
Today we wanted to throw it back to a wonderful event we did this past fall: a 40th Birthday celebration at a private home in McLain Flats that showcased the breathtaking sights, sounds, and tastes of autumn in Aspen. We were honored to be selected as the event planner in Aspen for this out-of-state client.
Friday, October 7, 2022 – Welcome Cocktail Party
The weekend to remember began Friday evening with a welcome party on the patio of Duemani where guests were greeted with signature cocktails like the oaky Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned featuring almond-soaked bourbon and rye whiskey and the refreshing Wanderlost made with Resposado Tequila and fresh fruit juices. Mountain Flowers provided colorful fall florals in birch vases and candles in birch vases—a nod to the natural surroundings and vibrancy of the season. After getting acquainted (and reacquainted), the group enjoyed hors d'oeuvres like buttery Golden Osetra caviar with house-made waffle chips, succulent tuna crudo with Urfa pepper vinaigrette, and more. As a party planner in Aspen, we always say it's important to have some sort of kickoff to your celebration where guests feel welcomed into town.
Saturday, October 8, 2022 – Birthday Dinner
After guests spent the day exploring Aspen, the party kicked off Saturday evening at the guest of honor’s private residence situated on a sprawling estate on White Star Ranch. Upon entering through a classic stone porch lined with seasonal décor like pumpkins, mums, and candles, guests discovered that the home’s living area had been transformed into an intimate, candlelit dinner party. Each table was set to reflect the elegance and drama of the season with burgundy candles and floral arrangements, velvet linens from La Tavola, and elegant gold plateware. Meanwhile, the event layout elevated the home’s already sweeping views of Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands all the way to Aspen Mountain, where the sun’s setting rays accentuated the changing reds, yellows, and browns of the fall landscape.
After passed hors d'oeuvres and curated cocktails, including a specialty Chai negroni created by Aspen Bartending Company, guests dined on a personalized menu by James Beard-nominated Chef Mawa McQueen of Mawa’s kitchen. Following a roasted corn soup with blue crab cake and basil pistou, they enjoyed a delectable main course of filet mignon from Niman Ranch with pommes Robuchon, Cipollini onions, grilled broccolini, and sauce au poivre. As the conversation and the wine flowed, the pink-and-purple sunset gave way to a starry night and a mouthwatering dessert of flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
But the celebration wasn't over yet! The host and hostess had one more surprise up their sleeves, and it was spectacular. Sarah Rose Events worked with DesignWorks and Premier Party to transform the family’s patio into an exclusive dance club. The patio was first tented and then hundreds of black, gold, and silver balloons from Aspen Air lined the ceiling. Specialty lighting by JAK Innovations set the mood. Plush seating made the entire room feel like a VIP section. For entertainment, famed local DJ, DJ Hex, played. He is best known for performing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Vendors
Friday:
Planning: Sarah Rose Events in Aspen
Venue: Duemani
Rentals: Premier Party
Florals: Mountain Flowers
Photography: Kelsey Brunner Photography
Saturday:
Planning: Sarah Rose Events in Aspen
Venue: private home
Rentals: Premier Party and DesignWorks
Florals: DesignWorks
Decor: DesignWorks
Balloons: Aspen Air
Catering: Mawa's Kitchen
Bartending: Aspen Bartending Company
Menu design: Sincerely, Addison
Transportation: CTS Aspen
Plateware: Bella Vita
Linens: La Tavola
Entertainment: DJ Hex
Lighting + electricity: JAK Innovations
Photography: Megan Wynn Photography