The House on Ladd

“Now run along, and don’t get into mischief.” – Beatrix Potter

I will certainly try, Ms. Potter, but I can make no guarantees! Anyone else feel they get themselves in a bit of a pickle when planning a party? I truly believe in entertainment on a budget and using what you have. But sometimes a theme comes along that runs so closely with your personal style and, well, budget lines get a little hazy!

When my sister-in-law expressed interest in a Peter Rabbit baby shower for my first nephew, I knew this was going to be one of those moments. I’m sure if you were to stick me, my blood would run blue and green, not red! My husband’s grandmother once told me, “you like colors blondes should like!” when I told her I really didn’t care for the color red.

Cabbage ware, and gingham, and floral arrangements with carrots began to swirl in my head, so I enlisted my Aunt Kim got to work.

As with most plans, I started with my favorite layout program: Microsoft Word. I know, my husband teases me all the time when I send him screenshots of my latest Word creations. But Microsoft Word is my most trusted friend. I can make it do just about anything I want without expensive downloads or the need for YouTube tutorials. Simply copy and paste the photo you want to use, change the format to be either in front of or behind text, and remove the background. I’m not sure when they added the background removal tool but it has made my life so much easier! Voila! An easy, peasy mock-up ready in just a few moments.

My first stop: Etsy. Don’t you love Etsy? A simple search for Peter Rabbit turned up several wonderful choices for invitations, backdrops, gifts and more. I chose a backdrop and stickers for party favors to start. Then I decided to get a few printables for easy table decorations.

Next stop: Amazon. While I’m really not a fan of using Amazon for everything (call me old fashioned, but I don’t want other shops to go out of business!), it does offer affordable options for table decor. I selected a balloon garland in just the right shades of blue, green and beige. Then tablecloths and runners, and the cutest shovel shaped teaspoons I ever did see!

All this talk of gardens and vegetables reignited the flame for cabbage ware. You know, the lettuce looking stuff your grandparents had on display but never used. Dillard’s released a cabbage collection with their Southern Living line last spring and I about fell off my chair! I was so self-controlled every time I walked into the store (though it didn’t stop me from picking it up and dreaming of all the garden parties they would inspire). Alas, my self-control could hold no longer the more I pictured our food table. How on earth was that table going to come together without green cabbage bowls?? It won’t!! So I hopped on over to our local Dillard’s and bought what I could.

Whew, NOW it’s a party! I have a wonderful family who puts on showers for every wedding and baby, and with 70 of us and counting, it gets to be quite the run of showers! My sweet aunts and cousins, along with a few of my Sister-in-Law’s family and friends are helping to cover food, drinks, flowers and other miscellaneous items.

Stay tuned for the reveal!

xo, Amanda