On A:

• Green Halter Dress – J Crew
• Orange Halter Top – BR Outlet, borrowed from S.
• Brown Sandals – Steve Madden
• Earrings – F21

To read more about how we did it, click through the jump!

We had such a fun time planning and hosting a backyard baby shower for E. and her husband N. that we wanted to share this event with you and to also show you some neat decorating how-to’s and recipes.

When hosting a baby shower, there are many things to consider: guest list, invitations, decorations, and menu. For such elegant parents-to-be, we knew that a sophisticated, co-ed shower would be the way to go. For us, this meant foregoing traditional baby shower games, pastel colors, and any gender specific references, in favor of simplicity, bright colors, and a relaxed backyard atmosphere.

The first thing we chose were our invitations. Unhappy with the selection of baby shower specific invitations, we went to one of E’s favorite stores instead, Anthropologie, and picked up these blank note cards, featuring an aesthetic we associate with E:

From these invitations, we pulled out our color scheme for the party, one of E’s favorite combinations: turquoise and mustard yellow. We then chose paper products in these colors and then used a variety of bright colors in the rest of our decorations:

Instead of balloons and streamers, we used an abundance of fresh flowers and these playful paper flowers (see how to make these yourself):

We placed vases of fresh flowers and hung our tissue paper flowers both indoors and outdoors:

For our menu, we planned appetizers, a main course, desserts, and drinks.

Appetizers:

• a selection of cheeses and crackers
• A’s homemade guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips
• hummus and pita chips
• salted chocolate covered almonds (a favorite to all of us!)

• summer corn salad and fresh mozzarella dish
• tofu, vegetable, shrimp, and chicken skewers

• beer and wine
• Champagne Punch (non-alcoholic, aka “preggers”, and spiked)

But be careful to doubly mark the “preggers” version! We used some of our sticky notes and spare ribbon:

• strawberry and brownie skewers (we put these out with the appetizers)
• ice cream cupcakes

These were prepared especially for N., who is a big fan of ice cream cake. We chose a more backyard friendly version by making them in muffin pans, following this easy recipe. We think N. looks pleased:

Overall, we had a blast planning, hosting, and attending and we think our guests enjoyed themselves as well. We love both E. and N. and are so happy to have gotten to throw this special party for them.

Good luck, E. and N., as you get ready for the arrival of your little one! A & S.

   

23 May 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

As for my outfit for today – I lucked out and received this wonderful Anthropologie dress on loan from the weardrobe closet just in time yesterday! It’s gorgeous, perfectly light-weight for this heat, and just the right note of dressy for this type of event. 

I took the rest of the outfit’s inspiration from the floral motif of the dress and accessorized with a pink floral scarf belt, flower clips in my hair, and silver flower earrings. And just look at how lovely the back of the dress is. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to get to borrow it for the day, so thank you, Weardrobe!  It’s going to be tough to part with this beautiful item. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to get to! S. 

  

Back of dress, originally uploaded by academichic.