For my birthday this year, my girlfriends surprised me with a day to celebrate. We had it planned this past weekend, a few days after my birthday. All I knew was that I should plan to be away for most of the day, and that we would be standing/walking around part of the time so dress cute but comfortably. As it got closer, she added that we'd be outside part of the time, so I needed a jacket. Thankfully my friend helped approve my outfits, that was the hardest part with not knowing the plan!
I knew there would be a really fun day, but I had no idea what to expect. I assumed a winery at first, but then Erica mentioned it wasn't a wine tasting so I was stumped. I remembered two places I had mentioned I wanted to go, but was left guessing.
We met at my friend Nikki's house who had a spread of pastries and coffee out for us. We hung out there for a little bit, then all drove together to our unknown (to me) destination! After a while, I realized it wasn't the first location I had guessed (The Hive) but it was likely Park Winters! I was excited to see it. I knew from a friend who attended a wedding there that it was a very cute location. I assumed we were having brunch. But when we arrived we walked out to their barn to find it completely full of beautiful dried flowers, with a long table down the center for a flower arranging day! I was so excited! This was so up my ally and I was touched they planned this for me.
When we arrived the self proclaimed "barn diva" Sharon, gave us a rundown of how it works. She showed us how to arrange our long stems into the provided buckets shaking the gravel so they would stay. We were instructed to pick anything we wanted from around the barn. Starting with tall branches, then moving on to the 'filler' and 'spiller'. There were so many beautiful things to choose from, it was overwhelming. I just started grabbing things that spoke to me. Once we had our longer stems selected, we were ready to get started.
It was a bit crowded with other groups working in the barn. It happened to be a very blustery day, so we wouldn't be able to work outside. This ended up being a blessing, because she said she was going to set us up in their "tea house." She walked us over to the cutest tiny cottage set up like a sitting room. We had the place to ourselves! Joy quickly got a playlist going, Nikki set out to find us some champagne, and then we got to work.
It was so fun working together on our arrangements in the little tea house. Once we were happy with our longer stems as the base of our arrangements, we headed back to the main barn to select more flowers to fill in. I was so excited to find dried daffodils, they're such a delicate flower I was surprised to see them. And I also grabbed a few snapdragons for some color. There were so many options I wanted to choose from, but I ended up with a purple, pink and muted yellow palette. In hindsight maybe I should have gone with more fall colors, but this will last so long and look beautiful most of the year!
After we finished our floral arrangements, Sharon helped us wrap them up to take home. Then we headed back towards the patio for brunch at the restaurant. It was fully outdoors, and a very windy day, but they had canvas curtains that really blocked a lot of the wind. They also offered blankets for us in case we were cold, it was such a cute touch.
For lunch we shared wine and fries, and I ordered the smoked salmon benedict. It was delicious! I ate my entire plate, it was one of the best benedicts I've had in a long time. The eggs were perfectly poached, no runny white parts (the worst).
We took our time at brunch visiting and enjoying our day together. It was so fun. I was so touched by the thoughtful planning, surprise, and the fact everyone left their families for a nearly a full day to celebrate me. They got me the most lovely compass pendant necklace for a jeweler we all love. The note in the card made my tear up, it was so thoughtful about always staying true to who I am.
If you're local to the Foothills or Fog, this would be such a fun day. It's located in Winters, an easy drive from either the Bay Area or the greater Sacramento Area. It was a lovely brunch and the activity was so fun. Plus you go home with a beautiful arrangement! This time of year, they're doing dried flower arrangements. But in the spring and summer it's with fresh flowers from their farm. She also mentioned that they go all out with holiday decorations, and have wood fired pizza nights and wreath making. It would be such a fun tradition to start!
I am so grateful for my wonderful friends and this fun day celebrating my 39th year. I'm excited to make it the best year yet! This day was such a perfect way to celebrate my birthday, it was so me!
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