Hostess with the Mostess®

I designed a baby shower for some friends a few months that was particularly special because of the circumstances… The couple had been trying to get pregnant for several years without success, so when it finally happened for them and they found out a little girl was on the way - mom-to-be described the feeling as somewhat "magical ".

She wanted the shower to reflect that kind of feeling - so I came up with this "Whimsical Garden " theme that incorporates all sorts of girlie things like butterflies, rhinestones, metallic vases, and glittery details - as well as unusual organics like oversize moss balls, snapdragons, mini orchids, and stargazer lilies. For details on how to recreate this theme, read on…

Party Decor:

*Photos by Anne Geddes (taken from greeting cards & calendars) are displayed in frames decorated with ribbon, rhinestones and butterflies.
*The "b-a-b-y" sign was created from glittered scrapbooking alphabet letters and simple clip frames.
*Pretty Chinese Peony paper plates from Plum Party were used for the buffet. Matching Coral Peony dessert plates were used for the cake.
* Different styles of butterflies (from craft & floral supply stores) hang from trees and adorn flower arrangements

Table Centerpieces (2 styles)

*Centerpiece #1: Roses, artifical lucy balls , mini butterflies, and glittered curly ting ting are displayed in low metallic flower pots. Pots are adorned with a band of ribbon and embellished with pacifiers on one side and Chinese Peony Placecards featuring baby-related words on the other. Tip: Fill the bottom half of the vase with vase gems or floral foam to help the rose stems stand upright.

*Centerpiece #2: Same base as above, but utilizing a taller version of the vase. An oversize moss ball sits at the top with glittered curly ting ting peeking out the sides.

Favors and Details:

*Party favors: chocolate & carmel Moose Munch Mix fills pretty favor boxes adorned with ribbon, matching tags , and glittery alphabet stickers. (favors were arranged in order of the alphabet) Tip: To create a "stair-stepped" display for your party favors, display them on cabinet shelf organizers.
* Tissue Poms from Martha Stewart Crafts adorned trees and bushes
*Rose petals floated in the spa

More details {not pictured}:
*Brightly-colored yoga mats purchased for only $7.99 each at Ross were used as surfaces for the food & beverage tables. These are especially great for the beverage area because the spongy surface makes it easy to clean up spills, and you’re not left with stains or wet spots on your tablecloth.
*Arrange pink and orange bottled drinks on multi-level shelf organizers for a pretty drink display
*Sprinkle rose petals on the cake/dessert table and in the bathtub of the guest bathroom
* Spray tissue poms with adhesive silver glitter spray to make them sparkle!

Special Note: Mike and Michelle’s baby girl arrived healthy and happy in December