baby shower | This Old Colonial Home

I recently hosted a baby shower for my good friend who’s expecting a girl later this summer. Because I love my friend and am so happy for her … and because, let’s be honest, I just can’t help myself … I crafted/created a few little things in hopes of making her shower extra special.

First, guests were welcomed to my friend’s home right away with a festive porch.I can’t take credit for this. The flower balloons were a Pinterest find and the mama-to-be’s sister-in-law put them together. Aren’t they cute?!

Guests were further greeted by the front door with this little display.Get it?! ‘Cause it’s a baby shower! 😛 (And it actually did rain that day.) But seriously, how cute are these little rain boots with baby’s breath?!Once inside the entryway, there was a welcome chalkboard sign, framed sonogram picture, and favors. (I’ll get to those later!)There wasn’t a theme for the shower, but we did go with a pink, gray, and white color scheme. I kept envisioning a garden party style and even though the weather didn’t allow us to be outside, I was still able to incorporate that idea and the colors inside!I love the look of a long table with place settings. Even though these are paper plates, they still add to the decor! I crafted all of the centerpieces using mason jars and aluminum cans and wrapped them with a few different types of ribbon that I got from Michaels. I filled them with fresh flowers – hydrangeas, carnations, and baby’s breath.Did you notice my DIY banner in the background? Here’s a closer look.I made it using doilies, craft paper, twine, and clothes pins. I also made a little circle banner, which you can kind of see below hanging in the doorway. I’m such a sucker for banners!!Would anyone like a drink?I put together this little beverage area using my recently painted drawer. (See it here.) Guests could easily grab a cup, napkin, and straw and fill up with some pink lemonade. There was also punch, but I didn’t manage to get a shot of that or the food. But don’t worry, I did get a picture of the dessert table. 😉 (Priorities, right?!)The cake, which we ordered from a local bakery, turned out so adorable! We had way more sweets than we needed, but after all, little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice! (P.S. I also made the tiered platter using 2 plates, a candlestick, and some gorilla glue.)

And speaking of sugar …These are the favors I made for the guests. I colored in the ‘she’ in Hershey’s using a pink sharpie, and then added the ribbon and little tag. (I like puns!)

I’m so glad I was able to do this for my friend so her family and friends could shower her with so much love. We can’t wait to meet the little one!

I’ve been debating whether to post about the baby shower one of my best friends recently threw for me and our little one on the way. It was such a beautiful event and there were so many little details that I decided I just had to share!

So first let me start with the fun details. Check out these centerpieces!They are so simple, yet so sweet. There’s just something about flowers and mason jars!

The punch was cute and creative — made to look like a bubble bath with rubber duckies!My talented friend also made this adorable fruit bassinet and diaper cake!I hate to have to take it apart, but those diapers are certainly going to be needed 🙂

The shower games were kept to a minimum. We did the one where guests cut a piece of string to how big around they think I am. It was silly, but fun. There was also a pool for people to guess the gender and date of Baby M’s arrival using little pink or blue feet stamps.*Winner will be determined once the baby makes his/her debut!

My favorite activity was the wishes that family and friends wrote for the baby.I have a little project up my sleeve for those. Stay tuned and look for a sneak peek on Instagram!

And before guests left, these cute favors of popcorn were handed out.Ready to pop! Haha, get it?! 😛

Now for the more serious side. As I said, the day was truly beautiful. It was filled with so much love. The best moment ended up coming from my husband, who wasn’t there. I was opening the card to the very last gift and I was surprised when I read that it was from him! I was taken aback and started to tear up. When I opened the gift I saw it was a brand new Nikon camera! I couldn’t help myself and started to cry. (Thanks hormones!) It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gift. It might sound silly, but in that moment I felt a true sense of love from him. He knows how much I love photography and it meant so much to me. The camera won’t just be used for this little blog, but for capturing so many moments that lie ahead with our child … as parents … as a family!

I want to say thank you to all of our family and friends for their generosity and kind, giving hearts. It means a lot to Jamie and me knowing how much this baby is already loved and cared for as we prepare for his or her arrival.