Baseball Bridal Shower

 Recently my friend Sonia and I hosted a shower for our friend, Mary's daughter.  She met her fiance at a Ranger's game...and it's been a huge part of their relationship.  It just so happened to fall on Opening Week, and the bridal party had planned the bachelorette party for the next day....at the Ranger's game.  I'll pretend that timing was all part of the deal.

I found some adorable ticket invites online and had my friend Kelly help me make it happen.  

 I found a 'vintage style' cracker jack tin on ebay and purchased that to put some flowers in for the shower.

 I put together some baseballs to be signed by the guest party with advice...or rather, 'the game plan' for a happy marriage.

 I found some bottled cokes (at Costco) and tied on one of my current favorite things-paper straws.

 I have a collection of random glass containers from other events I filled with baseballs, peanuts, Babe Ruths, gum etc.  I borrowed all the baseballs from my only mail coworker....bet he didn't see that coming, but...he used to play and had a ton in his garage.

 Laura is not a fan of ice cream or cupcakes, so....we went with cookies and a yogurt bar for dessert.

 We also threw in some wine for those that aren't into cokes and water.

 I made baseball and glove shaped sugar cookies.

 I also found these mini helmets on the magical world of Amazon.  This was for the yogurt.

 I also found vintage style cracker jacks online and added little tags....b/c everything is better with raffia and bling.

 My friend Mary makes quilts for all her children, this was one of her gifts to the bride and groom.

 The bridesmaids also passed out shirts they were going to be using the next day at the bachelorette party-My last swing before the ring.  How cute is that?  Laura got white, all the bridesmaids got red.

Cupcake Liners and Mason Jars

 I'll post all the details from Melissa's shower on Friday, but here is one little detail from the shower.  Laine said she saw this on Pinterest, and I was game....I happen to be in possession of probably a hundred mason jars in all shapes and sizes....so anytime I can bring them out and justify that expense....
As we were...what's it called?  Partying doesn't sound right at a baby shower?  Showering seems weird?  Conversating at baby shower includes something my spell check rejects....but whatever....
BUT a cupcake liner over a drink is probably a great addition to a July 4th BBQ as well....keeps those outside bugs out...and it's so simple!
We popped the lids off the jars, but kept the rim....

 We punched a hole in advance for the straws by folding one edge of the paper in a little, then screwed the lids on....

Lemonade ready to go...

Thumbprint Guest Sight In

 OK, so...I totally crashed a wedding-true story.  I'm my defense, they were setting up for the wedding this past fall at the Arboretum while I was touring the grounds with my weekend guest.  I had my camera out already, and I thought this was a neat idea.  The theme for the wedding included a lot of bark/wood furniture they had rented to place around the grounds along with some pretty stunning arrangments.  The idea is that the guest are going to place their tumbprints on this painted canvas.

 I thought this was such a cute idea,and would be really fun for a wedding, or a nature/owl/woodland themed baby shower (on my to do list for someday soon). 

So.....since I was nosey, I had to share my fun find...definately worth the price of the admission! 

Salsa Serving

I saw the idea for serving up salsa and guacamole in a margarita class at 1charmingparty. So simple, so fun! I used this idea for a Mexican themed Mother's Day brunch.  I bought premade guacamole, and my friend Gretchen's husband made some salsa she shared with me at this opportune time.  I filled the bottom of the glass with chips to help hold up some of the dips.  I'm definitey doing this in the future.  

Coffee: Starbuck's Themed Bridal Shower

 I recently helped host a bridal shower for my pal Amber.  I could not be happier for her and her husband-to-be, Josh.  She has truly found someone great, and she is DEFINITELY deserving of finding someone because she is an incredible lady.  I've been blogging about the details for the last week+, but here it is....all in one, with links attached. 
Above are the invitations.  Sarah obtained some Starbuck's coffee cups, and I filled each with coffee bean shaped sugar cookies, and put the invitation information in a sleeve shape outside. I blogged those details here.
Below is the sign in.  We had everyone sign a matted engagement picture of Amber and Josh outside of Starbucks.  I made a banner using newspaper (which I used throughout....reminds me of 'coffee shops) and raffia....because I'm obsessed.  Close up details here. 

 The hostesses spent the last few months collecting frap. bottles to house these big mums (a flower she will be using at her wedding....I know this b/c I'll be putting those bouquets together....can't wait b/c they photograph well).

 Bean filled candle holders.  Once upon a time you could ask for expired beans from coffee shops, but after asking, we were told they sell so much they never have expired beans.....darn you coffee revolution, darn you.

 We set up a bar along the counter with all the fun coffee fixings (details here), and cupcakes.

I blogged about the chocolate covered sugar cubes/source/directions etc here.

 We included permanent markers for guest to personalize their cups....like every good Batista does.

 I made White Chocolate Mocha cupcakes.  Source and recipe attaching to the link.

 We covered tables with newspaper and burlap, and included the plates/napkins/forks, and a tiered platter (process for building these here) of coffee-ish desserts in the middle of each table.

 Favors were donations to a local charity that hopes to improve the inner cities, I blogged about it here. 

 Amber and the hostesses. 

Can't wait to attend her wedding in a few weeks, take pictures, and share more on my blog on those events and all the fun married life events to come for the happy couple.

You can find my entire album of photos from the shower here.