“Country cowboy chic was at the heart of this stylish 50th birthday celebration on a private farm, with elegantly rustic décor, delicious country cuisine, and a true party atmosphere!”
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Event Concepts
Event?
It was all about boots, chaps, and cowboy hats for Nicolaas Basson’s stylish 50th birthday celebration late last year. The theme was ‘country cowboy chic’, and we added our signature Event Concepts touch to elevate the design, transforming a tractor shed on his Darling farm into a home on the range, country chic venue, where his 200 guests could party the night away. The event featured elegantly rustic décor, delicious cuisine, and a host of special touches that made it one for the books!
Partygoers were welcomed with a delectable gin bar, serving up a variety of local gins with tasty, colourful garnishes. We took advantage of the outdoor area with stunning 360 degree views of the farm, to create an inviting country tableau that perfectly fit the theme of this 50th birthday celebration. An old school family- owned pickup truck was stacked high with hay bales, silver milk cans, buckets of ice cold beer, and simple but beautiful arrangements of field-fresh florals. An array of hats and bandanas was also laid out, and the denim-clad guests were invited to help themselves. As they mingled and enjoyed the sounds of a local band, they enjoyed delicious and wholesome country-style canapes whipped up by Slippery Spoon in the kitchen.
Guests were then ushered into the barn, to be seated at exquisitely styled long dinner tables. Our colour palette consisted of natural greens and some masculine moody colours – a perfect counterpoint to the relaxed feel of the event. The table décor was kept simple, featuring lots of candles and individual vases filled with simple arrangements of fresh white blooms. Each place setting consisted of matte black dinnerware set on woven raffia mats, with custom menus placed on top. Smoky water glasses added the perfect finishing touch.
The main focus, however, was on the striking overhead display of greenery suspended over each table. The greenery – much of which had been gathered from the farm’s own olive tree orchard – was interspersed with trendy clear filament bulbs, which created a magical effect. Lighting was also a feature at the bar area, where a cluster of basket-shaped pendants hung overhead. A gorgeous statement floral arrangement brought an organic touch to the sleek black bar.
This chic 50th birthday celebration was designed to appeal to all the senses. Guests were served a feast throughout the evening, made using a variety of local farm-to-table ingredients including fresh butter, fragrant olive oils, pungent olives and olive jams, and artisan breads. It was utterly delicious!
After dinner, the party continued on the dance floor. Guests were also encouraged to help themselves to something sweet from the dessert station. This was created entirely of hay-bales, and styled to the country theme with gingham cloth and typical South African serveware and platters. We also organised a playful and fun cowboy themed chocolate birthday cake – Nicolaas’ favourite! Sparklers and champagne were brought out at midnight to mark the milestone birthday, before guests partied into the wee hours.
Photographer: Christine Le Roux
