HAPPY BIRTHDAY ITALIAN STYLE

Dazzle someone of any age with a birthday party! To help you start planning, choose a theme and menu the birthday person will love; you might look to the honoree’s favorite hobby, sport, color, flower, or food for a theme. Remember to consider whether he or she likes small, low-­key events or more festive occasions, such as surprise parties. Once you’ve decided on an idea, the fun will begin.

The party menu that follows is for someone who loves Italian food. The Lemon Chicken Italiano and Herbed Cheese Bread are melt-in-­your-­mouth delicious, and the Spinach Gratin and Broiled Tomatoes with Topping are full of color and flavor. Guests will want seconds of the Shrimp and Artichoke Fettuccine and Herbed Cheese Bread, and the Italian Birthday Cake is rich and delicious. A young child’s version of the dinner could feature pizza or spaghetti, plain cheese bread, and a fun and festive decorated cake. Add party hats, a birthday chair, bouquets of balloons or flowers, notes in unexpected places, and the sharing of happy memories. Give someone a birthday to remember.