Another Trip Around the Sun: A Birthday Affair
Some people don't celebrate birthdays. Others say we shouldn't make such a fuss because they only remind us that we're getting older.
Well, tell that to the lady who made it to 104. Perhaps she stopped counting after a while, but ageing is a privilege.
I think many of us assume we'll always have tomorrow. We put off living, trying something new or doing the things we've been promising ourselves we'll eventually get around to. But I've become increasingly aware that life isn't something I want to keep postponing.
This year, in particular, has brought an enormous amount of change. I've found myself becoming more comfortable with who I am, embracing new experiences and making a conscious effort to live a little more rather than saving everything for another day.
I've always loved this time of year. Autumn brings a true change of season. The leaves turn, the sky changes, the air feels different, and in some ways, we change along with it.
Some people seem to stop growing at 35, but I have no intention of being one of them.
This year, I've taken classes, delved into entirely new subjects, embarked on a completely different career and let go of several things I once believed were necessary to my existence.
I've broadened my horizons, met wonderful new people and deliberately put myself in rooms that initially made me anxious. I showed up anyway.
Most of you reading this will never have met me in person. Although I'm generally quite comfortable striking up a conversation and socialising, I've also learnt that sometimes the most interesting experiences begin when we venture a little beyond what feels familiar.
And that brings me rather neatly to the point of this birthday article.
I'm not here to produce one of those desperate birthday wish lists, begging strangers to buy me things. Rather, I'd like to offer another little glimpse into the woman behind the photographs — and perhaps give you a few reasons why sharing an afternoon, evening or something rather more indulgent with me might be worth sending that email.
I've grown to enjoy writing these articles, partly because I became rather tired of simply posting photographs on X.
Before you say anything, yes, I know you lot enjoy a cheeky snap! But behind those photographs is an actual woman, complete with thoughts, opinions and a rather dry, teasing sense of humour.
Writing has become another way of expressing myself, and something I genuinely look forward to returning to every now and again.
I also enjoy having something lovely on the horizon, particularly when it involves a familiar face. Perhaps I'm already familiar to you through these pages, although we've yet to meet in the flesh.
Of course, I deliberately hold a little back. That's rather the point, isn't it? I prefer to save some of the best parts for those who make the effort to reach out and arrange a date.
We plan all sorts of things in life. I don't see why dating should be any different.
Dressing for the Occasion
If someone asked me what my ideal birthday date would look like, I'd have to begin with the outfit.
Naturally.
I personally believe that what we wear contributes to the entire feeling of an occasion. There's something particularly enjoyable about choosing a beautiful new outfit, getting ready and anticipating the evening ahead.
Something sexy? Something elegant? Perhaps both. It rather depends on where we're going.
Will there be dancing afterwards? A little wandering around London? Somewhere particularly glamorous?
These are all important considerations, you know!
I do love a good outfit, so getting dressed for the occasion is an essential part of the experience.
Now that we're suitably dressed, where shall we begin?
Shall We Start With a Drink?
A beautiful view or a secluded booth? A martini or the perfect Manhattan?
I'm rather fond of a good cocktail bar, and London certainly isn't short of wonderful places to enjoy one.
A few possibilities currently capturing my imagination:
Dukes Bar — Martinis at Dukes. Go early, I say, and one is quite enough! If you've never experienced it, I'd recommend doing so at least once.
The Red Room at The Connaught — For something tried and true, this is always a beautiful choice.
Brooklands Bar at The Peninsula — If we're after wonderful views, this would certainly be high on my list.
Waltz, Shoreditch — Something a little more intimate, with just 12 seats. I do love the idea of somewhere exclusive and slightly tucked away.
A Bar with Shapes for a Name — Even the name is intriguing. Somewhere a little different for those who enjoy venturing beyond the obvious.
Now that we're feeling a little more relaxed, perhaps even slightly tipsy, I'm certainly not ready to disappear back to the hotel.
The evening is still young, and birthdays require feeding.
I don't make the rules.
A Table for Two, Please
There are so many wonderful places in London that deciding where to dine is almost an occasion in itself.
A few that would make me particularly happy:
Muse by Tom Aikens — Right at the top of my list. An intimate setting for something that feels like a special occasion.
The Cocochine — I love the beautifully intimate atmosphere here. A rather lovely setting for two.
Lita — Somewhere I've had on my list for a while and would very much like to try.
The Fat Badger — Perhaps we're in the mood for a more laid-back gastropub lunch rather than an elaborate evening affair.
The River Café — A classic that rarely disappoints.
Mauro Colagreco at Raffles — This one practically has birthday written all over it.
Of course, the company is just as important as the setting, although I certainly won't object to being seated somewhere beautiful.
And if we're having an especially lovely time, why should dinner signal the end of the evening?
A Little Entertainment?
Now, let's say we're not quite ready for the evening to end. After all, a good dinner deserves a little entertainment, don't you think?
Blue Note London — A newly opened jazz club, and somewhere I'd love to discover together. Good music, good company and perhaps another drink.
Royal Ballet and Opera — There are some wonderful performances happening throughout my birthday season and beyond. An evening at the opera or ballet is always rather special.
Golden Boy at the Almeida — For those who prefer an evening at the theatre, this has also caught my attention.
Thoroughly Entertained, Suitably Fed… Shall We Go to Bed?
We've dressed for the occasion, enjoyed a cocktail (or two), indulged in a beautiful dinner and found ourselves suitably entertained.
I think we've earned somewhere rather lovely to lay our heads, don't you?
Two hotels have particularly caught my imagination:
Six Senses London — A little sanctuary in the city, combining beautiful surroundings with that sense of escape I find so appealing.
The Mandrake — Darker, moodier and wonderfully sultry. Somewhere that feels particularly suited to an evening we're not quite ready to forget.
A Few Birthday Wishes…
And since we're talking about birthdays, I suppose I ought to address another rather enjoyable part of the occasion: presents.
I do love a thoughtful gift. I won't pretend otherwise. Although, more than anything, I appreciate the little things that tell me somebody has been paying attention.
For those who enjoy spoiling a woman, I've gathered a few things currently capturing my imagination. Consider this a little inspiration rather than a compulsory shopping assignment.
Perhaps you'll find something you'd like to surprise me with, have something sent ahead, or bring a little something along to our date.
Something beautiful to wear
A delicate set from Agent Provocateur. I'm rather fond of beautiful lingerie, particularly when there's a lovely occasion to wear it. (Gift cards can be sent to quinnpoppy@protonmail.com)
Something fragrant
Memo Paris — Winter Palace, or Dior — Ambre Nuit.
A beautiful fragrance has a wonderful way of becoming associated with a particular person or memory.
Something for the mind
A good book will always delight me. Currently on my list:
The Secret History — Donna Tartt
We Have Always Lived in the Castle — Shirley Jackson
Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk
Something to experience
I've always wanted to try the spa at Raffles London, and a facial at La Suite Dior sounds rather heavenly, too.
*Throne gifting list https://throne.com/happylady
Of course, these are simply a few things I happen to fancy. If you have an idea of your own, I do rather enjoy a man with initiative.
After all, where's the fun in knowing absolutely everything in advance?
And that, I think, is quite enough birthday dreaming for one article.
Another year older, certainly, but with an ever-growing appetite for living, discovering, laughing, learning and collecting moments worth remembering.
Here's to another trip around the sun, and perhaps a few lovely new faces to share it with.
Poppy x
