Rebecca’s 40th Birthday – A Stunning Garden Party in Harpenden

On Saturday, the 2nd of August, a beautiful summer evening in Harpenden, Hertfordshire set the perfect stage for a truly special occasion — Rebecca’s 40th birthday celebration. Hosted in the garden of their private home, this was an evening of elegance, style, and heartfelt moments that brought friends together in a way that will be remembered for years to come. The Pink Elephant had the absolute pleasure of curating this milestone event, transforming Rebecca’s garden into a stunning backdrop that blended laid-back summer charm with thoughtful touches of sophistication. Every detail was designed to reflect Rebecca’s vibrant personality and the importance of celebrating life’s big moments in style.

The vision

An understated luxury aesthetic blending soft neutrals, pale pinks, sage greens, and gold accents. Inspired by a relaxed Soho House vibe, the setting featured chic outdoor lounge furniture, cosy throws, ambient candlelight, fairy lights, and fresh florals—peonies, hydrangeas, and roses arranged in a natural, wild-yet-elegant style.

  • Private home garden in Harpenden

  • Sophisticated yet fun atmosphere

  • Beautiful food & drinks experience

  • Seamless service, no stress

The Execution

A Warm Welcome: Pink Champagne & Beautifully Styled Guests

As the clock struck 7:30pm, guests began to arrive, stepping into a garden that had been meticulously styled with a stretched canopy tent, heaters, LED lighting, and natural jute flooring that created a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Awaiting them was a beautifully arranged drink station adorned with fresh floral arrangements, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Guests were welcomed with coupe glasses filled with pink champagne — a subtle, elegant nod to the celebratory spirit of the night.

The crowd was impeccably dressed, adding even more colour and vibrancy to the scene. The ladies dazzled in summery, floral dresses — some bright, others with a touch of sparkle, flowing effortlessly in the soft summer breeze. The men embraced a fashionable yet relaxed style, with jackets, chinos, and open-collared shirts that perfectly suited the garden party vibe. It was a sea of colour, texture, and effortless elegance, with everyone embracing the opportunity to celebrate in style.

A Culinary Start: Canapés, Platters & Perfect Pairings

As guests mingled, glasses in hand, the evening kicked off with a trio of canapés that perfectly balanced flavour and presentation. First, there were crostinis topped with prosciutto, a delicate layer of fig jam, and a drizzle of fresh pesto — a beautiful bite that blended sweet and savoury notes.

Next came spiced tuna served in crisp cucumber cups — light, refreshing, and with just the right hint of heat. The third canapé was a crowd favourite: bavette steak skewers served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, offering a rich and satisfying flavour to round out the trio.

To complement the canapés, a selection of charcuterie and vegetarian platters were served across the garden. These featured an abundant spread of artisan cheeses, cured meats, olives, roasted vegetables, fresh fruits, and crusty breads, allowing guests to graze at their leisure as they mingled.

The Cocktail Bar: A Bespoke Experience

One of the standout features of the evening was the pop-up cocktail bar, expertly curated and run by Ipanema Events. With three professional mixologists behind the bar, guests were treated to a menu of four bespoke cocktails, each handpicked by Rebecca herself.

The cocktail selection included refreshing Mojitos, the tropical sweetness of ‘Ipanema in Love’, the citrusy brightness of ‘Isle Sunshine’, and the timeless elegance of a French Martini. With unlimited cocktails served until 10:30pm, guests could sample each concoction or stick to their favourite as the evening unfolded.

In addition to the cocktails, the drinks offering included a carefully selected signature rosé — Notorious Pink — which proved incredibly popular, as well as a crisp 2023 Custoza Monte D'Alfra white wine from Veneto, Italy. A wide selection of beers and soft drinks ensured there was something for everyone, creating a drinks experience that was inclusive and enjoyable for all.

A Barbecue Feast: Flavourful, Fresh & Beautifully Served

As twilight settled in, the scent of the barbecue began to fill the garden, signalling the next phase of the evening. Guests were invited to enjoy a beautifully prepared barbecue feast, which featured an array of delicious skewers.

Halloumi and roasted vegetable skewers provided a hearty vegetarian option, while the peri-peri marinated chicken skewers added a bold, zesty kick. Lemon and herb chicken skewers brought a lighter, refreshing flavour profile, ensuring there was something for every palate.

The barbecue was accompanied by four vibrant salads that were as visually appealing as they were delicious. These included a classic Greek salad, a bulgur wheat and chickpea salad, a potato, spinach, caramelised onion, and mustard salad, and a giant couscous salad with sun-dried tomatoes and a zingy lemon dressing.

Attention to detail was paramount, right down to the napkins, which featured a playful mix of brown leopard print and black-and-white zebra stripes from Tavola — a small yet stylish touch that didn’t go unnoticed by the guests.

Sweet Indulgence: The Brigadeiro Tower

No birthday celebration is complete without something sweet, and for Rebecca’s party, we introduced a stunning Brigadeiro Tower — a show-stopping centrepiece of Brazilian truffles crafted by Emmy’s Brigadeiro’s, based in Hatfield.

The tower featured an assortment of Brigadeiro’s in various flavours, providing a decadent treat that guests could enjoy as they continued to sip their drinks and enjoy the evening's entertainment.

The truffles were not only delicious but also a wonderful talking point, as many guests experienced them for the first time.

The Perfect Soundtrack: DJ Ajna from The Vibe Room

As the evening progressed, the party transitioned seamlessly from relaxed mingling to dancing under the stars, thanks to the incredible DJ Ajna, sourced through The Vibe Room.

She started the night with chilled house vibes, gradually building the energy as the evening went on, eventually moving into more upbeat pop tracks that had guests flocking to the dance floor. Her ability to read the crowd and keep the energy flowing was impeccable, and the feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive. DJ Ajna’s engaging style and curated playlists truly elevated the atmosphere.

Music played until 11:30pm, at which point guests slowly drifted towards the front of the house, where Rebecca’s husband took a moment to thank everyone for coming — a heartfelt conclusion to a wonderful evening.