Real Parties: Classic Picnic Baby Shower

You don’t get more wholesome then checked table cloths and blueberry pie. That was the idea behind this tractor themed baby shower for soon-to-be parents Lauren and Brett. Instead of letting the weather limit the party’s decor, host Laura took the picnic and made it come alive inside her home. With a little creativity and her handy paper cutting tool, Laura turned mason jars, mini pies and paper plates into a picnic style baby shower for baby boy Nixon. Laura offers some great party planning tips along with all the details on this vintage picnic baby shower.

Child’s name: Nixon
Age: TBD
Location: Utah, my home

What is the theme of the party and why?
I decided to throw an indoor picnic and tractor themed baby shower for a long-time friend (it’s far too hot in our neck of the woods this time of the year to party outside). Although she is having a boy, I wanted to steer clear of colors and motifs that were too kitschy or overdone. And, since it was a no guys party, I tried to create an environment and food that was “girly” to some degree , yet maintained a masculine feel in honor of baby Nixon. The color pallet consisted of orange, kelly green, yellow and blue jean blue. Overall I wanted guests to feel like they were at a farm or barnyard picnic with their friends.

Did you find inspiration from any particular photos or websites?

The whole idea came about after stumbling across a tractor rug from Moods of Norway. I thought the motif and colors were great for a baby boy shower. I’ve also always wanted to make miniature pies, so thought a picnic would be the perfect opportunity.

Please share with us where you purchased your supplies.

Utensils, plates and napkins: I didn’t think shiny plastic cutlery would go with the feel of the party, so I found everything at World Centric. Made of cornstarch , the utensils are 100% biodegradable. Mini Pie Tins: Ebay, but there are also several other resources on the web if you do some digging. The majority of the fabric was from Wal-Mart for $1.50 a yard.

What was was the most creative item you made for the party?
I used my Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter quite a bit. The fabric pennants were cut out using my Silhouette-no hand cutting or sewing involved. All of the sticker labels (envelope addresses, favor bags, food labels etc.) were made using the print and cut feature on my Silhouette. The mini glass milk jars filled with candy and trail mix were game prizes. It may be a bit tricky to see in the photo, but I glass etched a little cow on each milk jar. All done using a vinyl stencil (cut out on my Silhouette) and glass etching cream.

I used my Print Gocco machine a lot as well to incorporate the tractor motif into the party. I printed the tractor and windmill motif onto the invitations, napkins, granola filled favor bags and onesie using my Gocco. I will be posting tutorials on my blog with all these instructions shortly.

Do you have any advice or tips for someone inspired to throw a similar party?
1. Use what you have: I am notorious for buying party items, with absolutely nothing particular in mind when I purchase them. So, I really tried to use up my stash of items that had been sitting in my closet.
2. Borrow:I had several friends who were more than willing to lend me platters and chairs and linens that were perfect for the flavor of the party.
3. Plan ahead: When it came the the party day, almost everything had been done weeks prior.
4. Delegate: Several friends of the mom to be offered to help, so I gave them specifics assignments of items to bring.
5. Free: I went to the local liquor store and asked for a stack of their wine sized brown sacks. I was ready to pay for them, but the clerk gave them to me for free. I cut the bags down, filled them with homemade granola and sealed it with a custom sticker. Also, all the flowers came from the mountain behind my house-FREE!