Using the peony, her favorite flower, as the theme, the guest of honor traveled across the country to attend her very special birthday party. Chinese lanterns criss-crossed the patio, adding a whimsical touch to the al fresco supper. Custom-made silk dupioni tablecloths, each slightly different from the other, in colors repeating those of the peonies topped the tables. Sitting in the center of each table were water-filled crystal bowls lined with curly pale-green savoy cabbage leaves, and overflowing with the coral and pink flowers. Favors for the women were surprise balls, shaped as peonies, which held trinkets chosen specifically for the honoree. The men's favors were a variety of delicious caramels tucked into striped pale-green, hand-made boxes.

Juxtaposing the earthy with the refined, characterized the motif of this intimate autumn dinner. A wrought iron chandelier laden with antique crystal beads was woven by a garland of hops, and topped with a collected bird's nest. Dried moss became the placemats, while the napkin rings were fashioned from gathered acorns and zinc oak leaves. Interspersed with candles shaped as some of the vegetables themselves, the rich centerpiece was a cornucopia of fall's bounty. On the antique limestone mantle, dotted with small fruits and vegetables, was a montage of beeswax candles intertwined with a bramble of fresh bittersweet.