Planning this baby shower for my 4th child was bittersweet. This would be the very last baby shower to be held in my honor. I carefully considered a theme, and started collecting items for what would be a “lil’ buckaroo” themed celebration! I love to bargain hunt, so I was very pleased to find a lot of my items at discount prices. I refurbished furniture from my local goodwill, and even items from yard sales. I’m a very hands-on party planner, so I was anxious to make some party decor of my own! I rented 8 bales of hay from my local feed store. They added the perfect amount of authenticity to my theme.

I had some fabulous party vendors contribute to what I think was the best baby shower I’ve ever had! The desserts were amazing, and the menu was filled with delicious, home-cooked food by my Grandmother! There were so many personal touches that made my shower a very special one. It was definitely a family affair, as I received lots of help from friends, family, and most-importantly, my other children. While it was a lot of work planning, and setting up, we all had a fabulous time, and are so grateful for all who came to help us celebrate baby #4.

The menu consisted of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with rolls, baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, macaroni & cheese, and fresh fruit. I loved the idea that all the food was served from antique porcelain dishes. It made everything look even more authentic for my western theme. Everyone ate from real pie tins, along with wooden utensils that were wrapped inside real bandanna napkins. I chose to display all the delicious food on top of a burlap covered table. Claudia from Tini Posh sent me an adorable material garland to use. I attached it to the front of the food table, and it looked perfect. I created a backdrop using a free wooden pallet that I picked up from work. I covered it with chicken wire, and spray painted a light coat of brown. I then attached paper fans, tissue fans, and a cute banner that I created from bandanna printed material, burlap, and twine.

The guests had their choice of bottled water, and Sarsaparilla. I displayed bottles inside of an antique wash tub. There was also lemonade served inside of glass bottles, and the iced tea being dispensed from a large Mason jar. The guests drank out of Mason jars that had paper straws tied with tulle, and a little cowboy themed embellishment. My drink station was set on top of an old wooden tool box, and bales of hay.

My dessert station was displayed on an old-fashioned hutch that I found at a yard sale. I fell in love with the chicken wired windows on the cupboard doors. It was originally an unfinished wood grain, that I quickly painted in a shade of red. The transformation was perfect for the lil’ buckaroo themed shower! I added more porcelain dishes, old tin cans, and antique boxes. I found a mini wooden trough from Home Goods, and knew it would work perfectly to display the darling horse cookies from Arlene at She Wears The Crown. I also set out some of her cookies inside of a hutch drawer, on top of crinkle paper. I displayed rock candy inside of a small Mason jar, as well as ropes of red licorice. Mini blueberry, and apple pies were put on a small pie holder that I set inside of one of the hutch drawers, along with a galvanized pail, that held the cutest horse cake pops, from Roni’s Sugar Creations. She also provided rice krispie treats attached with little cowboy hats. I thought it would be a nice change of pace for my guests to enjoy cupcakes, instead of cake. Blanca from Creativities Galore created some darling paper printables for the cupcakes.

Other cupcakes had beautiful fondant toppers from She Wears The Crown. A cactus, cowboy boot, rope, bandanna, cowboy hat, and a sheriff’s badge were perfect, and truly delicious!

The tables were covered with red, and blue bandanna material. I added 2 small black lanterns as centerpieces. I found these at IKEA. I had fun decorating them with burlap, ribbon, and twine. Each plastic chair was decorated with strips of burlap. With clothespins, I attached adorable brown mustaches that Ana from Divine Functions created for me.

It’s always a great time when your party has a photo booth, and fun props! I ordered a small cardboard fence from Oriental Trading Co. and set it out in front of bales of hay, and a red bandanna backdrop. Ana from Divine Functions provided all the fabulous props: A “wanted” sign, mustaches & lips on sticks, cowboy hats, guns, and bandannas.

The gift table was set up on bales of hay. I set out a darling western themed diaper cake that I created, and served as the centerpiece. A few of my guests got super creative with their gift wrapping. It was so fun to see how they embellished their gifts with twine, plastic horses, raffia, and printables.

Each shower guest went home with a little wooden horseshoe with a good luck message attached. They were a hit. Just a little something to thank our guests for coming.

It was a perfect day, spent with family & friends. I loved everything about my shower, and am so thankful for all the help, and generosity from vendors, friends, and family.