For my husband’s recent birthday, I created a HapBEE Birthday table and beehive dessert.
B’s gift was a Penguins hockey game, with fabulous front row seats youngest son D helped me to score (unintentional pun). It was the first game of the playoffs, with our Pens the reigning Stanley Cup champs — for the past two years (intentional bragging). So, there was a lot of hoopla during pregame festivities. And, we won 7-0 for an amazing night!
Ironically, the Pens were playing the Philadelphia Flyers — where son D lives. He had to watch all the games at either his or a friend’s apartment to hide their enthusiasm. Inside, their pads were bedecked with banners, signs and Pittsburgh jerseys. D did wear one of his jerseys, in public, on a business flight from Chicago back home. I worried the infamous Broad Street Bully fans might not appreciate him walking through the airport victorious with a Pens jersey on. D wasn’t gonna feel any City of Brotherly Love that night LOL!
The Pens did win the series, but evidently were eliminated by sister-in-law’s long denied Capitals. Congrats…
Anyway, it was one of those milestone, big-0 birthdays for hubby. He didn’t want a party, but I was determined to make dinner special. B has a sweet tooth, so I knew he’d enjoy a honey of a dessert.
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Set a HapBEE Birthday Table
To set the HapBee Birthday table, I started with a great yellow and white tablecloth (TJ Maxx). The geometric print reminds me of a honeycomb pattern.
Can you see it?
The green bee plates are from Anthropology’s Nature Table group. I received four as a gift. Eventually, I splurged on several more, buying two at a time. To my surprise, Anthropology still carries the bee dessert plate.
I love the green color, scalloped edge and metallic gold details. The only bummer is that the gold requires hand-washing.
Each bee dish is set atop a Mikassa English Countryside (Amazon) plate. Lattice work, raised leaves and fruit, decorate the border with a wavy edge — the perfect garden setting for a bee plate to hang out.
I first shared the plates in, Set a Presidents Day Table with Liberty Blue.
French Bee Influences Tablescape
For the napkin, I pulled out ones with an Eiffel Tower print and the word, “Paris.” I decided to just tuck the napkins between the two plates and let them drape over the edge of the table.
I first used the Eiffel Tower napkins in the tablescape post, Decorating with Red Heart Ornaments for Valentines Day. The table was called, “If You Love Me, Take Me to Paris.” Hubby has taken me there twice; that’s why he’s my honey!
A subsequent post, Meet Me at the Eiffel Tower Table Valentine, celebrated those trips to Paris.
The French Connection is a reflection of my heritage, and first My Favorite Things Party theme choice. See Elegant French Queen Bee Invitation.
Everyday Bee Tableware Still Special
I use the flatware, Wallace Napoleon Bee (Amazon), as my everyday flatware from spring through summer. The stainless was perfect for a HapBEE Birthday table.
Also used everyday, are these La Rochere bee glasses (Amazon). A classic, available in numerous shapes and sizes. They have held up really well to a lot of use and cycles in the dishwasher.
The porcelain accent plates were a shower present I nearly forgot I had! They are also from France, by Lourioux. Each of six little plates has a different flower and insect. Retired canapé or bread and butter plates are available online.
Oh dear, I also see they make a strawberry dish pattern with the same edges… Step away from the computer Debbee….!
Like the white Mikassa dinner plates, the Lourioux dishes have a beautiful detailed rim.
Not pictured in this tablescape are the beautiful floral and butterfly covered casseroles and soufflé dishes, I also received as wedding shower gifts.
Beehive Cake Centerpiece
For the Hapbee Birthday table centerpiece, I used a beehive dessert. It sits on a white rabbit cake (Pier 1).
You might recognize the cake stand and handmade bee skep from, Beatrix Potter Easter Hunt in Mr. McGregor’s Garden.
To keep the HapBEE Birthday table dessert fresh, I covered it with a beehive-shaped cloche (William Sonoma).
Around the cake stand, I placed a handcrafted honeypot found at a Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh.
I like that the design is different on each side. Did I mention hubby bought this on my birthday, while we were wondering around the exhibits and craft booths? The artisan is from our local community.
Isn’t it special?
Bake a Beehive Cake
I didn’t have this beehive cake mold (Amazon) when I hosted the French Queen Bee My Favorite Things Party.
But, once I came across it, I knew I “needed” to add it to my bee theme collection of tableware and cookware. You can see how it was a required purchase, for a HapBEE Birthday table right?
Recently I shared the menu and recipes for, Bee Theme Party Food Features Honey, Lemon. Rather than use the recipe that came with the mold, I used the same boxed pound cake mix used for the teddy bear cake and limoncello tiramisu.
The Meyer lemon pound cake (Amazon) came right out of the mold.
To “glue” the two sides of the cake together, I used the lemon icing that came with the boxed mix. Just make sure to keep it thick.
Then I poured the icing along the seams and on top of the cake. I wanted it to resemble honey dripping on the beehive. Can you see it?
That’s all I did to decorate the beehive cake, leaving the bees unadorned. If you like lemon, you’ll love this cake mix and icing. The pound cake is incredibly moist too.
No Cake for the Other Birthday Boy
Shortly after B’s birthday comes a number of others in the family, including my Sweet Scottie Dog. I can’t believe he can be nine already! But then again, it feels like he’s always been a part of our family.
Where’s my birthday cake, huh?!
No lemon pound cake for Fibber Magee, but he did get other favorite treats like cheese and peanut butter in his Kong. Not to mention squirrel and beaver squeaker toys, both of which resembled flat roadkill!
Fibber tears apart stuffed toys, so I only purchase the Flat Stanley type. See Sweet Scottie Dog for more on my fur baby.
In keeping with this post’s HapBEE Birthday table theme, here Fibber is looking mad as a hornet. I dressed him as my drone for the Queen Bee party several years ago — but only long enough for him to make a quick buzz around the porch (all puns intentional).
Garden Decorated Chandelier Overhead
Here’s a glimpse of the chandelier handing above the HapBEE Birthday table.
See more pictures of the dogwood, butterfly and Bee Decorated Chandelier Compliments HapBEE Birthday Table.
Right now, I’ve gotta finish up another wreath order and finalize the menu for the Wonderland themed, My Favorite Things Party in June. (Update: Tea Party Menu: Finger Sandwiches & Savories and Scones & Desserts).
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Ooh, Debbee, I love your bee plates and the cake turned out fabulous! What a fun table and way to show your love. Happy Birthday to your guy, and many more.
All these wonderful items!!! Must take hours to collect them all, Lovely
Thanks Rita, he’s a really special guy and I’m lucky to have him. The plates were a splurge I don’t regret. They never go on sale. I know, I “stalked” Anthropologie for months!
Happy Birthday, belated, to hubby of yours.
Fabulous table as always. Got a good laugh about the hockey. My D. is a Caps fan and goes through withdrawal during the off season.
Wish you had shown your chandelier in full glory. I think I’m in high cotton when I change out the shades for the season.
Of course we have the same silverware, only my bees are gilded. Same company though. New to me is your Nordic Ware bee cake mold. It may end up on my must have list. Have a wonderful weekend. I’m hoping for sun.
Bzz….bzz
I’m sure your D is very happy the Caps finally bested the Penguins after a decade! We aren’t too gloomy here, having enjoyed two Stanley Cup season wins in a row. Will share the chandelier soon. Post was getting too long and I wanted to wrap it up. I prefer the gilded bees flatware, but couldn’t find them. Lucky you!
Loved all your plates! They complement each other perfectly. And the cake is fabulous!
Thanks Sandra! The only problem with the beehive cake is finding place to store the mold pan. Never enough storage!
My, oh my! If those plates aren’t just “the bee’s knees”!!! I really like bees in decorating even though they scare the poop outta me in real life. Coming from Anthropologie, I can only imagine how much they cost. Well worth it, though, when the motif is your passion. I’m really bowled over by the cake pan!!! How cool is that??!!! The idea of the “honey” oozing and dripping over the side is terrific! Your husband really had to have enjoyed that!!! You have a real knack for baking and decorating cakes. I wish I had that gene. I really like your choice of table covering, too. It really DOES resemble honeycomb!!! Looking at that invitation, it lets me know you’re no “one trick pony” when it comes to creating fabulous stationery.
I love that expression, “bees knees” but never understood it, LOL! I’m not really a baker, as that was a boxed cake mix. Where I shine is in decoration and finding the right embellishments, serving pieces to show them off. It’s the crafter in me. That’s probably why I always pick recipes that are accompanied by great photos? I need the pix for inspiration.
Hapbee Birthday! I’m fond of bee related things as well, so this post has me buzzing with interest. I have some of the bee plates. They are beauties! Thanks for the links and all the inspiration.
Thank you Sarah! I hope you serve up some of the honey recipes on your plates from .
I love your bee tablescape and your sweet scottie! Scotties are truly special aren’t they? I have two scotties over the rainbow bridge. I am not able to have a pet right now due to some health issues, but one day I hope to enjoy the companionship of another scottie. Happy birthday to your sweet boy!
Thanks for linking up to TFT!
Aww, a fellow Scottie lover! They have such wonderful, big personalities in a compact package. We’ll have to compare notes sometime. I was really disappointed when we spent nine days in Scotland and not one did we see. Westies, everywhere — including the pubs!
I’ve got a few new things on my wish list after seeing this blog post!! I’m going to have to make a trip to Anthropologie!
I’m a name nerd, and my name means honeybee in Greek. So I kind of gravitate towards bee-themed things. (Evidence of my name nerdiness: Deborah means bee in Hebrew! You may already know that, but I thought I’d share!
Love that you share your tablescapes with us!!
I never knew the connection between Melissa and honeybee. Oh yes, I know the meaning of my name, hence the name of my blog, Debbee‘s Buzz!
I should’ve figured that out!
Happy belated Beerthay to your hubby ! My, my this table is amazing ! ALL your dishes with the Bee motiff are fabulous, specially the Bee plates. you set a beautiful table and I also love your bee flatware, but hey! I love it all !!
The Scotties are simply adorable. I am specially partial to all small dogs, we had a Pug we loved so much and I still miss him.
Thanks for4 sharing.
Fabby
Hi Fabby, so glad you enjoyed the table! I just posted a sorta part 2, you might also like. Both my husband and Scotty say thank you! I’m sorry you lost your Pug, it’s so hard when they are a part of your family.
These bee plates are soooo cute!!
They were a have-to-have with the name Debbee!
OH my goodness; what a bee-utiful table! I love the gold trim on those green plates and I am such a sucker for the Eiffel Tower. Thank so much for sharing with us at the Summer Time Fun Linky party. Pinned.
Those to-die-for plates really make the table. Like you, I love the Eiffel Tower, and treasure my memories of being there twice. My French heritage includes lots of surnames that begin with the letter “B”. That and my name Deb-bee are why I’m so partial to bee and fleur-de-lis motifs.
Such a cute table! I have one of those plates from Anthropologie & I use it as decor. I love how you used them on this table. So many fun details. Love the cake too. xo- MaryJo
Hi MaryJo, thanks for stopping by! Sorry for the delay in responding, I’ve been on a blogging break. I love many of the Anthropologie dishes (but not the prices!), and like to use single plates for decor as you do. One of my favorites is a plate depicting an octopus.
Debbee, not sure how I missed this table last summer, but I found it today when I googled bee tablescape. I’m planning one for this week, and thought I’d look for inspiration. I have those plate, the Wilton bee cakelett pan, and lots of other bee related pieces. Not sure what I’ll do, still thinking about it. Thanks for your inspiration. Your table is beautiful. I have lots of honey pots, so may work them in.
Sarah, I hope you’re planning to share you bee theme table? I’d love to see it and all your bee-related pieces. Not that I need more! Not that you probably need more ideas buzzing in your head, but have you also seen; Bee Theme Party Food Features Honey, Lemon or My Favorite Things Bee Party Gifts, Favors and Games?
I love the green bees plates
They were a real splurge, had-to-have — especially bee-cause of my name: Deb-bee!
Hi, Debbee, so glad to have found your website. I have passed my Love of anything French to my granddaughters, especially one who will be a bride at some point in the not so distant future. The girls today do things so differently, and when the first one married two years ago she had NOT heard the word Trousseau! Well the 2nd one has heard the word! I have already purchased the Wallace Bee flatware for her, and she LOVES Paris like I do! We have been together twice, and once I “sat” on her bag of macrons and squished them into a mess! She loves the Bee’s also, so I am going to check and see if Anthropologie still carries them.
Boujour Bonnie! So we are both kindred French spirits. What a lovely gift the flatware will bee! I don’t think A still carries the plates unfortunately, but have you considered the classic La Rochere bee glasses? How I envy you granddaughters and trips to Paris together! You might also then enjoy, Meet Me at the Eiffel Tower Table Valentine for other tableware ideas. For a bee or French theme party idea, gift wrapping, menu, start with My Favorite Things Bee Party Gifts, Favors and Games. Best wishes to your granddaughter!
I love everything Bees. Thank your for sharing your treasures. Happy Easter!
Me too Rebecca! Appreciate you stopping by. You might also want to check out my bee theme wreaths and party posts at https://debbeesbuzz.com/tag/bee-party-theme/.
Debbee, you know this one makes me smile. I admit I’ve not make the large bee hive cake, but own the pan. I tend to make the individual hives. Perhaps I’ll make the large one for our upcoming tour. Thanks for the inspiration.
I wish I also had the individual hive pans, because I often only need to make enough to serve four. Of course, hubby was happy to help eat cake for several days after the celebration lol!
I just got lost down a hole on Amazon looking at pancake molds that lead from the beehive cake mold – haha! Man, so many beautiful pans. I feel like I need them all!
What an awesome way to spend a birthday, and the table looks stunning. You will find it featured at this weekend’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party!
Oh Alexandra, it happened to me too! Resulted in me buying a mini teddy bear cake mold, as well as another bee theme pull-apart hive pan. I’m thrilled to be featured — much appreciated! On May 13th I’m hosting a Bee-utiful Table Settings hop, and I hope you’ll stop by for 8 casual to elegant tables.