Inside the Ultimate Boho Baby Shower

Last weekend I helped host a baby shower for some dear friends and I think it was pretty cute (if I do say so myself). Holly, the mamma-to-be, has great taste and definitely had a vision for what the party could look like. Once we settled on a location, an open space with gravel-covered ground and soaring ficus hedges, we were able to let our minds run wild to create a boho-California vibe mixed with some secret garden whimsey.

We knew we wanted a cozy seating area for guests to sit and eat, write encouraging messages on diapers (more on that later), and generally lounge and enjoy the space. To add warmth to this lounge we layered various sized Turkish and Moroccan rugs grounding the area and clearly setting it apart from the general gathering space. We brought in hay barrels topped with soft ivory throws for some low seating and added in some natural wood folding chairs topped with kilim pillows to encourage conversation. Floor pillows added another layer and seating option and brought in some subtle color.

Holly’s dear and talented friend Rebecca brought her kid-sized tepee which we used to gather the gifts and create a cute focal point. Rebecca’s amazing floral arrangements covered long tables layered with white cloths and burlap runners which offered food, drinks, and festive beverages. We used a mix of platters, trays, and bowls to add interest to the food tables and create a laid-back, collected vibe. To keep things somewhat cohesive we kept the serving materials to silver, antique brass, marble, and white ceramic. Displaying items at different heights keeps the eyes moving and enabled guests to see all that our generous spread had to offer.

Using the lush greenery as a backdrop, we displayed rose-gold mylar balloons, oversized white balloons, and a garland of alternating tassels and baby photos of both the parents-to-be. Overhead bistro lights created a cozy atmosphere by serving as a ceiling of sorts for the outdoor affair.

Details like the custom napkins Rebecca sourced, the carefully made flower ice cubes, and the game instructions designed to match the party’s invite were thoughtful, yet easy to execute. Forgoing traditional shower games, we opted to have guests guess the due date, scribble encouraging and funny notes on diapers to lift the spirits of the weary new parents doing late- night changes, and sign the couple’s favorite children’s story as a unique alternative to a traditional guest book.

In all, the baby bash was a huge success and the parents to be were left happy, full, and likely, very tired.

All photos by Rebecca McBride Wilcox