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 :)
Comments 49
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49Comments
Astrid –
One more thing – since you think your sister would really like this look, you might also be able to get some ideas from the “Enchanted Fairy” 1st birthday party that I threw for this same little girl. Her mom loved the “whimsical/enchanted” look too, so the 2 parties had a similar feel, and honestly you could tailor either one of them to a baby shower :)
Here are some links to that party:
http://blog.hwtm.com/2008/12/sneak-peek-enchanted-fairy-birthday-party/
http://blog.hwtm.com/2008/12/enchanted-fairy-birthday-photo-album/
(the full album is accessible from this link)
Thank you so much…I will let you know if I was able to put it all together. I truly hope my sister likes it.
oooh where did you get those vases for the centerpieces?? I LOVEEE this theme! It is ADORABLE!!
Hi Liz -
The vases are from a flower supply shop in San Diego, but unfortunately I don’t see them offered in their ecommerce store (aside from in silver and gold). Here’s the link just in case:
http://www.flowersandsupplies.com/Ceramic-Vases_c_25-1.html
A lot of people have asked about the vases so I have a few alternate ideas to achieving a similar look in the comment thread above… good luck!
Hi,
I was wondering what invitation you used? thank you
I would love to know what invitation you used or any ideas for invitations that would work well with this theme. I can’t seem to come up with one on my own! Help!
Gina & Nikki –
One of the other hostesses sent out Anne Geddes-themed invites for this party, but there are several designs available at TinyPrints.com and their sister site WeddingPaperDivas.com that would work great! Here are some of my favorites – most of these are the girl version, but have “boy” or “neutral” colorways available as well:
Shower Flowers
http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_5393.htm
Dragonfly Garden
http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_4123.htm
Peaceful Posey
http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_4136.htm
(The following are from Wedding Paper Divas, but you can easily change the wording to be reflective of a baby shower instead of a bridal shower, and they should work just fine.)
Floral Flurry : Midori
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_1404.htm
Modern Marigolds : Azalea
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_2988.htm
Fields in Bloom : Medium Pink
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_2104.htm
Spring Beauty : Mauve
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_1355.htm
Lovely Butterfly : Deep Turquoise
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_2487.htm
Good luck! :)
Hi again,
thanks for the invite info. have you seen by chance any similar boxes to those shown above? i clicked the link and looked and they are no longer offered nor are the plates. any website or store suggestion would be appreciate. thanks again for your help. you are a true inspiration.
Thank you so much for the invitation ideas! I picked some of those invitations as well so I guess I’m on the right track. Thanks again for the information and for creating such beautiful theme!
Hi Nikki –
Do you mean the favor boxes? Those are by Martha Stewart and I think she changes the designs a bit from season to season but everything she does has that same “signature style” to it. Check the Martha section at Michaels (it’s an entire aisle) and you should be able to find something cute/similar. The Brides (as in Brides magazine) collections at Michaels also have great favor boxes. Their stuff is in the wedding aisle at Michaels.
Good luck! :)
I am so inspired by this for my sis. I am throwing her a shower. Any tips on food you served, that I could use? Thanks!!!
Does anyone know where i can find the little pink dresses to hang on the lights? I’m looking everywhere!!
PLease help! Thanks so much
Nicole
What did the cake look like?
Hi Stacie –
The cake was actually an Anne Geddes print that matched the invitation. (similar to the “photo” cakes that people do now a days..)
Nicole –
Those are actually just regular infant dresses that we used – ages 3-6m and 6-9m. They were only about $5 at Target at the time! (just now seeing your question – apologies for the delay in response!)
Angie – same to you – just now seeing your question! You might have already had the shower by now, but for the food – we did catered Mexican because it’s mom-to-be’s favorite, so we veered from the theme, but I think these adorable “toadstool bites” would be perfect for a party like this:
http://blog.hwtm.com/2008/12/enchanted-fairy-birthday-photo-album/
Jenn :)
Hi there, your centerpieces are so adorable! I was just curious if you could tell me what size vase it was you used… Maybe it was a 4*4 or 6in.