REAL PARTIES: Contemporary Urban Baby Shower {Part 1 – Drinks & Decor}

I’m totally blown away by this absolutely gorgeous & wonderfully contemporary baby shower created by Melissa Paul of Evantine Design!

The theme of this party – which has a fabulous tropical/jungle/modern vibe – could easily translate to a wedding, bridal shower, engagement party, or really any contemporary-themed event for that matter.

I love how the overall look of this shower is anything but “babyish“, yet Melissa was still able to tailor the event to the occasion with tasteful details like “Preggatinis“, bright green rubber duckies embellished with flirty feathers, and ultra-clever “baby-bottled waters“.

Even if the event you’re planning is on a much smaller scale, there’s still so much great inspiration to be found here – from the vibrant colors paired with jungle prints to the thoughtful “Dream Tree” and custom names of the signature drinks.

Read on for tons of gorgeous images {by Marie Labbancz} and all the creative details, as told by Melissa…

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INSPIRATION
“It all started with a green feather-covered rubber ducky – delivered in a box to each guest as the invitation. But it was really the client’s request for an “adult, non-baby” Baby Shower that got the wheels turning…

The “theme” really became COLOR and INTERIOR DESIGN to reflect back to the client’s love of animal prints used in modern design. The baby’s nursery will be these same colors and concepts… Mango, chartreuse green, white and jungle animal prints!

LOCATION
Washington Square, a stylish urban space tucked between two skyscrapers, on the historic Washington Square Park in Philadelphia. It’s got a modern indoor/outdoor appeal and proved the perfect setting for this Spring Shower.

OUTDOOR PATIO
The outdoor patio was the greeting spot for the 35 guests as they awaited the mommy-to-be… green & orange pillows were placed on teak benches, and green cymbidium orchids, tropical leaves & orange pincushion protea were placed on the low coffee table.  Bellini’s were passed on trays lined with orange rose petals.

COCKTAIL TABLES
Sprinkled throughout the space were cocktail tables with chartreuse satin linens and white square vessels filled with apple green viburnum, orange pincushion protea and looped grasses.

ZEBRA BAR
The “Zebra Bar” featured Zebra ottomans, orange & chartreuse green pillows, chrome end tables with orange lotus candles, and chrome lamps with white linen drum shades.

SIGNATURE DRINKS
A large cement and crystal bar held a display of orange-colored signature drinks:
• “Preggatini” (Vodka, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Cream)
• “The Storkie” (Prosecco and Apricot Nectar)
• “Lullaby” (Tangerine juice, club soda)

DREAM TREE
A “dream tree” covered in orange Vanda orchids allowed guests to leave their prayers, wishes, dreams & notes for mommy and baby.

GIFT TABLE
A large table was quickly covered with amazing gifts for baby, including a 5 foot stuffed giraffe named “Georgie.”  We placed a matted photo of baby’s first “photo” (an ultrasound) for guests to sign notes and messages for mom-to-be.

ON THE MENU
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this baby shower, which cover the ultra-creative appetizers by Stephen Starr Events and a gorgeous “Sweet Sugar Bar” by Melissa. Here’s a little preview at what’s to come…

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VENDOR CREDITS
• Event Planning & Décor – Melissa Paul, Evantine Design
• Catering & Location {featured in Part 2} – Stephen Starr Events
• Sweet Sugar Bar {featured in Part 2} – Melissa Paul, Evantine Design
• Cupcakes & Cookies for Sweet Sugar Bar – Whipped BakeShop
• Photography – Marie Labbancz Photography
• Beauty Bar {featured in Part 3} – Various items from Nationwide Beauty and The Favor Shop

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