Once we knew my sister was coming in to town for a little visit, my sister-in-law and I decided to put together a very last-minute, casual baby shower brunch. My sis (Alison) is expecting her second child in May, and didn't want a big fuss. Sis-in-law (SuSu) and I wanted to do something special for her, so we compromised with a very small gathering at my house this past Saturday. I thought I'd share a few quick pics with you today.
Decorations consisted of a cute banner and matching napkins from The Dollar Tree, a table runner made from wrapping paper, grocery store flowers, and favor boxes from The Dollar Tree. We used the china plates and silverware I got from my Nannie and the Waterford crystal glasses from T's grandmother.
My helper:
The menu was simple, and mostly (no shame!) store-bought. SuSu brought some homemade things, but with the exception of my apple dumplings, I splurged and picked up some grocery appetizers because I had some other stuff going on last week.
Menu:
Coffee
Peppermint Patty Creamer (!!)
Water
OJ
Fruit Salad (homemade-SuSu)
Homemade Quiche (SuSu)
Apple Dumplings (homemade-me)
Cheese Stuffed Pretzels
Mini "crescent" dogs
Toasted Wraps
Mini cinnamon buns
Bakery Cupcakes
We didn't play games or do any activities. Just good conversation and opening gifts. My niece and the girls played quietly (for the most part) in the other room and in the backyard.
It was a real pleasure to host something so stress-free. I honestly don't feel like the morning was at all diminished by the lack of a styled, staged "photo shoot" layout. As much fun as those are to do, we didn't have a whole lot to spend, and the goal was simplicity!
Have you put together any last-minute gatherings lately? How do you keep things simple?
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The use of gift wrapping paper as table runner is so amazing!! For gathering like these, all that matters is 'good time'!
ReplyDeleteGood wishes for your sister.
It looks like a great party! The food looks SO good!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you decided to post this, great ideas on a budget are always appreciated! I'm sure your sister loved every minute!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Amanda! Love that you kept it simple, and I am sure your sis appreciated that since she didn't want a fuss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gesture Amanda! I do a lot of last minute small parties, and like you I love using gift wrap! Last easter Sunday, I used the gift wrap as placemats!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you posted this, a lot of readers like to read about hosting small parties without fuss. I like the idea of the tulips for a spring centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteNothing is better than simple and enjoyable :) I moved 8 mths ago, so I have yet to entertain to here yet.
ReplyDeleteAdorable!! We would love for you to link up with us at Much Ado About Monday - www.huckleberrylove.com - we have several babies on the way in our group, they would love the ideas!
ReplyDeleteKarla
Huckleberry Love
Love it, Amanda! Totally Parties for Pennies & it turned out beautifully! <3 Heidi Rew
ReplyDeleteI love showers and I love throwing them. And I love this shower. So pretty. I really love using wrapping paper as a table runner. I love that I can just toss it after the party is over.
ReplyDeleteThis shower looks wonderful. Honestly, I LOVE to give showers, but it has become rather stressful in the past few years. I helped with a baby shower a while ago that ended up costing each hostess over $100--and that did not include a hostess gift! I was stunned. It was a nice shower, for sure, and I know the honoree appreciated it. But I remember thinking "I could never have done this when I was a young mom." I love the way you offer encouragement to young moms to know that they CAN host lovely, memorable events without breaking the bank. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet shower! My best friend is having a baby this summer so anything about babies or baby showers catches my attention! I'm so glad you got to celebrate with them!
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