cupcakes.

i threw my BFF a surprise baby shower at a park and it was so much fun!  she was expecting her third daughter right before moving so it was definitely necessary.  i decided that doing a bunch of different cupcakes would be tasty for everyone there and a little different compared to my previous parties.  but i definitely think i'll do it again.  

the tablescape:

chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.  these were my fave.  i baked the chocolate cake batter on top of a peanut butter cupcake then frosted them with peanut butter buttercream frosting.

coconut cupcakes with coconut frosting topped with toasted coconut.

strawberry lemon cupcakes.  strawberry cupcakes with a lemon cream cheese frosting.

s'mores cupcakes were also another hit.  they were a "graham cracker" cake filled with chocolate ganache and topped with a marshmallow buttercream frosting.

chocolate chip cupcakes.  these had a chocolate chip cookie on the bottom, yellow cake mix, and chocolate chocolate chip frosting.

and another view of the tablescape:

blue baby shower.

i did a baby shower for this really cute girl who is expecting a sweet baby boy in april.  this mama-to-be is from a family of sisters.  not so used to boys:) soooo, i thought it'd be good to ease her into the idea of a boy with different shades of blue and some little toy cars, boats, and planes.  to me, nothing says "boy" like blue and cars.  i had a blast preparing for this.  i made the argyle canvases by painting the diamonds on with acrylic paint and using some jute for the diagonal lines.  i love the texture from the jute!  i found the lemon sugar sticks and thought the yellow from those and the coconut cream would add some good contrast.  overall, i loved the whole tablescape.  came out just as i'd hoped!

the tablescape:

coconut cream with coconut wafers:

black forest brownie bites:

cookie brittle dipped in chocolate:

milk chocolate-dipped pretzels:

root beer float push pop cake (root beer flavored cake, root beer flavored frosting, more cake, whipped cream on top):

lemon sticks:

old wooden toys:

old fashioned metal toy car:

white chocolate-dipped pretzels:

more wooden toys:

 sparkling lemonade:

ice water:

more of the tablescape:

simple baby shower.

this was kind of a last minute baby shower but still turned out how i pictured it.  it was very simple yet bright and everyone had a great time.

tissue paper flower tutorial found here.  not hard at all!

the shower had a really modern feel to it.  i love the circles everywhere.

fresh flowers are like sticks--they make everything look better!  these wax flowers are my favorite.

i'm telling you, for your next party these homemade lollipops are the way to go!

i love miniature anything...

and this popcorn is to die for!  not only is it delish but so colorful as well.

ready to pop!

this baby shower was all about popcorn.  it was so delish!  we had white chocolate, caramel, cheesy, buttered, and lime n salt flavored popcorn.  if you've never tried lime n salt popcorn-you must.  and it only seems fitting that with popcorn you have candy...red candy though so that it matches...of course!  i found the big mdf "BOY" letters and thought it would give the classic table a bit of a modern twist.  i loved the contrast against the red back drop as well.

the tablescape:

the labels up close and personal

tissue paper rosette tutorial can be found here

the popcorn boxes and bottled red soda added to the classic feel

cookies & milk.

this cookies and milk theme was for a baby shower.  i wanted it to be warm and earthy.  i was really pleased with the simplicity of it and these colors are my absolute fave!

the tablescape:

I hand painted all of the wooden labels...with a paint brush...not so easy!

i knew i wanted wood in there and when i saw these logs my imagination ran a little wild.  i drilled holes in the logs to fit the tealight candles then added moss for some added color.

i'm convinced that sticks make everything better.

these old milk bottles add just the right touch...not to mention a good variety of drinks for the guests!

if you have a kid, you want need advice. this should help the new mom.