Rustic Chic Baby Shower

When Jen called me a couple months ago about helping her plan a baby shower, I was thrilled. I mean, we already know I love to plan a party, but planning one with a close friend is the best. Jen sent me this picture as inspiration and the ideas started flowing from there. There were many late night phone calls and long-winded emails as we planned the shower 200 miles apart. On a Thursday night Z-cakes and I landed on Jen's doorstep at 10:45 PM. The next morning was a flurry of grocery trips, baking, soup running over on the stovetop, and blowing noses. (Did I mention Z-cakes was sick? Because she was. Sick.) We were still putting together the final touches as people were pulling in the driveway. Luckily we got everything looking presentable before most of the guests arrived. In the end it all came together perfectly. The weather was gorgeous and it is hard to beat the scenery in Salmon. It was the perfect backdrop for our rustic shower.

Okay. Time for the pictures. Because you and I both know that is what you're here for.

After two full days of giving our toddlers full control of the house, we definitely did not want people walking through Jen's living room. We kept the front door closed and made a sign that fit inside the wreath already hanging on Jen's door to direct people to her back yard.

Upon arrival, guests were asked to place their gifts in this cute decorative baby carriage. A local antique store loaned it to us because Jen is such a good customer!

The guests were then greeted by everybody's favorite thing about parties: the food table.

The Food:
Crepe Quiche (adapted from this recipe)
Itty Bitty Pancakes
Fruit Soup
Cheese, Baguettes, and Grapes
Raspberry Lemonade

While the mama-to-be was opening presents we asked each guest to share their favorite thing about being a mother (inspired by the lovely, Dandee). I wasn't present for most of this part, but I did hear a lot of laughter coming from this fun bunch of ladies.

As the guests left, they were given a favor bag full of cookies. Jen was once again the brains behind this favor setup. We moved this cute corner bookshelf out of her bedroom just moments before the guests started to arrive. I am a big fan of shopping for decor in your own house and when you decorate like Jen it's easy!

And now, a few more pictures. Because I can't resist.

Here's what I learned throwing this party:
:: Jen is one of the best friends a girl could have. She just is.
:: Parties take a ton of work. Especially when you have to do most of the legwork the day before. By Sunday Jen and I were both exhausted and our feet were aching. In other words: prepare yourself.
:: Pinterest is your BFF when event planning. It was a great way for Jen and I to put together an inspiration board just for this shower even when we were miles apart. Check out my party planning board to see a few more pictures that were the inspiration for this party and much, much more.
:: I LOVE PLANNING PARTIES and I want to plan more. In fact, if you need help planning your next big shindig, please email me at mirmandy27@yahoo.com for more information!

So what do you think? I'll be answering any questions you have in the comments and a "behind the scenes" look at a couple of the shower details is in the works!