Wednesday, 13 February 2008

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Inside Jennifer Aniston's birthday bash

Former Friends star celebrates being 39 in Vancouver

All work and no play? Not exactly. But Jennifer Aniston spent her 39th birthday toiling away on the Vancouver set of her upcoming romantic drama, Traveling.

Still, the actress did receive a special treat from her cast and crew on Monday. They surprised the Birthday Girl with a "giant ice cream cake," says a source. "The crew all gathered around and sang a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday.' [There were] hugs and kisses for everyone, from everyone."

Good wishes also poured in from far-away friends, as several large flower arrangements were also delivered to her trailer.

Two days earlier, Aniston had a chance really to cut loose, when she and 20 friends – including Traveling director Brandon Camp – took over the private room of Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill for a lively dinner party.

"Everyone ordered so many dishes," an observer says of the group, which tucked in to the restaurant's signature "Cucina Naturale" cuisine (emphasizing fresh ingredients while minimizing the use of animal fats and creams). "They tried everything. They were just having such a good time."

As the meal wound down, the restaurant presented Aniston with a custom-made birthday cake. "When it was wheeled out from the kitchen by several staff, everyone started to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Jennifer, including people from the kitchen," says the witness. "Jennifer looked a little surprised, but it was her birthday party, after all."

As the party played on until 2:30 a.m., "she had a big smile," says the onlooker. "She had a really good time with all of her friends – and seemingly didn't want the evening to end."

Kate Stroup