Oh Deer! it's party time {baby shower edition}

Remember those life phases I spoke of recently...keep reading, case in point. :) 

On June 1st, my dear best friend M and her husband, J welcomed little man C to the world. He came just a wee bit ahead of schedule and is as handsome as ever! Nick and I are over the moon excited for them. We're anxiously awaiting a free day to travel to meet him in person. But in the meantime, let's talk about one of Baby C's first parties.

Back in April, I had the privilege to host a couples shower for the M and J. J is an outdoorsy guy and M is super crafty and both are total fun, so the shower had to be a culmination of those traits. Thus, a woodland themed event at a local restaurant chain seemed to be the best of both worlds. Some traditional couples showers are very formal and others are more Baby-Q style. This one was typical shower with a twist. 

Full disclosure, I love to throw get-togethers. Nick doesn't love when I do. Not that he's opposed to social events (because he's about 1 million-percent social butterfly), but he's not fond of my continuous planning and processing and mulling that planning the events take. I make lists, budget spreadsheets, and go a bit overboard with Pinterest. I can't help it. Type-A might be a gross understatement.

Here's the rundown on our modern, woodland "Bucks, Trucks, and Ducks" baby shower:

Announced the party with a flair: chevron totally goes with woodland, right?

(made with Publisher on a semi-dying PC)

---

Main tablescape included:

• cheap brown tablecloth (total cheating move...I know)
• custom invite theme print
• green woven placemats
• chevron banner
• scattering of river rock
• natural sticks displayed in glass vase
• "the best is yet to be" sign

Gift tablescape included: 

• Handmade countdown to baby chalkboard
• Peep "ducks" on top of a Easter grass marsh
• Scattering of river rocks
• Guestbook onesie (see adorableness below!)

---

We asked guests to record their attendance on this newborn sized onesie. I ironed on the phrase "I am Loved" in camouflage flocked block letters. The perfect blend of newborn cuteness and camo cool, if I do say so myself.

Granny and Gramp (aka Mom and Dad of M) had the honor of signing first. (Idea credit: Pinterest)

---

We ordered appetizers and drinks from the restaurant. So desserts were my territory. What's a shower without sweets? I mean, come on? So, since one option isn't my style, we had three offerings:

• Vanilla Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

You can check out the amazingly light, delectable cake and frosting recipe here. I'm normally a chocolate and PB advocate, but I opted for vanilla this time. Shocking, I know, but it was so worth it. I didn't use vanilla bean or add PB cups as a filling but go crazy if you feel like it. Thanks Baker Girl for the recipe! 

• Brownie Balls 

Think cake balls, but better. In my book, brownies always win. This was mostly my own concoction that began with a box mix and store bought frosting. This recipe can serve as your inspiration point though.  

• Nutter Butter Acorns

Absolutely inspired by Pinterest. They're the perfect fun addition: simple to put together and great flavors. Here's a how-to. But I didn't mess with piping on a stem; i just slapped another chocolate chip on the top (easier and more chocolate!) 

---

Because it was a couples shower, no invasive, super girly games were considered. Plus, I must confess, I really usually dislike shower games...sometimes I'm a fuddy dud. Alas, games at a shower are tradition. Here were the activities:

• Bottle Duty: Beer Bottle Matching Game

Description: J is about to trade beer bottles for baby bottles. But, before Baby C arrives, let’s test your knowledge on one of J’s favorite beverages. Match the bottle with the brand of the beer. First one done with the most correct answers wins a prize.

•  What will Baby I look like? 

Headshot photos of M and J cut up so attendees could combine eyes, nose, mouth etc. to predict what Baby would look like. (They were hilarious and all wrong). He's a looker already!

• Guess the Baby C's Birthday Pool

All attendees were asked to target the date that Baby C would arrive. We had one guess on June 1st! That guesser will be getting a prize! 

---

All in all, we had about 35 people there to celebrate M, J, and Baby C. And now that he's here, I think it's only natural that we plan another party. Who's with me? Meet you by the desserts. 

-xo