One of our favorite parties was our brother-in-law’s 60th birthday. Our older sister wanted to throw her husband a special surprise party in their beautiful home. After several weeks of brainstorming, we decided on an elegant 1950s Havana themed party. We thought it would be fun to bring Cuba to Montclair, New Jersey!
Since the party was taking place in the garden area, we incorporated lots of natural colors. We selected tan and chocolate linens for the dining tables and cocktail tables. We added pops of color with turquoise napkins and LED lighting. We printed custom menus featuring the guest of honor and placed chocolate cigars at each place setting.
Bartlett’s Greenhouses & Florist created STUNNING centerpieces. Each table had a unique floral arrangement, which was accented by cigar boxes and coffee beans. We named the tables after popular Cuban cigar brands: Partagás, Cohiba, H. Upmann, Hoyo De Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo.
Guests were asked to dress in 1950s Havana attire. The ladies wore festive fall dresses while the gentlemen sported panana hats. Guests sipped on delicious mojitos while they waited for the guest of honor to arrive.
Brian was truly surprised to see his family and close friends.
CulinAriane created a delicious Cuban inspired menu. Amanti Vino, our favorite wine shop in Montclair, paired each course with a wine. Mother Mousse baked the amazing Latin dessert:
Hors D’oeuvres: Empanadas, Corn Fritters, Mini Cuban Sandwiches and Chicken Salad Tostadas
First Course: Rock Shrimp Ceviche
Second Course: Salad with Jicama, Grilled Peaches and Toasted Almonds
Third Course: Lamb Top Sirloin with Cuban Potato Stuffed Eggplant, Cumin Carrot Puree and Lamb Jus
Fourth Course: Tres Leches Cake
A Havana party is not complete without real cigars, which were enjoyed at the end of the night. Guests departed with a chocolate cigar to remember the amazing evening celebrating Brian’s 60th!
Doesn’t everyone look fantastic in their Old Havana attire?
“Cheese, wine, and a friend must be old to be good.” — Cuban Proverb
Shop This Party
Invitation: Etsy
Flowers: Bartlett’s Greenhouses & Florist
Wine Glasses: IKEA
Champagne Flutes: IKEA
Cigar Boxes: Fume Cigars
Chocolate Cigars: Chocolate Impressions
Food: CulinAriane (now Ariane Kitchen & Bar)
Cake: Mother Mousse
Photography: Rebecca Kestenbaum Photography
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That looks like it was such a fun night! What an amazing party.
What an original idea for a party. I love this theme! Looks like it was a great get together.
oh wowwww!!! The best party theme ever…I love Havana and it would be amazing to do a theme that everyone would enjoy.
love the party theme – such a cool idea. Will have to keep this in mind next time I throw a themed party. Thank you for sharing
What a fantastic 60th birthday party! I can’t help but admire the creativity and attention to detail that went into planning this elegant 1950s Havana-themed celebration. It sounds like a night to remember.
I love themed parties. This is such a great theme. The food sounds amazing. Very creative!