baby shower party

We had a party at our house. A party to celebrate chris, sarah + baby baker.
This was their Nashville "shower" and was set to be co-ed, and full of dudes who had never been to, as they liked to say, "one of these things"...and I didn't want it to feel like that. So from the beginning we never called it shower...it's always been a baby party!

*I'm going to tell my point of view as a planner and host but let Sarah share the details and her side of the story on her blog, if she wants!

This party took place on a Sunday afternoon, and more than anything I wanted it to be casual, fun & laid back. I knew the flow of the crowd would be inside and outside, as our front porch is the most popular gathering place and it ended up that our fire pit was lit nearly the entire time...which was a great touch for an October afternoon.

The party started at 3pm so as I began to think of themes, foods and decor, the usual thoughts went through my mind: it wasn't a meal time and I didn't want to feed everyone a feast; typical "shower" food {petit fours and cheese straws} wouldn't cut it for this crowd and I just wasn't feeling like doing something just so ordinary...

So after some brainstorming with my mama, the menu was planned. Then after sharing that with Lindsay, the decor and 'feel' came to life....

we had a popcorn bar
three salty flavors {butter, cajun + italian}
and two sweet flavors {caramel + cinnamon n' sugar}.


This hit the spot! There was a variety, it was filling, a good balance of salty & sweet and it took the pressure off getting a cake or cupcakes!

I made all the popcorn about an hour before the party so it would be semi-warm and most of all fresh! I found recipes online, used microwave popcorn then just followed instructions

{brown paper bags are the trick and please disregard the Bama apron ;)}

popcorn cones
these cones avoided the use of plates, bowls and utensils. guests just refilled their cone or used another one as they switched flavors.


these were made with heavy stock paper and we added decorative paper embellishments.


float station
complete with orange crush, root beer & RC Cola soads
vanilla ice cream & whipped cream

they were self serve, inexpensive and a delightful sweet treat with a lot of charm!


decor
we decorated with burlap and galvanized tins, simple groupings of flowers in blue mason jars and paper garland {made with twine, paper, clothespins and safety pins}

. . . . . . .

it was perfect for the occasion. perfect for the crowd.
and perfect for the celebration of the best of friends
and one little dude who is about to steal all of our hearts.



{pictures courtesy of lindsay mcmullen. She was my gracious co-host and I couldn't have done it without her!}