This past weekend, I hosted a baby shower for a sweet friend. I love opening my home and entertaining and I’m so happy my friend let me throw a small shower for her! It was a small group so we kept it simple and sweet.
The Layout
I had these pillows made. I use the pink out here frequently, but the abstract pillows are by artist Meg White and she sells her items at The Pink Century House. The sofa is old by World Market and so is the outdoor rug. The green wicker chairs are old At Home; I actually looking for some new ones. The wicker coffee table is vintage. The elephant garden stools are vintage; try these! Ferns are Little Green Fern Company.
Because it was a small group (just under 10 people) and the weather was nice (thank goodness; after 6 days of rain I was worried I was gonna need to build an ark for this shower, ha!), I set up a seating area outside. I used my outdoor sofa and green wicker chairs, but I brought out my dining room chairs for additional seating.
I used my dining room table as one typically does for any social gathering; it was our buffet and serving area. Because it was a small group, I went ahead and fixed a plate for everyone. I was only expecting 9 people, but I set up 10 plates with a napkin and fork so that it would be easy for each guest to grab their plate and head outside to a seat to socialize with the other guests.
I setup all the beverages outside. I knew there was a chance of condensation, so setting them outside allowed me not to worry about my dining room table getting watermarks. Didn’t the bar cart turn out so cute?
The Plates, Accessories, Napkins, and More
Ohhh all the good stuff you want to know! While I use a lot of vintage plates and accessories, some of these items are new. Here’s all my sources!
I wanted to use a little pink because a) duh, hello, do you know me and b) she’s having a girl! I pulled out my Kings Crown Pink Thumbprint plates. I have a set of 8 so I knew I may need a few more. I mixed in my white cabbage plates.
To play off the pink, I ordered these block print napkins from India and Ivy. They were the perfect napkin because they are pink and green but not too overly girly or prissy. The guest of honor does not have a super frilly type style, so I thought they brought beautiful color without being too fussy. I also love how they have a bit of a deep blue in the pattern. I’ll be using these all the time!
I also used my white on white monogrammed napkins. The pink glasses sat on the white and that allowed the pink rim to show up against my dark table. The cabbage plates were paired with the patterned napkins.
I used my gold flatware. I love how it adds a brightness to things! I found mine at an estate sale, but check out these on Replacements. If you’re looking for a new brass flatware, I also have this bamboo set and love it!
The small cakes are Nothing Bundt Cakes. They make it so easy to place an order and pick up! I served the gluten free chocolate chip, but they have amazing flavors! I also served fruit skewers; just another easy pick up food. I used these skewers with a pink pearl on the end. I displayed the additional cakes and fruit on my Tamara Childs Cake Stand.
For the bar, I used more of the Kings Crown Pink Thumbprint glasses for water. I served Fauxmosas (delicious, by the way. 10/10 will be buying again! I found them at Total Wine) with a straw and bow. I was going to get a cute paper straw, but I can’t stand how those disenegrate. And the clear plastic straws were cheaper and reusable! I added a bow to each straw for an extra festive touch. I used these narrow ribbons in olive green gingham and solid pink. So easy and so cute!
The flowers were all from Trader Joes. The pink gerber daisies and coral-y pink berries with the white hydrangeas created a simple, but thoughtful arrangment.
The Unseen
As a former event planner, some of my biggest things about party planning is being sure guests know exactly where to go and what to do. You have to provide instruction. You may think it’s obvious that you’re going to eat and open presents but your guests feel welcome and taken care of when you greet them and tell them what to do. Have a line scripted for how you’re going to welcome your guests. My line was “So glad you’re here! Can I set your purse aside in the guest room for you? Will you set your present on the coffee table? Grab a plate in here and make your way outside. Beverages are on the porch, too.” Guests feel so much better when they know exactly what to do and where to go.
KISS
You know that acronym KISS that stands for Keep it simple, stupid? Well, maybe we change that to keep it sweet and simple. Hosting doesn’t have to be over the top; it just needs to feel special and that can be done with what you already own and a few items that you know the guest of honor loves.
If you love these entertaining items, check out my Amazon Table Top list and all my tablescapes!
More about my porch here!
