Papa G’s Birthday Party

We hosted Papa G’s little family birthday party at our house yesterday for an early dinner that saw me hitting the sack before my guests left (what a lightweight)!

…With bright balloons in place and Dad’s favourite flowers, sunflowers adorning the dining table, Papa G had all his favourite people right in one place including best friend Andy (my husband’s godfather and second Grandad to our kids).

Both men are brilliant Grandads (as is Grandad David all the way in South Africa whom we miss a lot)…

My sometime Mannies (male nannies) played in the playroom with the kids-and big kids they are too!

My brother Solos and Alexander having some balloon fun!

A bit of horse play!

As sunshine streamed in and champagne was enjoyed, it was time for a little bit of posing for the blog (of course)!

And then we made a start on the simply GORGEOUS food, courtesy of my folks and brother’s restaurants The Olive Tree and Giorgio’s.

Thanks to the Head Chefs for all the delicious dishes (and making my job easier)-washing up this morning did take hours in my defence!

Delicious grilled lamb chops and chicken kebabs…

And fresh seabass fillets drizzled in olive oil…

… And let’s not forget these stunning cupcakes gifted to us by Sprinkled Magic delivered to Leeds from London, in all their chocolate caramel, red velvet, after eight mint and oreo glory. Bliss!

I actually ended up dividing these beauties into quarters so everyone could try a bit of each and let me tell you, they were utterly lip-lickingly gorgeous and as you can see, Oliver loved them too!

In fact, I’d go as far to say they are the best cupcakes I’ve ever eaten! At a push, my favourites were the red velvet and mint cupcakes! I went in for second helpings of those!

Before long, the birthday candles were blown out and presents given, with Oliver informing Papou (Grandad) of the contents of each gift before he’d even opened them!

…Dad’s favourite Greek dessert galaktoboureko (above) was also scoffed too.

These syrupy custards encased in filo pastry were made by the Head Chef of the Olive Tree in Headingley, Orhan and were DIVINE!

…And best of all, in between all the eating and drinking, we laughed a lot (as we always do) at Dad’s crazy stories and silly plans for a ‘boys’ ‘Last’ Vegas style trip with Andy (cue Mum’s eye roll) to Oliver refusing to go to bed until 9 because “its’ rude to miss Papou’s party”. The kid has certainly grasped the art of manipulation at just 4!

More than anything, last night sums up our little family-full of fun, fabulous food and so much flipping love!

Here’s to Papa G, the most hilarious, ambitious and charismatic man I know! Cheers!

For those asking on Instagram and Twitter, my dress is a vintage number from Jus d’Orange, Paris which I’ve had for years, Oliver wears Polo Ralph Lauren checked shirt from the US and jeans are Next.

Alexander is in a Tommy Hilfiger shirt from Marbella with jeans from H&M.

Peter wears a Next shirt.

Sorry I can’t tell you what anyone else is wearing, I was a little too tipsy to remember to ask!