A Woodland Baby Shower

When I found out my niece, Salem, and her husband Edwin were pregnant, I instantly knew what their baby shower theme was going to be – it could be nothing else but a “Woodland Fairy” theme! There was only one problem… we found out they were having a baby boy! 🤣

So, I quickly dropped back to punt and decided to turn the Woodland Fairy theme into a “Woodland FRIENDS” theme instead! 🙌

Luckily, I had my mom and Salem’s stepmom to help me pull this off, and we came up with a lot of fun ways to honor this adorable theme…

First of all, we had to set the stage by sprucing up the entrance and welcoming our “forest friends”.

Then we transformed the living room into an area for watching presents get opened.

The giant stump was a prop we were able to borrow from our local ballet company, and the birch wood backdrop was a simple freehand painting on Kraft paper. We also found a mound of crepe myrtle trimmings on the side of the road; so, we used them in doorways and corners to continue the feel of being under a forest canopy.

My mother is an incredibly talented florist, and she whipped up this beautiful woodsy table arrangement in no time!

The gifts were overflowing. And, luckily, we had set up the shower as a “drop in” event so that people could see the couple open their gifts without having to stick around for the entire present opening extravaganza.

When guests arrived, they were asked to write a congratulations, wish, or piece of advice on a “leaf” and to place it on the “tree” for the couple to read at the end of the shower.

We also had a “Squirreled Away” area designated for keepsakes, heirlooms, and items that had been saved by family for the expecting couple. This was my mother’s ingenious idea, and was a hit amongst the guests and our parents-to-be!

Some other little woodland and personalization touches included:

A vignette with a picture taken by Salem’s Great Aunt Kay of a raccoon rescued by Salem’s mother, river rocks in an apothecary jar, and a few forest figurines…

A wolf-head planter under cloche…

David with a midsummer head wreath…

Displaying Salem’s childhood collection of stuffed “woodland friends”.

We had purchased several theme-appropriate outfits and accessories. So, instead of wrapping them, we decided to display them on hangars for viewing.

We did the same thing on the hearth on the other side with vintage outfits that had belonged to both of Salem’s grandfathers.

And our winged and feathered creatures received their own playland above the food table where they oversaw all of the nibbles and goodies…

And now to everyone’s favorite part – the refreshments!!!

We made a lemonade punch that could be spiked by those so inclined.

And supplemented with beer, wine, and soda.

We also had an additional small food station set up with “Twigs” (pretzel sticks), “”Wood Chips” (sweet potato chips), and “Wild Berries”.

But the main table was the most exciting, of course. We pulled together all of our wood and green glass serving pieces. and I found a mossy table runner at Hobby Lobby that I used to anchor the middle of the table, along with a collection of large stones, moss, silk flowers, and small figurines. I also had several moss-covered blocks that I used to elevate some of the food, and I used dried leaves held by pinecones to post the name of each food item, which was theme-appropriate, of course… 😉

There were Robin’s Eggs served in a nest, Gummi Bears, and “Fallen Logs” (Swiss cake rolls)…

Assorted nuts and “Deer Droppings” (malted milk balls)…

I took a birch log and drilled holes in the top in order to display our “Toadstools” (pieces of string cheese skewered with cherry tomato halves)…

“Turtles” crossing the creek…

A veggie-licious hoot owl…

“Acorns” (doughnut holes dipped in melted chocolate with a pretzel stem – get the recipe here) and “Sticks” (individual Twix bars)…

“Forest of Trees” (broccoli salad)…

“Ladybugs” (Babybel cheese) and “Butterflies” (Keebler crackers)…

“Tree slices” (pinwheel sandwich slices)…

My favorite thing on the food table, though, was this cupcake stand that I pieced together using wood slabs, candlesticks, and sheet moss.

It was perfect for displaying our “Toadstool” cupcakes that our dear family friend was sweet enough to make for us! They truly added just the right amount of forest floor charm! Can’t you just picture a little gnome peeking out from behind one?🍄

Also, in the interest of giving credit where it’s due, I’d like to list a few sites/blogs where I received much of my inspiration (maybe they’ll inspire you too!):

https://karaspartyideas.com/2019/01/woodland-fairy-party.html

https://www.joyinthecommonplace.com/diy-woodland-animals-party-food-labels/

https://www.oldhousetonewhome.net/woodland-themed-baby-shower/

http://www.aspenjay.com/woodland-themed-baby-shower-food-table/