Celebrating in style in Positano.
Celebrating in Style By Gill Whelan
For one special week in July this year, 75 friends from around the world converged on the Amalfi Coast for a joyous festival of fun for a friend celebrating his 50thbirthday.
The opening party on a hot Saturday evening was held at Positano’s cliffside jewel, Il San Pietro. Guests wound their way down a steep pathway and staircase, through lemon trees and herb gardens, all the way serenaded by a lively musical trio.
The birthday boy greeted his guests on the lush lawn overlooking the sea. Every hand seemed to hold an Aperol Spritz as friends were reunited and excitement levels rose as the sun went down.
The host, not easy to surprise, was left on his knees in wonder & disbelief when partygoers busted out their best dance moves for a choreographed flash mob which had been rehearsed in dance classes, homes and hotel rooms over 3 months. He would later call out this moment as a highlight of the whole week.
Tables for dinner were themed with red & white checked table cloths and plenty of tomatoes and basil. Speeches were delivered by close mates who served up a hilarious retrospective on friendships formed in junior school and still going strong. The dancefloor was full when fireworks lit up the night sky.
Two nights later guests reconvened for a lavish black tie affair at the historic Villa San Giacomo. A steep climb up to the highest point of Positano was well worth it for the spectacular views of the coast and the town’s colourful buildings. Champagne was served in the upper garden before dinner commenced on the stunning terrace. One long table seating was lavishly decorated with a hedge arrangement down the centre featuring an abundance of ferns, orchids, local plants and candelabras.
By soft candelight a variety of heartfelt and at times hilarious speeches were given before an impromptu dancefloor was established poolside. By night’s end most of the guests were in the pool, evening gowns and all, making it an exceptionally memorable event.
After a restful “day off” the next celebration was a lunchtime affair that saw everyone dressed in white to take a quick boat ride to Conca Del Sogno, a restaurant and beach club. Tables were decorated in a lemon theme and an exquisite meal was shared before the party really took off as guests danced on the cliff-side dancefloor with many taking the leap into the crystal blue water below.
Why not continue the lemon theme of the day by spoiling your self with a spritz of Laboratorio Olfattivo’s eau de parfum Nun. The fragrance opens with evident citrus notes, in which pear reveals its sweetness, joining a heart of blossoming lotus, jasmine and ylang ylang.
The unforgettable week came to an end with a busy day exploring a beautiful location; Capri. Boats ferried people to the famed La Fontelina where sun lounges were appropriated and tanning or swimming were enjoyed. A more casual lunch followed, with some shared reflections on an amazing week spent together. By early evening the party had virtually taken over the main square of Capri with an open bar ensuring a lively atmosphere and much merriment as the sun slowly set on a magical celebration.