This past weekend family and friends and I threw a baby shower for our friend, Trish. The theme was ‘Up, up & away! A little boy is on the way!’, and we covered everything in little hot air balloons.
The dessert table was a lot of fun to put together, I love how the cut out cookies came out. Lining the different platters helped to make everything ‘pop’.
The paper hot air balloons were inspired by this post and assembled by my co-host, Stephanie. How great are the bright, playful colors on the table!
I made the cake – heavily inspired by this one – the day before (more to come on those fondant balloon decorations) and chose a pumpkin recipe for the season. You must, MUST try this recipe by the Novice Baker, this was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. And the icing? A maple cinnamon that’s to die for.
Really wishing right about now as I look at these pictures that I had ended up piping the cake… ah well.
Stephanie made those adorable cloud and hot air balloon cookies, too.
The shower was hosted in my parent’s backyard here in San Diego. Do you remember how I had mentioned that they were moving down here from Santa Cruz (in Northern California)? Well they bought the most perfect home for entertaining.
We made simple table decorations out of craft paper cut into the shape of a hot air balloon (a cricut made it easier but isn’t necessary) glued to sticks (aka bamboo skewers) and set into plaster of paris. Handfuls of goldfish helped to cover the plaster. I found the chevron fabric for the runners (which I will definitely use again!) here.
We served a lunch of chicken salad croissant sandwiches, fruit salad and a big green salad. Lemonade and champagne kept everybody cool.
We borrowed twenty bright blue paper parasols and they were perfect for the sunny day! They also looked so pretty covering everybody up.
Games included a cute madlibs game, a ‘price is right’ shower game (guessing gift registry pricing) and the hilarious candy diaper game. Have you ever played this one?
My mom melted different chocolates into eight infant diapers and guests had to guess which was which by observing, smelling and even tasting ;) the contents. Just gagged a little.
Then it was time to open gifts.
Sees pops turned upside down became the hot air balloon baskets on these adorable favors made by another friend:
It was a beautiful Sunday and we had a great time celebrating this new little one. More hot air balloon inspiration for this shower on this board. and this one, too – just in case you’re ever looking. Have a great weekend!
PS more baby shower ideas sorted here.
