I recently had the privilege of hosting a baby shower for one of my closest friends, and the other hostesses and I had [probably too much] fun with the theme. We played on the idea of the mother’s “impending departure” into the “journey of motherhood” and were able to incorporate all sorts of vintage details that the mommy-to-be adores – win win!
These ideas could certainly be incorporated into any other kind of party or shower (like a going away party, of course!)… We welcomed the guests with bunting and packages on the front porch:
We set up the entry:
Using mostly things we collected from around my house. I was pleasantly surprised to find just how well some of my things worked for this theme:
We gave cute yet simple instructions:
And included a unique “guest book” for signing:
We also had a place set up for guests to write a prayer or note of encouragement to the baby on her monogrammed “luggage tags”:
We used vintage maps and clocks (and yes, that’s me wearing a fabulous vintage hat – all the hostesses were good sports and wore one!):
A well as suitcases, hatboxes, and “parcels” (which, I confess, were a variety of things I found in my house and wrapped in grocery bags… I think this one was the box to my Beaba Cook, and the ones outside were tissues and graham crackers – both full!):
The mantle welcomed the gifts, which we had guests put inside the huge vintage trunk:
And, since I had taken my friend’s maternity pics, we not only printed some for decorations but we played more on the screen throughout the shower:
The other hostesses managed to borrow and collect some really fun details, like this vintage camera:
We even wrapped her gift like an old-school parcel:
Most importantly (as far as I’m concerned!), we had a gorgeous spread. This was a brunch, after all! We used antique lace tablecloths:
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We got creative, perching serving bowls atop clocks, candlesticks, hat boxes, and more, to create layers:
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We used an assortment of china to give an eclectic feel (we were imagining Downton Abbey a bit… the invitation looked like a vintage steamship, so we couldn’t help but think Titanic era):
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We had flutes and antique silver goblets (which took hours to polish, by the way!) for mimosas:
And I replaced my normal artwork with more framed pics of the parents-to-be (which, yes, have horrible glares in this picture – sorry!). I even managed to hang them on existing nails:
Overall, huge success! I hope these pictures (sorry for so many) give you some ideas that you could incorporate into your next party. This was the most theme-y of any party I’ve thrown (I’ve always been concerned that they would feel too cheesy), and (I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but…) I thought it was really fun!
How about you? What fun themed parties have you thrown?
What a fun and creative idea! Great job on all the details! I’m going to pin it on my party inspiration board š
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
{visiting from Homemaker on a Dime!}
Thanks, Jeanette! I’m so glad you liked it! Come back any time. š
Love all the special details!
Thanks for stopping by, Tammy! Hope to see you again. š
Great ideas Rachel!! The vintage look is always a must in any decor!
Jo Ann
Thanks, Jo Ann! I’m so glad you stopped by. š Come back!!
How unique and different is this! I love all things vintage and unique! Fabulous!
Thanks so much, Angela! Nothing brings character like unique and vintage, right? š
This is amazing! Thanks so much for linking up to Give Me The Goods Monday! You’ve been featured! Be sure to grab a button š
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Thank you so much, Jamie! I really am so honored to have been featured, and I’m glad you liked it!
Here’s the link to the features:
http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/04/give-me-goods-features-3.html
Jamie
What a fun, fun idea! My youngest daughter hasn’t had any children yet. She recently informed me that when she did have a baby she would love a world themed shower. She adores and collects maps and globes. I can see some fun things here that I could use. I will be pinning and saving for when that day (hopefully) comes. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I’m so glad you like it, Jann. May you have many many opportunities for globe-themed baby showers. š Take care!