3 tasteful baby shower themes for an event that will get everyone talking.
Articles & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY
The funny thing about baby showers is that they’re not actually for baby. It’s actually about you. So you might as well have fun planning since this just might be the last adult party you throw for a little while. What better way to have that last pre-baby bash than to give it a fun grown-up theme? With just a few little props, you can make a big impact.
Below, the owners of event-design firm Poppies & Posies and prop shop The Trove give us 3 tasteful themes for the baby shower of your dreams.
1. TEA TIME
What: We love tea time over here at the Poppies & Posies office, and there’s no better time to put on a proper low tea than to honor a mom-to-be. Antique cake stands, elegant china and yummy tea sandwiches create the perfect lady-like atmosphere to celebrate this exciting occasion.
Props: An easy way to figure out what you’ll need for your tea party is to make a list of all of the items you plan on serving. Choose a few different cake stands in various heights and sizes, paired with a few serving trays to display your tea sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. Next, set the table for each of your guests. Use luncheon-sized plates paired with a fork, knife for spreading jams, and a spoon for sugar or honey. Each guest will need a water glass along with a tea cup and saucer for their tea. Colorful or patterned napkins are always a great way to punch up the table-scape. The same goes for a table runner or tablecloth. Lastly, you’ll want to find a bevy of fun tea pots. It’s especially nice to have enough on hand that each guest may have their own. This way everyone can enjoy the tea of their choice.
Flowers: No party or tablescape is complete without a touch of flora. If your table is filling up from all of your fabulous props, add a sprig of something (not too fragrant) to each place setting. If you choose a delicate flower, place it in a petite bud vase beside each place setting to keep it fresh and lively throughout the entire event.
Photography by Jen Huang Photography; Desserts by Lael Cakes; Props by The Trove.
2. MOCKTAILS & COCKTAILS
What: It’s important to remember that although the mommy-to-be won’t be drinking, most of her guests would appreciate a yummy cocktail. Creating a baby shower focused around fun mocktails and cocktails will make for a fete that everyone will enjoy!
Props: You’ll want to style a bar to display both the cocktail and mocktail options. Use a collection of decanters in various sizes and shapes to hold your boozy items. To make it easy on yourself, choose two to three fun cocktails for your guests to make themselves. People love to customize their own beverages so the DIY portion of this theme will be much appreciated. Use a large drink dispenser to hold your non-boozy items so that your guests can mix themselves a mocktail or cocktail easily. Along with your ingredients, put out an ice bucket (we love antique silver or glass), ice tongs, trays and unique glassware. Other fun items to spruce up the display are straws, signs to identify what you’re serving, and pretty bowls to display garnishes (think mint, berries, citrus slices).
Flowers: One of our favorite garnishes for a cocktail bar are edible flowers. They look gorgeous and are fun to add to any drink, boozy or not. Offer your guests a variety to choose from so they can create their perfect combo.
Photography by Jen Huang Photography; Props by The Trove.
3. GARDEN PARTY
What: There’s nothing more enjoyable than a garden party. If it is not the season to host one outdoors where you live, then use props to transform your indoor space into a garden-like oasis.
Props: We love using aged lanterns to set the scene for a garden party whether it’s taking place inside or out. Garden urns in a variety of finishes, sizes and shapes filled with plants from your local nursery will turn your space into the perfect setting. If you want to really go all out, strung cafe lights and a plethora of candlelight provide the perfect finishing touches to a fabulous fete.
Flowers: No garden party is complete without flowers! If you’re not in the mood for arranging something, pot miniature rose bushes in aged terracotta pots and place them on each table. At the end of the evening, guests can take them as a favor. Everytime the mom-to-be sees her rose growing she’ll remember her wonderful shower.
This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.