"Mama Bird" Themed Baby Shower

Baby showers for dear friends are one of my very favorite parties to plan. Let's face it, it's just a joyous event. When I was recently asked to host a baby shower I jumped on the opportunity. My first stop was Minted to shop for party decor essentials, even though I have literally written the book on how to throw a simple yet gorgeous party, I must say Minted really makes party planning so easy.I started with this cute graphic invitation of a little Mama bird printed on my favorite natural craft paper card stock. Once I settled into the theme, I started collecting everything bird-y related. In my prop stash I have lots of eggs, *egg cartons* (toted all the way from Italy) ,  and natural raffia to create little nests all over the table scape. Galvanized accessories were used to reinforce the garden-y feeling.I used 2 runners, they went together beautifully and of course were very textural and coarse so they could anchor the heavy earthy pieces on the table setting. I also decided to use branches from my garden and bright yellow tulips to brighten the rustic elements on the table.Mama Bird Baby Shower Menu- Chocolate Egg Creams *(get it "egg" yep I am just that silly)- Asparagus Quiche *(seasonal and perfect for lunch)- Mixed salad of baby greens and blackberry, with goat cheese and sweet basil dressing- Cheese platter- Devils food mini cupcakesI love these cute little tent cards, it's important to tell guests what they are eating and drinking especially in a buffet situation. *(recipe for the egg creams will be in an upcoming post as will all the recipes on the menu). The little straw flags are so adorable especially placed in these milk bottles.Putting the individual salads into flea market jelly jars makes it easy for everyone to help themselves and dress their own portion (I have these tips and more in my cookbook, Picture Perfect Parties). By stacking the quiche and the salad as pictured here, it not only looks amazing but creates more free space on your buffet table. Think about this trick next time you set your table.I could not resist carrying on the egg theme by placing the Devils food cupcakes into egg crates. A simple and cost effective  display for pick up desserts, don't you think?Now it was time to think about some sweet take home gifts for the shower guests, I love the cello bags on Minted's site, I am a sucker for a pretty bag. I used a bird scalloped closure sticker to seal the deal. I decided inside each bag would be a lollipop and scented egg shaped soap, who doesn't love a little something sweet, and something that smells delicious? I found this really cool rack from Farmhouse Wares *(one of my fav go to prop stops on the web) to clip the sealed bags to with a simple clothespin.I also wanted to incorporate a little bright spot on the buffet, so this apothecary jar and yellow M&Ms added a great shot of color. I used tiny craft paper bags and a scoop so guests could help themselves to a little sweet something while watching the  "Mom to be" open her gifts. I had to add this adorable "treat" signage to complete the look. Shop this shower:personalizable "hello baby" bunting banner | cello bags | closure stickers | "hello baby" straw flags | apothecary jar | yellow m&ms | nesting bird invitations | table tent cards | personalizable table signs | "hello baby" greeting signPlease feel free to recreate this entire event and ask me any questions you like. I am happy to help.*Until March 27th all baby and kids products will be discounted 15% make sure to take advantage of this fantastic offer!This post was sponsored by the folks at Minted. Thank you, you guys were awesome to work with. xxPhotography by: Deborah Whitlaw LlewellynFood and Prop Styling by: Me