An unusual, elegant baby shower
It’s probably ridiculous. Most likely a bit “extra”. Certainly something people will have opinions on. But do I really do things any other way?
In case you’re not aware, I LOVE party planning, hosting, and all of the fun the party brings. I planned my own wedding with Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream theme. I had 4 bachelorette parties each with a different vibe and made sure to have a heavy hand in planning these (Covid was the biggest contributor to the number of these - LOL). And don’t even get me started on our yearly holiday food drives or Beer Olympics.
For my baby shower, I knew I wanted to plan it, host it, and make it a party that people would never forget.
Something to know, I never imagined I’d want to have kids. At age 29, I’d been with Dan for 2 years and for the first time could see myself getting married and having children. Mainly, I had found a partnership with Dan that I never knew was possible. With our partnership, the idea of marriage and kids just felt right.
But I’ve never been a “baby shower” person. I’d begrudgingly play the games and try to leave before they start opening the gifts - barf. Every baby shower I’ve gone to, I give the mom-to-be a gift for HER, such as a massage or mani/pedi, and then I little something for the baby like a pacifier.
For the mom that never thought she’d be a mom that doesn’t really “get” baby showers and loves to party plan, what should the party look like?
1920s Speakeasy of course!
Glamor. Sparkle. Candlelight. Crackling fireplace. Passed hors d'oeuvres. Champagne fountains. Classic cocktails. Pearls, Ostrich feathers, and dusty bottles. Plus a smokin’ green velvet dress!
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The Venue
Because I didn’t want people in my house while we’re prepping for the baby, I needed to find the right venue. A historical place with a basement, exposed brick, and elegant ceiling tiles. A sophisticated cocktail and mocktail menu as well as excellent hors d'oeuvres to add to the ambiance.
All of my criteria could be met at a charming place in Saint Paul, MN that’s dear to my heart: W.A. Frost Co. They even offer passed champagne as well as have a wine nook in the basement. Perfect for my 19020s Speakeasy Baby Shower. And if you can believe it, the price was not outrageous.
The Decor
Because the setting already perfectly aligned with the theme, my decor could be minimal. Over the years I’ve saved wine bottles of significance to Dan and me, like our engagement party sauv blanc bottle or the champagne we toasted with after our marriage ceremony in Grand Marais, MN. I bought some black and cream ostrich feathers to stuff into the bottle - and Viola! Decor for the room.
The Food
Passed hors d'oeuvres were a must to keep the dames in attendance feeling as fancy as they look. Butler passed food actually makes the decision on specifics easier: what would be easy and cause the least mess? For me, that meant spinach and artichoke crostini, Swedish meatballs, and spicy deviled eggs.
The timing was around lunch, so I chose to also have two platters on a table for people to grab as they please: veggie crudite and a super sexy cheese plate (and by sexy, I mean it had all the fixings I like).
Between the proteins being passed, the fats in the cheese and the veggies I felt like we had a well-balanced offering for everyone. It was also a first wherein I had no one in attendance with food allergies or choice limitations.
The Drinks
W.A. Frost cocktail menu is listed in categories of No Proof, Low Proof, and High Proof. The No Proof mocktails are phenomenal making it perfect for me and the other non-drinkers to enjoy libations in fancy glasses alongside everyone else. The menu is stacked with creative flair on all the classics, so having the regular drink menu available suited the party.
Also, I wanted to cover one to two drinks per person and then switch over to champagne. To keep the speakeasy charm, I chose to use poker chips as “drink tokens”. It was a hit.
And if passed champagne is an option, passed champagne must happen. Right before the games started, we had a sweep of butler-passed champagne for everyone. A delightful NA sparkling rose was served to those of us abstaining. What says “let’s play games” better than a fresh glass of bubbly?!
Want this dress? Get it here.
The Games
A smart, and somewhat unprecedented move for me, I outsourced the games to my bestie and sister-in-law. Both of which had a blast choosing the games, prizes and hosting them. The fun-factor of the games they chose was a 10/10.
Games
“Most popular baby names in the 1920s”
“Baby traditions around the world”
“Pregnant Belly or Beer Belly?”
Prizes:
Cheese tray
Eucalyptus plant and candle
Bottle of Snoop Dogg wine
The Sweets
For a take on a champagne fountain without the risk of catastrophe, I decided to make a candy champagne fountain! White chocolate pearls; black and gold gumballs; and a poker chip filled coupe glasses stacked in a pyramid. On one side of the pyramid were golden rock candies and on the other side was a container with the rest of the black and gold gumballs. This sweet station was a hit!
And then there was cake.
I’m extra fortunate that one of my close friends is a professional baker. Talented is selling her short - she’s phenomenal! If she’s ever willing to make the cake, I’m hiring her for sure. Nestled inside a lightly whipped buttercream adorned with candy pearls, was five layers of moist, fudgy chocolate cake and chocolate ganache. To add extra beauty, the cake was topped with fresh flowers.
The Extra
For the wise and crafty gals…
I made sure to have a station for decorating baby onesies with fabric markers. They made some hilarious and adorable little ‘fits for our baby girl. Including the ever so humorous “I’ll have a glass of the house white” with a drawing of a baby bottle.
“Words of Wisdom for Mom”
Each attending wrote something special on an art deco card and put it into a golden birdcage.
Lessons Learned
There are a few lessons I’ve learned about being HAPPY when hosting. Here are the staples:
Plan, document and delegate in advance, and then let go of perfection in order to enjoy the party
Attendees are unpredictable, don’t let the guest list make or break your good time
Eat the food. Drink the drinks. Spend time laughing with everyone. Play the games. And at every party stand back, take a breath, and look with enjoyment at the experience you’ve created
At this party, I learned…
The perfect venue makes the decor ten times easier
A party photographer is worth the cost to me (be it a designated friend or a professional)
If you have a sliver in your foot before the party, take 15 minutes to get it out rather than walking on it all day :)
Having your partner show up at the end of your party makes it extra fun
Final Note
I measure a party’s success by delight in attendees including myself. This party was a success. It was everything I’d planned for it to be, and the sound of friend and family laughter filled the room. It was an absolute delight!
