-together.
1 1/2 ounces Ketel One vodka
1/2 ounce Calvados
1 ounce apple juice
2 lemon wedges (about 1/3 lemon)
1 teaspoon grenadine
Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Squeeze the lemon wedges into the shaker and discard the rinds. Add the grenadine and muddle vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Highlands Bar and Grill, 205/939-1400, www.highlandsbarandgrill.com.
RESOURCES: Lesley McRae, Lesley McRae Interiors, 205/868-4300, www.lesleymcraeinteriors.com; floral design by Jon Martinez, Bloom, 800/ 944-1794, www.bloomontheweb.com; china by Bernardaud through Bromberg's, 205/871-3276, www.brombergs.com; glassware by Juliska, 888/414-8448, www.juliska.com; pastries by Pastry Art Bake Shoppe, 205/877-3852; tablecloth fabric by Duralee (to the trade); handmade porcelain hearts by White Flowers Gallery, 205/871-4640.
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