Last Thursday I turned 27, and my family and friends made it a birthday to remember. My husband surprised me with dinner at a delicious Mediterranean restaurant, and the next morning we drove up to his parents’ beach house in Delaware for a long weekend celebration with my mom, stepdad, and the in-laws. By Sunday we were loading present after present into the car and heading home. Time really flies when you’re enjoying good company—and unwrapping thoughtful gifts. Below I’m sharing the highlights and a few shots of the new pieces that have found a home with us.
John loves a birthday wish list, which makes gift-giving fun and stress-free. I usually drop in a few of my favorite online stores and collect items I’d like, then he shares the links with family. One item I’d spotted a while back and was thrilled to still find available were these faux topiaries—what I like to call “fauxpiaries.” They add cheerful greenery to our sunroom, which can’t support live plants year-round because it isn’t temperature controlled and gets very cold in winter. We’ve tried boxwoods and evergreens with limited success, so realistic faux plants are a great solution for a year-round green touch.
These artificial rosemary and mint topiaries bring life to the sunroom without the maintenance. I’m fine with faux plants as long as they look natural and aren’t over-the-top; thankfully these look just as convincing in person as they did online. They give the room a fresh, lived-in feeling and pair nicely with the real plants we keep inside the main house.
My mom gave me a generous birthday check and a small kitchen-themed basket full of goodies: a grow-in-the-bag organic parsley kit, gourmet popcorn, and a box of Barefoot Contessa brownies. Little kitchen treats like this are always a hit and make for a cozy, practical present.
My mother-in-law and father-in-law surprised me with a Pottery Barn wreath I’d been admiring for months. It was recently marked down, so it felt like an extra special find. I couldn’t resist trying it on the front door when we got home; it’s very textured and substantial, with bleached paper-thin leaves, festive flowers, pinecones, and pom poms. While I debated keeping it up year-round, we decided the pinecones give it a seasonal feel, so we’ll enjoy it each holiday season instead.
Here’s a close-up showing the delicate leaves and decorative accents; the photographs don’t quite capture how impressive it is in person.
From John and his sister I received a pair of Z Gallerie candle sconces I’d been eyeing since they appeared online. Their graphic silhouette complements several elements already in our home: the outline echoes our yellow living room rug and harmonizes with patterns in the guest bedroom. After debating placement, we decided to hang them in the master bedroom where we can enjoy them daily.
We’d been living with a blank wall that felt like it was waiting for the right piece. Rather than rush into hanging anything, we opted to wait until something we truly loved came along. The blank wall actually provided a calming backdrop while we considered options.
When it was time to install the sconces, John held them in place while I stepped back to fine-tune the spacing. It’s essential to assess placement from a distance to avoid extra holes and ensure the arrangement feels balanced. We used wall anchors so the sconces would be secure—especially important when candles are involved.
They look delightful on the wall. I love the staggered placement—John’s idea—which lets the mirrored backs catch and reflect candlelight beautifully. It’s a small change that makes the bedroom feel warmer and more finished.
That’s the gift round-up from my birthday: thoughtful, practical, and beautifully suited to our home. I’m grateful for everyone who celebrated with me and for the small upgrades that make daily life a little brighter. How do you usually celebrate your birthday? Do you request home items, ask for cash, or send out a gift list? I’d love to hear what works best for you.