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a storybook themed baby shower, part 1

a storybook themed baby shower, part 1

A while back we had the privilege of welcoming a new nephew into the family, and we celebrated with a storybook themed baby shower! His mama loves reading, so we thought a party filled with children’s books would be a perfect way to welcome the little man to the world.
Babies and books – love them both! Since this was a storybook themed baby shower was for a baby boy, I used lots of neutrals (“vintagey” colors), whites and blues, and scattered stars and vintage books about liberally – and I think it all came together beautifully.DSC_0002We split up the hostessing duties a bit – I got to hostess at our home and provide the decor and drinks, my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law took care of the food.
A shower for a baby boy - with a storybook theme! Most of the decor were things that I either already had, we had in the shop and tweaked a little, free printable from Pinterest or that I made just for the occasion {children’s book page pinwheels and pennant “BABY” banner! And an adorable table runner from vintage children’s book pages, too – so cute.}A shower for a baby boy - with a storybook theme!We went with a simple color scheme – white, light {and a little dark} blue, kraft brown and vintage papers. The colors were a perfect backdrop for the children’s books, and played well together. :) I used a mix of vintage and new(er) linens, a variety of mixed metals and some wild grasses instead of of flowers. Stacks of vintage books (of course!) in brown and blues came into play, too.
A shower for a baby boy - with a storybook theme! I was delighted with how my table runner turned out! My mom has a knack for finding gorgeous old children’s books, some of which are sadly too worn to be enjoyed by our children. I used the pages with colored illustrations, arranged the pages a few times until I was happy with how the colors looked together, and secured them in placed with some double-sided tape. Super cute! (it was inspired by this table runner)A shower for a baby boy - with a storybook theme! | the Path Les TraveledFramed quotes from children's books were a perfect touch at this storybook themed baby shower. | the Path Less TraveledOne of the details I loved adding to this party were the framed storybook quotes and artwork. I found several through Pinterest, and a few through a basic web search – all were free, and when placed in frames I already had, made a fun addition to the shower. And the new mama enjoyed keeping a few for the little guy, too!Framed book quotes for a shower for a baby boy - with a storybook theme! | the Path Less Traveled

 

Stay tuned for more party photos, including more decor, the super darling and delicious food (all storybook themed!) and the guest of honor!

shop items featured:

a blanket for our little one

a blanket for our little one

I made a blanket for Ian using the Scallop Blanket “pattern” (it’s actually more like illustrated instructions than a traditional pattern) from Bend The Rules Sewing. If you haven’t seen Bend The Rules yet, I highly recommend thumbing through a copy. My mother-in-law gave me the book for last Christmas and I am loving it!

Even though I didn’t get an ultrasound during my pregnancy with Ian I was fairly sure that we were having a boy. So for his blanket I pulled out the yard of this airplane fabric that I had bought at Hancock when I was pregnant with Emma.
I already knew we were having a girl when I got it, but it was so sweet and classic, and, well, that ultrasound might have been wrong! Now it seems as if Hancock has discontinued the print, so I’m glad I went ahead and bought it instead of waiting until we had a boy.
The blanket has cotton flannel on the back to make it a bit more snugly. :)


Since I used a light color for the backing and the stitching was clearly visible (and since Ian was taking his time coming – he was a week overdue) I took the time to quilt four airplanes in the center squares. They are “flying” around the center in a circle and add a nice bit of detail.


in the quiet moments

in the quiet moments

I’ve been working on knitting Ian a sweater for the Fall. It’s the Classic Cardigan (I’m thinking that a cardigan will be easier to put on him than a pull-over style) from Essential Baby, and I’m using a cream colored cotton yarn that used to be a sweater of mine that was always a bit too short.

I’m knitting it up on silky smooth bamboo needles, and the combination of holding the soft cotton, bamboo and baby skin is so relaxing.





quote to ponder

quote to ponder

I finished reading A Life That Says Welcome yesterday, just in time to return it to the library. :) It has been a good book, encouraging and thought provoking.

As she wrapped up the book Karen Ehman said,
“I need to keep a quiet heart. To trust that if God has allowed an interruption in my day, it serves a purpose. To believe that the time to finish what work I thought needed to be done will be given. To accept that He is diverting me from my “plan A” to His greater plan.” -chp. 10

That can be so true of me, too. I may not have the “drop-in” visitors to show hospitality to that she was talking about, but I do have a little one and a husband who need me to show them love by serving them. Even when I just want some time to myself.

hospitality and books from the library

hospitality and books from the library

I borrowed these two books from our local library, and have been enjoying them. The first one is very elegant with lots of gorgeous photos and creative ideas of how to entertain in an impressive way. It has ideas for the types of dinner parties that you send engraved invitations for. Beautiful.
The second book is all about Christian hospitality, how it starts in the heart and is translated through your home and attitudes. The author reiterates over and over that hospitality is about ministering to others rather than impressing them. What a contrast!
It has been good to look at the two books side by side, comparing the two concepts of entertaining.
I whole heartedly agree with Karen Ehman in her ideas of entertaining, but it is nice to remember also that hospitality involves showing honor to others by preparing a beautiful setting a meal just for them.

new favorite knitting book

new favorite knitting book


new favorite knitting book, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

and the beginnings of a sweater vest for Emma (using yarn from a cotton sweater that was just too short on me for my liking).

This knitting book Essential Baby by Debbie Bliss – is just too sweet! It’s projects are all classic and timeless, and range in time consumption from itty-bitty socks to a jumper or lacy blanket.
And the instructions are clearly written, too (a HUGE plus in my opinion!).