The Perfect Gathering to Celebrate Adding a Wee-Babs to the Family
Childhood Whimsy Through Peter Rabbit
There are very few classic stories that create such a picture like Beatrix Potter’s story of the very mischievous bunny rabbit, Peter. When I recall the sweet illustrations and think back to the stories of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter living under a very large root, it is tied to the precious memories of little ones and bedtime stories. These were the emotions I wanted to capture when planning a dear friend’s baby shower. My golden rule is that every party must have a theme and this party was going to be a Beatrix Potter theme.
Identify & Magnify the Simple Things
Picturing myself walking into a volume of one of Ms. Potter’s stories, I think English cottage, garden, vegetables, linens, garden tools, yard shoes, wispy pastels in the sky and hot cups of tea. It was these small details that I held steadfast to. In my welcome focal point, food selection, home decor and tablescape I knew I wanted to incorporate these simple elements to drive the theme and set the scene for all our guests to walk into our very own Beatrix Potter story.
The most wonderful aspect about these simple items is that they were easy to find and stage. I gathered my own gardening tools and gave them a good rinse, I went to my local market and purchased bunches of carrots, green leeks, a few round radishes and a bouquet of fresh garden flowers such as sunflowers and foxgloves. I continued to walk my home and found a galvanized bucket, a wooden watering jug, old rain boots, an egg scale and I even rummaged around to find a sweater my grandmother had knitted for one of my children that had – wait for how perfect this is – bunnies! There are so many interpretations of these objects that you are sure to have more than a few yourself!
Making Connections for the Guests of Honor
The party is after all, for someone in particular. It’s important to incorporate items that will speak directly to them even if other guests won’t get it at first. I promise you, once the guest of honor sees the personal treasures – they will announce it to the crowd, and it will become the talk of the party for all. For this particular party it was a no brainer – we had to bring in childhood stuffed animals thanks to the soon-to-be grandmothers. Old quilts or little tractors would have also been fitting for this personal touch we were seeking.
Another way you can add special touches for the parents is by the activities you setup. Two stations we had in particular was the book signing and envelope addressing. A new copy of the Beatrix Potter Tales was displayed with a note asking guests to sign any page. Months after the party was over and baby had arrived, tired dad will be reading the story of Benjamin and Petter barely escaping Mr. McGegor and find a loving note written by a family friend in the margin. Reminders throughout the book of how special this day was. This party was hosted a few years ago and now this little girl has a growing interest in reading herself. This keepsake book now serves as a reminder to her just how many people loved her even before they knew her smile. Having a tea tin of pens and a few radishes aside continued the theme into every nook and cranny of the space.
What’s on the Menu?
Having a theme really helps plan the party in every category. For the menu, the theme dictated what should be served and felt like an extension of the theme. Fresh lemonade in a fluted glass tumbler, pinwheel finger sandwiches, crackers served with jams or cheeses, cold pasta salad with fresh bell peppers and tomatoes, humus drizzled with olive oil and topped with roasted pinenuts. This elevated picnic fare was perfect for our cottage garden party. I also recommend a cocktail/mocktail like a blackberry smash (recipe below). These mint garnished gin and tonic beverages scream summer and refreshing but as a mocktail, won’t let the expecting mother feel left out and will taste just as good as the real deal. Another easy option would be an afternoon tea. Many thrift stores have mismatched teacups and saucers. Collecting a variety of designs and sizes would be just the type of whimsy Beatrix would approve of herself.
The Icing on the Cake
In the parties I host, I love to have a special sweet treat. After browsing Pinterest I found inspiration for a simple cake with illustrated characters from the pages that inspired the entire party to begin with. I assembled the collage of photos and contacted my local bakery weeks in advance of the party. Not only did we have the outside of the cake reflect our theme, but we also made sure the flavor of the cake did as well. Can you guess what flavor we went with? That’s right, carrot! This cake became a conversation piece for the guests secondary to how mom and baby were doing, of course!
If there is room in the budget, I also recommend a large wall banner. These usually range from $30-$50 depending on size, material and shop purchased from. This made the theme truly undeniable and made for a great backdrop for photos.
Hosting a show stopping party doesn’t take a lot of money but does take a good theme and a healthy dose of imagination. The party itself is a gift from you to the guest of honor and putting your heart into its planning and setup gives something that can’t be bought that will be remembered and cherished forever. Don’t forget to get creative and have a little (or lots of) fun as well! Cheers!
Blackberry Lemon Ginger Smash (Mocktail-Friendly) Recipe
Blackberry Lemon Ginger Smash (Mocktail-Friendly)
Ingredients
5-6 fresh blackberries
3-4 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup (or honey)
2 oz gin (omit for mocktail version)
Ginger beer (to top)
Ice for shaking and serving
Mint sprig & blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the base
- Combine the fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup. Muddle gently just until the berries release their juices and the mint is fragrant (don’t over-shred the mint, or it gets bitter).
- Add Citrus & Ice
- Add lemon juice, then fill the glass with ice.
- Cocktail (skip this step for mocktail)
- Pour in 2 oz of gin and stir well
- Top off the glass
- Add a generous pour of spicy ginger soda over the mixture and give a gentle stir.
- Garnish
- Finish with a mint sprig and a few blackberries as garnish.
From the Blue Ridge Nest 
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