I just had the pleasure of hosting a baby shower for my dear friend, Becky. This past Sunday, a fun group of ladies joined me at my home to celebrate Becky's new little one on the way! Each guest was asked to bring their favorite children's book with a special note written inside for the new baby and mom-to-be. Thus the "theme" (I like to use that word loosely) was set!
The timing of the shower worked out quite nicely, as the house was already looking festive for Christmas! So, I sort of piggy-backed on the decor that was already out and added additional items to suit the shower theme.
I used old books and time-worn book pages throughout the house to emphasize the idea, and gathered several items from our Harvest shops to create the look.
To dress the tree (pictured above), I used our Harvest winter white berries, ball ornaments covered in parchment and script, and a burlap sack treeskirt. The rolled, cone-shaped book pages add unique color and fullness to the tree, and further the reading theme. (Plus, it was such an inexpensive DIY way to get the look I was going for!)
These paper cones would look great in any tree, book themed or otherwise!
For lunch, I served a Mediterranean pasta, a variety of rolled Aram sandwiches, spinach salad with pomegranate dressing, and a rich roasted cauliflower soup, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with a star-shaped crouton!
The table centerpiece was created with many great Harvest holiday pieces. I loved using our faux (but very natural looking) green garland to anchor this cluster of delicate glass votives, vintage sleigh bells, shiny ornaments and mini Christmas tree cloche. (btw, all are available and on sale at Harvest right now!) The antler sheds are my own, and have been a fun accent to use throughout the year. -(Never thought I'd be into taxidermy, but it's kind of growing on me.)
For dessert, I arranged a buffet table filled with hot beverages and delightful goodies for guests to enjoy and take home!
I have repurposed this Harvest bottle rack as a handy mug display, and it works really well for setting up a coffee station at parties. To warm my guests and set the wintry mood, I offered a hot cocoa and coffee bar, complete with toppings galore!
I stacked cupcakes and meringues into footed dishes to give the dessert display some varied height and interest. I used more old books to help create the different levels and the mood.
Considering that my expectant friend is only 3 weeks from her due date, I thought these "Ready to Pop!" favors would be appropriate! I stacked them high in one of my favorite Harvest 3-tiered displays.
Throughout the house, I used some of our great Harvest chalkboards to feature quotes about reading and parenthood.
(The smaller chalkboard, pictured here, worked perfectly to disguise my TV during the party!)
I used this little guy to mark a spot where guests could place their gifts
The rest of the house was looking cozy and Christmassy with a crackling fire and white twinkling lights...
Congrats to Becky and thanks for letting me share!
So many of the furnishings and accents that fill my home come right from the store and our vendors' catalogs. It's exciting to show you all how it looks! I hope you'll e-mail me any images and ideas of how you've enjoyed Harvest goods in your own homes!
