Blissfully Domestic

Blissful Baby Shower Winner!

Last Saturday I asked for your fabulous or frugal baby shower ideas, and boy, did y'all deliver!

38 suggestions, all stacked nice and pretty on Grandma's best silver tray. 

The links and comments are ALL so interesting--and not a tacky shower game among them!  Let me highlight some ideas that stood out for their simplicity:

For a baby shower for my latest nephew, I decorated the gift table with a large framed picture of the mom and dad to be as babies. Everyone had such fun talking about what cuties the parents were and what the new baby would look like. --Loral

I once saw a shower with the "au natural" theme; everything was environmently conscious and eco-friendly. --Jaime

The hostess passed out permanent markers and diapers (disposable), and had the guests write silly comments on them. My husband and I enjoyed those diapers so much--every time we changed the baby, we would laugh together.  --Katherine

The hostess used toys as decorations--and sent them home with me afterward! I think toys are a great inspiration for a baby shower, whether it is a family heirloom, an Ugly doll, a modern teether, or a wooden wagon.  --Allison

I sent out small slips of scrapbook paper in fun colors with the invitations and asked each guest to jot a quick note of encouragement, share a Scripture or other piece of wisdom on their slips...The new mom now has a Blessing Jar for those moments when being a new mother seems overwhelming.  --Monica

When I read Megret's idea, though, I knew it had to be the winner.  Who loves pretty beads more than Mrs. Fussypants?

We did something so sweet and sentimental, I hope to carry on the idea at the next shower I throw for a friend.

Everyone brought a bead (or two or three) that represents/reminds us either of the mommy-to-be (something reflecting her personality) OR, if you are a mom yourself, a bead(s) that represent a part of motherhood or bit of heartfelt advice. I chose a pink glass heart to remind my friend to love her little son (and TELL him she loved him) daily. Another person gave her a white bead symbolizing her pure and giving heart. It was quite touching; there wasn't a dry eye.

The beads were strung onto a ribbon and made into a necklace that she could wear during labor.

Simple, easy, inexpensive, and touching--an idea that would be at home in a fun restaurant or around a polished dining room table.  I'd go one step farther and say that the finished product would make a wonderful nursing necklace, too.

Congratulations, Megret, and to all the mothers-to-be who have celebrated with us this week.  If reading those comments sparked an idea of your own, why not visit the Blissfully Domestic forum and share?   

Blissful Baby Showers

Who doesn't love a baby shower?  (If you omit the traditional measuring of the belly with toilet paper, that is!)

It couldn't be easier to throw a sweet shower for your favorite mama-to-be, whether it's her first baby...

...or her fifth.

You don't even need an elaborate theme!  Celebrate all things baby and beautiful with dainty little bites, delicate china and stemware, and wildflower posies.

Just pamper that mama with all the good stuff she'll have to set aside once sippy cups fill the cabinets.

Baby boy?  Bring out the Blue Willow.  Baby girl?  Borrow a friend's pink Depression glass.  Large crowd?  Slip paper doilies in wicker plate holders instead.

Between all of us, we have a wealth of baby shower stories to share!  Leave your advice for hosting a fabulous baby shower in the comments below.

The very best entertaining tip will win a FREE copy of the Pottery Barn-approved book, Baby Showers: Ideas and Recipes For The Perfect Party.

 

Next Saturday I'll announce the winner and share more projects from this tasteful collection.  Now dish, girls!

Drop Off Entertaining: Box Lunches

Is everyone else throwing the lavish cocktail parties I see in magazines?  Most of our family entertaining is on the run: 

• breakfast brought for co-workers
• birthdays in the park
• dinners for a new mom

Martha Stewarts of the Net, just overlook our humble beginnings.  Fledgling entertainers, let's take baby steps together!

This week I delivered lunch to some VIPs.  Box lunches are a great way to extend hospitality without having to mop the kitchen floor!

I like to use the clamshell containers from the grocery store salad bar. Clear plastic shows off your artful arrangement, and you don't have to provide a separate plate.

Choose foods best served chilled or at room temperature.

MAIN COMPARTMENT:

This can be anything from a salad to sandwich.  Since I had vegetarians, I placed an avocado half on crisp romaine and filled it with a spicy corn and black bean relish.

SMALL SIDE COMPARTMENT #1:

If you served a salad, how about a freshly baked roll or triangle-shaped cheese sandwich?  If your main compartment features a casual wrap, use a coffee filter to hold a handful of fancy chips. 

Other good sides:  cute little Babybel cheeses or Laughing Cow wedges with wheat crackers, marinated cucumber and tomato slices, pasta salad.

SMALL SIDE COMPARTMENT #2:

Every box lunch needs a guilty dessert!  Slice brownies into long bars, or include a miniature assortment of sweet bites:  chocolate truffle, lemon square, pecan tart.  Add color with a handful of grapes or a couple of perfect red strawberries.

DRINKS:

Bottled fruit teas or fancy French lemonades make your whole lunch feel gourmet!  This country girl will always remember the tiny Perrier bottles packed for our picnic to Tanglewood.

Don't forget the napkins and utensils!  Tie them across the top with a pretty ribbon, or tuck raffia-bound bundles into the carrier bag or basket.

Remember, entertaining isn't limited to our dining room tables!  Do you have someone to spoil with fancy box lunch instead?  Tell me about it in the comments, or head over to Blissfully Domestic to chat. 

Entertaining Angels Unaware

I feel strongly that hospitality should not be limited to the home.

Last year I shared my fears of the homeless around the downtown library.  My instinct is to shield my children from possible danger. 

My heart said it was even worse to do nothing while my children watch.

I got a lot of good advice.  We started assembling a sort of "homeless sack lunch" for on-the-spot hospitality.  Here are some of the items I have included:

• Shelf stable products in individual packs (raisins, nuts, soft beef jerky)
• Soft foods for people with dental problems (applesauce, pudding cups, spoons)
• Whole grain muffins
• Water bottles
• $1 in cash

I keep these in the trunk of the car and stash a few in the stroller for downtown errands and urban park trips.  I find my best supplies with coupons and at discounters like Big Lots.

It's not much, but it's better than doing nothing at all.

If you're not in an urban area, keep in mind that food banks have empty shelves near summertime.  If you're spring cleaning the kitchen, pack your extras for someone you can't invite over for lunch.

How does your family show hospitality to those in need?  Share your suggestions in the comments or at Blissfully Domestic forums.

Indoor Birthday Party Locations

I've been researching the indoor party centers in my area, and I'm blown away by the cost per child!  So long, Chuck E. Cheese. Hello, Digiorno!

What do you do when you have a cold or rainy birthday, and not enough money to rent out the skate rink?

Having the traditional home party is always an option.  But sometimes you don't want a horde of boys dumping out the LEGO bin and smushing frosting into the sofa. 

Surely we can brainstorm some fun indoor locations that don't cost a fortune:

• Community centers are often available without cost and may include access to a basketball court or gym for relay races.
• Public museums are great places for scavenger hunts.
• Arrange a cool behind-the-scenes tour.  Ice cream plant?  Candy factory?
• Go retro with a drive-in movie theatre or bowling alley.
• Rent a cabin at a state park for the night. 

Remember, you don't have to buy the Cadillac birthday package.  Many of your friends may already have science museum memberships.  Buy admission for those who don't, and serve delicious homemade cupcakes in the designated eating area.

Do you know of any restaurants which offer great birthday deals?  Where did you plan your child's indoor birthday party?

Leave your ideas here or head over to Blissfully Domestic Living to discuss in the forum!

photo courtesy of Parents.com