Summer is coming and I can't wait. Sunshine, beach, flip flops and iced coffee. All things that make me (and most) extremely happy. A summertime baby shower will be a great event for friends and family to catch up, hang out, and celebrate in the good weather. Of course it can be themed any which way, but why not just play up the simple joys of the season?
The InvitationWhat could be more indicative of summer than lemonade and bumble bees? These printable invitations by Pixel Paper Invitations are adorable. I love the "Mommy-to-bee" inclusion, so cute. Mention Next Stop Baby and you will receive %10 off printed purchases and %5 off digital file purchases!
These handmade blank cards by For Stationery Sake are so sweet. The message on the front can be customized (something simple like "A Baby Shower" would be perfect). Then hand write the invitation, which is a refreshing, personal touch. Ask friends and family to join the mom-to-be for some lemonade and sunshine in celebration of the baby's expected arrival with the date, time, location and contact for RSVP.
The Menu
Drinks - Lemonade (regular and pink and Mike's Hard), limeade, iced tea and iced coffee, fruit punch and sangria. Check out this amazing recipe for a
mango ginger float to try something unique and delicious.
Food - Icecream sandwiches, popsicles, cold pasta/potato salad. Yum. Hotdogs are perfect, so make their finger food version: pigs-in-a-blanket (click
HERE for recipe by The Way the Cookie Crumbles). Fruit in general is a must. What could be more summer apropo than watermelon? Berry parfaits are a food and decoration all in one (click
HERE for recipe by Food Blogga).
The Decorations
Centerpieces of colorful gerber daisies or bowls of limes, tangerines and lemons are inexpensive and quintessentially summertime (remember from
The Breakup
, "What my baby wants, my baby gets"..."baby wanted twelve, twelve lemons"). The soothing and modern color combo of grey and yellow is popular for this theme.
These cupcake toppers by Rachel PS (aka The Things I Sell On Etsy) are cute and contemporary, yet have a vintage feel. There is an entire collection of Bumble Bee Baby Shower items that are all downloadable files for self-printing. Cost effective, just how I like it. AND, if you mention Next Stop - Baby during your purchase you will get a %15 discount!
Use these mini pinwheels as an alternative for cupcake toppers. Etsy crafter Twirlie Whirlies makes twirlable pinwheels in just about any color and pattern you can imagine.
This bunting (as it's called in Great Britain) or party flags (as I call it) is FANTASTIC. I can't believe I've only just discovered their maker, Sew Sweet Violet. Whether to decorate the edge of a table or hang from tree branches, these will make a beautiful, festive addition to the baby shower. Sew Sweet Violet is generously offering Next Stop - Baby readers a 10% discount with the coupon code BABY10
This framed chalkboard by BeaPea could be used in all sorts of ways: as a welcome (Bee-autiful Day, Welcome) or as a Menu (Enjoy the fresh squeezed lemonade, ice tea and sweet treats) or as a label for the gift table (Gifts for Baby Jones). And, post baby shower, it would be an awesome addition to your home decor.
The Favors
Sherry Scotties makes these beehive soaps and favor tags. Check out her Etsy shop for all sorts of crazy soap shapes, like barns, space shuttles and revolvers (I wonder what kind of party you give those away...). Mention this blog during your order and you will receive a 5% discount.
and the paper straws (below) are by Isa Kay Boutique (also featured in Milk and Cookies Themed Baby Shower, MMMMMM Good). 
