Parties & Celebrations
A Dinner at Villa San Michele
A trip to Florence is incomplete if you don’t stop and explore the utterly breathtaking Villa San Michele. Nestled on a hilltop surrounded by trees and terraced gardens, this magnificent hotel in the hills of Fiesole was built in the 17th century and overlooks the sparkling lights that shine from the city of Florence below. One hundred and twenty five guests from around the world gathered to celebrate a remarkable woman.
It was the start of a three-day, 50th birthday celebration that began with guests arriving for a Friday night welcome dinner. Even their arrival was planned with maximum effect. Guests walked down the villa’s long driveway on a tan runner lined on both sides with silver lanterns that lead to a cocktail area staged to take advantage of the breathtaking hotel façade as a backdrop. Guests dined on elegant canapés which included paillettes with sesame and onion and some with Parmesan cheese, deep-fried zucchini blossoms, beef Carpaccio, and petite croutons with taleggio cheese topped with shaved summer truffle. Delicious passion fruit cocktails and white peach Bellinis passed around by waiters in white dinner jackets were hard to resist as sounds of live music filled the air.
When it was time for dinner, guests were invited to dine al fresco on the hotel’s loggia overlooking the city of Florence below. Three long dinner tables set in a single row were laid with purple linens and dressed with silver chargers, crystal glassware, and elegant silverware flatware fitting for such an occasion. Beautiful flowers of purple calla lilies and delicate sweet peas complimented the look with lighting from the chandeliers casting a soft glow to the room. Each course was prepared to perfection, starting with a classic Foie Gras terrine accompanied by a Muffato wine sauce served with baby wild salad and green beans and risotto with pumpkin blossom. Scampi was next, after which we enjoyed baked fillet turbot with fresh tomato and basil accompanied by sautéed vegetables and thyme. Each course was expertly paired with an Italian wine selected by the talented hotel sommelier. And for lady sweet lovers, a warm puff pastry filled with fresh raspberries and strawberry gelato with calamint herb. For the men, a crunch cappuccino gelato with meringue.
As soon as dinner service was over everyone was invited to the back garden for a surprise evening of entertainment. Andre Bocelli took to the stage following the lead dancers from the Paris ballet performing Swan Lake. Andre’s voice is so magnificent it moved guests to tears. The performance of Swan Lake was so majestic, graceful and elegant you could feel the guest of honor's excitement with each step. But the real star performance of the night was the spectacular song sung by the young daughter of the birthday girl. Not even 10 years old, she sang a tribute song to her mother that got everyone on their feet for an ovation.
Next, a giant birthday cake with sparklers, a video slide show of 50 remarkable years, and finally a stunning fireworks display capped the first evening. What a way to start a celebration. Guests knew that after such a spectacular first evening together, this weekend was going to be a weekend they would never forget.
As always, there's more to come!
