Second Baby Shower

This is a great theme for any mother having her second, third etc. baby. Most people recommend throwing a sprinkle instead of a shower, this is another take on that idea.
Theme: Itty Bitty Colors: blue toile, blues, browns, white. Decorations: Polka-dots and stripes.

Above is part of the invitation that went out via email. Below we decorated with handmade polka-dot streamers, mini balloons, and blue toile.
Each guest filled out a little envelope with their address so we could send the mom home with them and thank you cards for later.
This little sign was taped to the front door so the party goers would know they were at the right house. (As if the cars wouldn't have given it away....)
The prize for the winner of each game was a bag of itty bitty candy bars. Very popular among the ladies.
Below: Although this is a before photo—we filled the table with plenty of theme worthy treats like: Itty bitty oreos, melon balls, round chips and dip, mini chocolate chip cookies, mini veggies and baby carrots, finger size pigs in a blanket made out of little sausages—perfect for a boy shower—and we even had soda in itty bitty cans! (Gotta love Target.)
The mom is collecting blue toile for the baby's room, so I made a small guest book to match. We passed it around the room during the party for each guest to write some advice on raising a boy.
And lastly, before each person left they received a parting gift—an itty bitty cake!
This may seem like a lot of work but we split up the preparation between three people and it was perfect! So thanks to Marcie and Jami, great teamwork!

If you think you or others would like to use some of these printable details, send me a comment and I may decide to offer them in my Etsy store.

Pretty Good Start

I'm sitting here, my desk cluttered, my mind just the same . . . trying to pick up where I left off before the holiday vacation and I simply don't want to be back. So, I am putting off doing the paperwork that is a "must" and instead will start off the new year sharing with you a couple little goodies.

PRETTY PIECES
Over the Christmas break we girls (my mother, sisters, and I) went to Sacramento and happened upon an antique shop where we discovered these large beauties.

The colors and style remind me of Marie Antoinette—a movie worth seeing for colors and costumes alone. In person, the lamps are completely striking, breath-taking, and tall, . . . I wished to myself "If only I had a room for these—but they demand presence, something my meager apartment does NOT have." Marked down from $800 each to $300, I thought they were a great deal. Alas, I had to leave them behind.

PRETTY PARTY IDEA
Ikea sells itty-bitty silverware perfect for your kids playhouse—and perfect for an adult "mini" party too. My sister bought a set for my mother and we promptly put on a pretty little party using all the tiny antique dishware she has been collecting over the years.


Among other foods, we served mini: bagels, ciche, tarts, and pigs in a blanket. Each setting had its own creamer full of milk to refresh personal cups when empty. All adults attended. All adults loved it.

PRETTY PLAYFUL
Lastly we threw an un-birthday party for my neice—and I was promptly asked to make a party hat. Panick sat in as I stared at the pile of colored paper thrust in front of me . . . "can I make something creative on the spot?" Scissors flying and tape sticking I began. The result was a purple hat with a wonderful, bouncy explosion from the top. Moral of the story: don't be afraid, let it be handmade!

Do You Ever . . .

see a single image and for some reason it appeals so much to you, that you keep going back to it? This wreath image has been like that for me. The colors are gorgeous—especially for this time of year. I thought I would take a shot at creating an image for you that describes what I see:

I would throw a winter berry pie and cobbler party (I love pie and cobbler). If weather permitted, I'd have it outside with relaxed place settings and lanterns.

It would be fun to send the guests home with a turnover in a tidy little package or perhaps a hand-made scarf.


Wreath: James Robertson Hanging Glass Bells: Cox and Cox Solar Powered Kilner Sun Jar: Cox and Cox Pie and Ice Cream (includes recipe): Sandra Kavital Turn Overs: Lara Ferroni Woman Scarf: Crazy Jane Knits Etsy shop Man Scarf: Happiknit's Etsy Shop

Halloween Treats

I figure some of you might be doing some spooky entertaining this weekend. Here are a few Flickr photographs I rounded up of some fun cupcake ideas.

From top left to bottom right: The Frosted Cake Shop • The Bleeding Heart Bakery • Musecatcher • The Frosted Cake Shop • Katchen • Princess of Ilyr • Uplatecakes • rkbcupcakes • my simply sweet • kimwebb25

Job Envy

Amy at Amy Atlas Events has one of my many dream jobs—party planning. Gorgeous dahhhling. Gorgeous. (Found via Design Mom.) Click Here to visit Amy Atlas Events.