Madeline's Christening

This past weekend was Madeline's Christening in Walnut Creek. Madeline's mom, Heidi, knew exactly what she wanted and chose the color scheme, planned the menu, and selected the flowers. All we had to do was put the elements together and help facilitate the event. Here are some of the highlights.Chocolate brown table cloths plus baby pink napkins divided by pink Gerbera daisies equals a girly chic celebration.

If there is one lesson we've learned in party planning it is this: You can't control everything, but you CAN be prepared for everything. The weather didn't look like it was going to cooperate for this outdoor event, however a last-minute trip to Target and these camouflage tarps provided a solution-- rain or shine. At least they weren't blue, right?

Guests entered the home and as after they passed the gift table were treated to an assortment of Izzy sodas, Pelegrino bottled water, sparkling lemonade and iced water from the bar.

Onto the luncheon of croissant sandwiches and a variety of salads (all made by Heidi). Hors 'd oeurves included shrimp cocktail with a horseradish cocktail sauce, deviled eggs, and blanched vegetables.

For dessert, this gorgeous cake was served. The cherry blossom design was the inspiration for the whole day.

Finally, strawberry and chocolate cupcakes with butter cream frosting were offered after the cake had been passed out.

Madeline slept through most of the party but guests had a wonderful time, enjoyed the outdoor seating area, and left Heidi with very little leftovers.

Inspiration Board: Madeline's Christening

Remember the baby shower we did for Heidi? Heidi's little bundle of joy, Madeline, has her christening tomorrow and after-party in her family's back yard in the bay area. Madeline's mommy loooves pink and envisioned a picnic-feel to their back yard party. The inspiration for this celebration comes from the cherry-branch cake Heidi chose so we went with pinks and browns.

Heidi is also a fan of pom poms so we've added a few to include a colorful pop on their outdoor deck. Pink flowers in clusters of white vases will be the centerpieces.

Here is the inspiration board we put together, stay tuned next week for pictures of the event!

Heidi's Baby Shower

It's a girl! Today's celebration was in honor of a mom-to-be who has a 3 year-old little boy. In preparation for welcoming Heidi's new baby girl into the world, she wanted the baby shower to look like "the room barfed pink" (her exact words.) We kept with the pink theme and added a few simple, fun, and classy elements.The location was The Peasant and the Pear in Danville, California, where the staff could not have been more accommodating. The restaurant manager oversaw preparation for the event and did not hesitate to offer the services of two hostesses in helping transform the space.

Decorative elements included light pink and dark pink pom poms created using this Martha Stewart tutorial. Medium and large pom poms were strung by the ceiling above the guest and buffet tables, while small pom poms were used as napkin rings at each place setting. Pink ribbons cascaded down the center of the tables and were highlighted by pink votive candles in front of each guest. By the end of the shower, guests had tied the small pom poms around their wrists, wore them in their hair, or strung them through button holes on their jackets. It added a bit if whimsey and playfulness to the affair.

The mom-to-be at this baby shower requested no games, so to personalize it and offer something to entertain guests, we hung black and white prints along the back wall of the space, mounted on pink polka dot and stripe paper. The photographs represented the mom-to-be as well as her mother and grandmother (both of whom attended the shower) as babies and several of the mom-to-be with her own mother.

Guests helped themselves to a candy station to make their own favors. Cellophane bags were provided along with gift tags to tie the bags off, thanking guests for joining us in celebrating Heidi's "Little Sweetie."After a decadent appetizer buffet, dessert included coconut and strawberry Sprinkles Cupcakes. You may have thought a cupcake from Sprinkles couldn't be improved upon... unless it is adorned with a gorgeous cupcake wrapper from Bella Cupcake Couture. If you are a fan of cupcakes, you need to follow the Bella Cupcake Couture Blog. More to come on that incredible company.

Heidi was a radiant expectant mother and we wish her the best of luck with her new little girl. Thank you for letting us share your baby shower Heidi!