Pumpkin-themed Baby Shower

A friend and fellow MOMS Club member is planning a Halloween/Autumn-themed baby shower. More specifically, a shower to welcome "the newest pumpkin in the patch." So, she asked me to put together a few ideas for her. I collected a lot of great ideas here in this "inspiration board." I'm sharing the ideas here, too, in case any of you have the same plans! Make sure to read the follow-up details below. The info includes sources, tutorial links and even more great ideas. Plus, info on how you can get your own custom inspiration board!

Starting from top left to right (click on photo board to enlarge):

Top Row: Pumpkins give you so many versatile ways to decorate. Here is an example of letting people know if it’s a boy or a girl. Photo source here.

To give your décor a more rustic look (which I love for Fall) use mason jars as part of your decoration—either for lighting—or as vases for your centerpieces. Photos source here.

Orange paper lanterns in different shades give a more subtle decor indicative of pumpkins—please don’t turn them into jack-o-lanterns!

And what about this cute idea?! Show everyone the new pumpkin that’s on his way by displaying a sonogram photo! This is from a great pumpkin shower found here.

2^nd Row: If you don’t want to do the usual orange, yellow, red harvest color theme, this pop of purple/crimson is really nice. Photo from an inspiration board on katehart.net

I always like the idea of “pre-packing utensils” in a nice presentation for buffets like this one. Photo source here.

Give drinks their own place. This cider station idea is from brides.com

Using different level heights always enhance a table presentation—makes it look more formal, especially if you’re having the shower in someone’s house. Also liked the next idea of using actual vegetables as part of the “signage.” Photo from an inspiration board on katehart.net

Next Row: How cute are these baby pumpkins?! Photo source here.

If you’re on a tight budget and you want to try to make your own decorations, this is a cute paper pumpkin you can make. Tutorial and photo here.

Pumpkin knit hat as a cute gift. Try knitting one on your own, or find one on etsy.com. Photo source here.

Pumpkin brownie pops would make a cute addition to a dessert table. Source here.

Next Row: This is an adorable idea to incorporate the pumpkin patch theme into your décor/display. Just paint a bunch of small little pumpkins and display on a small bale of hay you can get at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Photo source here.

Trick Or Treat Bar: If you want to tie into Halloween, this is an easy idea that also works as a favor. Let guests pick their own candy from a candy buffet, put in orange cello bags with nice ribbon as their take-away.

A pumpkin onesie is another cute gift idea for the mommy-to-be. This one found here. Depending on the time you have, you can have each guest design a pumpkin with fabric paint on blank onesies, then attach them on a clothesline and package in a gift basket.

A pumpkin diaper cake can be a sweet spotlight on the gift table. Find out how this one was made here.

Little Pumpkin favor tags are a nice embellishment. Found here.

"Little Pumpkin in the Oven!" A pumpkin cake mix in a bag is another useful favor option. Found here.

Have a great party theme in mind, but don't know how to execute it?! Let me help you with an inspiration board! An inspiration board provides direction on an overall look for your party, with specific takeaway ideas that you can actually use. The board generally has between 12-20 photos and includes details such as where-to-buy resources. Give me a shout! I would love to help you with your party. There's only a nominal fee involved--not much considering how much time you'll save and the results you'll get for your party! Please e-mail me at rosemarie.massaro@gmail.com

Handmade Gifts For Grandparents Day

Sunday, September 12th is Grandparents Day and there's nothing more appreciated than a handmade gift. Here are a few gift ideas you can make with your kids.

Paperbag Scrapbook

I love this idea, adding a promise to "fill the scrapbook with memories." Go here for the complete tutorial.

Pot of Love

With all the container mums out now, this is a timely gift for grandparents and I'm sure the kids will have fun decorating it. Click here for tips.

Message Photo Block

I love series of photos that tell a story. So, I thought this message photo block was fun. Click here for the how-to.

No Labor This Weekend: Cocktail Recipes

Or maybe a little for us... we're in the (slow) process of re-doing our guest bathroom. Of course my husband insists on doing it himself, so it's sporadically getting worked on. But, I'll be sure to make some time for one of these delicious cocktails from Good Housekeeping! And I hope you do, too! Have a great long weekend!

BOLD BERRY GRANITA

Click here for recipe

GREEK WHITE SANGRIA
Click here for recipe

POMEGRANATE MARGARITA
Click here for recipe

Today's Takeaway: Scrabble Tile Favors

How many ways can you say and spell "LOVE"? This crafty bride actually made the favors for her wedding, and I think they were well worth the effort! First of all, I love that the individual letter tiles are magnetic, making them a favor with function. And they'll certainly look cute adorning your refrigerator. I also love this idea because you can customize it for any occasion. This would be really fun for a "gender reveal" party, using the favors to let guests know if it is a B-O-Y or G-I-R-L. Or you can just spell out "BOO" for Halloween!

Click here for the complete tutorial to craft your own Scrabble tile magnetic favors. The bride even provides information on where to buy the tin cases. I searched around on where to buy Scrabble tiles. You may find them on eBay, or you can order them from Hasbro here.

Construction Party

Having two girls makes it very easy for me to get caught up in all the pink, girlie stuff, so I wanted to make sure to post this boy party (although I haven't been too bad--remember the sailor party in the nautical themed post?!) Here is a very cute construction party that was done for a boy's 2 year birthday party. Mom, Jessica Levitt, put a lot of thought into this party, starting with the handmade barricade and sign that greeted guests, down to the actual nuts and bolts in the food display... and what about those tool-shaped cookies below?! The big finale was a surprise visit from an actual construction vehicle! There are so many ideas to pick up from this party. "Dig in" to the rest of the photos at Jessica's blog, juicy bits, here.