NAUTICAL AND NATURAL BABY SPRINKLE

Yesterday afternoon I hosted an intimate "baby sprinkle" for my sister-in-law -- expecting baby no. 2 next month. My goal was to make a simple and lovely, country-side-esque afternoon for our 10 guests.  

The guest of honor requested a tea-like light lunch but with ice-cold lemonade, instead of hot tea. Because she is expecting a boy, I wanted to make sure I didn't go too far down the frilly and girly high-tea route. Instead, I opted for my own clean white dishes, classic silverware, french linen napkins and touches of boyish anchors. My palette was navy, brown and white.

It was an interesting challenge with Jason out of town on tour - I had a 2-year-old helper who liked taking the straws out of the glasses - as you can see above. ;) But I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It was a nice mix of modern and classic. And I even did some crafting! Sis would be proud.

I gave myself a challenge: Don't rent anything. Because it was a small shower, I was able to use all of my own dishes, glassware, linens and silverware. As for the flower vessels -- I love the dark amber glass bottles my Kombucha comes in, so for several weeks leading up to the shower, I saved every bottle, took the labels off (had to scrub and soak and scrub again until all of the stickiness came off!). I purchased a few bunches of flowers and wild greens from Whole Foods. The bottles did double duty -- I also gave them away as favors at the end of the party. They make such a cool little vase for around the house. I'm a big fan.  

For a special touch I made a few anchor decorations. These are little anchors I cut and stuck to wooden skewers, to create a more festive place setting. 

I also made this anchor banner for the food table. Could be super cute on the nursery wall too!

I kept the drinks simple, with strawberry water and homemade organic lemonade.

We have been making most of our parties gluten-free lately. People normally can't even tell the difference and it suits the needs of the people who don't eat gluten. These scones from Buttercelli Bakeshop were out of control. The biggest hit of the day and gluten-free! I purchased organic apricot and strawberry jams and lemon curd. I made the Devonshire cream from this recipe I found on Joy of Baking

You can never go wrong with a platter of organic berries. Never.

Butter lettuce salad with homemade candied walnuts, dried cranberries and goat cheese. 

What do you do when you have a major cake-fail two hours before the party?! Get brownies, blondies and bars from the gluten-free bakeshop, cut them into square and forget you were up until 2AM baking!

Baby Shower Scattergories!! Yes!!! 

Ending the afternoon with these lovely scones. Can't wait for another baby in the family! xx

SOURCES:

Food: Whole Foods + Trader Joe's

Flowers + Greens: Whole Foods

Gluten-Free Scones + Baked Goods: Buttercelli Bakeshop

Plates and Cake Stands: Sur La Table

Linen Napkins: One Kings Lane

Glassware: Crate + Barrel

Drink Dispensers + Stands: Pottery Barn

Card Stock for Anchors and Scattergories: Paper Source 

Amber Glass Bottles: Health-Ade Kombucha

Mini Pencils: Amazon

Straws: Shop Sweet Lulu

Table + Benches: HD Buttercup

Wire Chairs: Rejuvenation 

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BRUNCH WITH MOM AT TERRINE

I had been dying to try chef Kris Morningstar's California brasserie, Terrine, on Beverly Blvd.. Mainly a dinner-serving restaurant, they also serve brunch Friday-Sunday, in the late morning. I thought it would be the perfect place for Sis and I to take Mom for a Mother's Day girls' brunch. And of course, "girls' brunch" means Miss Mila is in our crew too! She'll probably write her own piece for her toddler blog. 

I love all of this - brick walls, bentwood chairs, booths and mirrors. It reminds me of a restaurant in Paris where I had my 30th birthday dinner.

Gorgeous French-style bar.

Cozy lounge spot, perfect for cocktails, out on the pretty patio.

Really nice vibe out here.

Time to get down to business and order from this great brasserie menu.

First up: Charcuteries plate and really good bread!

Four delicious craft cocktails: Paloma, French 75, Terrine Mauresque and Gordon's Cup. I might need to call an Uber after this party. Who knew Mom was so wild!

Avocado toast. Enough said. 

Super delicious spread! Clockwise from top left: Fish and Chips, Brisket Hash, Butter Lettuce Salad, Avocado Toast, Fried Chicken and Grits.

The fried chicken and grits was everyone's favorite dish of the day. Two thumbs up!!

Happy Mother's Day! Love you, Mom!! xx