Baby shower weekend #1 (DIY)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!! What a wonderful fast weekend we had celebrating a friends baby boy.  Planning a shower is always fun! Baby shower decorations can range from baby bottles and owls to fancy plates and banners, we chose the ladder.  I have to say it was more work then anticipated but turned out exactly as I visioned and had my friends name written all over it.  The day of was quit hectic due to set up and food prep (a special thanks to my husband who spent his morning picking up balloons) but everything came together wonderfully.

We focused on decor seeing the setting was a blank canvas and had some space to fill in. The party started at noon so I chose a "tea party" theme for food and drinks.  This went over very well and kept the food cost down, food tends to be the greatest expense.  I cut the cucumber sandwiches with a round cookie cutter and left the prosciutto and ham as open faced sandwiches.  This made for a cute display of  food and saved me time on labels (although I did plan on making them).  The best part of tea sandwiches is the finger food aspect, It limits silver wear therefor saving some $, I wrapped forks in bow tie napkins and placed them at each table setting.  Gold charges found here ($2 ea.)  adds a pop of sophistication top them with white glass plates for a clean stylish look.  

Table scape

Food display/banner

Decor: If you have never arranged flowers make a point to put an arrangement together this week.  Its relaxing, fun and saves a lot of money! I had some friends over the night before to help with arrangements in the gold boxes and glass jars.  The polka dot table clothes and burlap runner are from factory direct party here and I rented the white linens to go underneath.  This layering type of style adds dimension and style to the tables carrying a small cost. I ordered an array of blue colored balloons including some polka dot balloons and hung them all around the seatting area, you can never have to many balloons.

DIY flowers 

Games & Favors:  We played two games, baby scramble and baby name bags.  This keep everyone engaged before the opening of gifts and allowed for some guest interaction.  The winners of the games received a potted succulent.  I loved this idea because its cheap, pretty and they last forever!

Favors: Choosing favors is always challenging…. you want something guests will use while keeping the cost reasonable.  I chose carnival suckers, it adds some fun color and brings the child out in everyone.  For chocolate loving guests I bought some mini baby ruths and butterfinger candy bars.  

We set out a DIY cost saving but pretty shower and I have to say I was amazed and very happy with the way everything tuned out! I was worth ever ounce of energy, we had a successful shower for 24 people all under $1,000. 

Menu: 

Cucumber/ cream cheese & chive sandwiches

Prosciutto/ arugula & honey crostini  

Ham/ brie & apple 

Chicken curry lettuce wraps 

Smoked salmon plater/ fresh dill/ mini dill pickles/ capers/ herbs cream cheese & sliced french bread

Fruit platter with scones

Hummus with sliced veggies/carrots/cucumber & radishes

Kale salad

Olive tapenade 

Cake:

Ombre blues - Meringue bakery - here

Hit of the party

Drinks:

Champagne (6 bottles) 

OJ

Strawberry lemonade 

Lemonade

Ice Tea 

Cucumber & lemon infused water

Small mason jars 

Polka dot straws

Flowers:
Blue hydrangeas
White roses
Gold boxes
Blue mason jars

Decor:

Balloons 

Banner - DIY

Onesies 

Pom Poms 

Gold chargers 

Rentals: Baker party rentals

Chairs

White table linens 

Games:

Baby scramble 

Baby name bag game

Favors:

Mini candies 

Carnival round suckers