A Formal Affair

The Occasion: A stylish birthday fête that brings to life the fantasy tea parties the guests once staged as girls.

The Inspiration: An elaborate china pattern with an unusual color combination of turquoise and pomegranate that begged to be shown off in an elaborate way.

Extra Touches: A pâtissier made individual cakes decorated like presents, with icing that echoes the pattern and color of the china. Sugar nameplates at the base of each package function as place cards. Served on antique silver bread-and-butter plates, the cakes are an irresistible embellishment and double as party favors.

Mixing Pieces: Because the china is so colorful, I opted for a classic white linen tablecloth and all-white flowers. A luncheon like this is the perfect time to use all of your finery, so layer the table with silver pieces if you have them. I used antique Tiffany flatware on white linen hemstitched napkins. I mixed different stemware patterns and used all etched glassware. When the birthday cake is served, don't forget your coffee set. The coffee cups and silver service displayed on a sideboard or cart make a pretty finishing touch.

The Flowers: For the centerpiece, I placed the two sterling silver compotes on either side of a taller three-handled vase; it's tall, but not so tall that it obscures the guests on the other side of the table. The two loose flower designs flanking the tighter arrangement add a touch of elegance. The compotes and vase hold star of Bethlehem, maidenhair fern, hydrangea, veron-ica, ranun-culus, freesia, seeded eucalyptus, lily-of-the-valley, peonies, and paperwhite narcissus.

RESOURCES: Floral design by Sybil Brooke Sylvester, Wildflower Designs, 205/322-1311, www.wildflowerdesigns.net; cakes and place cards by Angels Cake & Confections, 205/871-3536, www.angelsconfections.com; Cornucopia china pattern by Herend, 800/643-7363, www.herendusa.com; Barcelona wineglasses by Varga Art Crystal through DeVine Corporation, 732/751-0500, www.devinecorp.net; Fern wineglass and tumbler by William Yeoward Crystal, 800/818-8484, www.williamyeowardcrystal.com; silver coffee pot, creamer, vase with handles, bread-and-butter plates, and pair of sterling silver compotes from AMW at Mary Adams Antiques, 205/870-3588; French pearl bead chandelier and set of six Chippendale chairs from Robert Hill Antiques, 205/326-0088.