Thursday, July 7, 2011

Nautical Baby Shower, Ahoy Baby!

With summer officially upon us, I figured it was high tide...ehem, time (ha)... for a nautical themed baby shower post.  This theme could include the full seascape - yacht steering wheels, anchors, seagulls, starfish, ocean waves, sea creatures and critters galore - or something more specific like sailing or whales.  The most common color scheme is navy blue, turquoise and red with white and splashes of yellow.  Seashells and thick rope are easy and cheap decor additions.


The Invitations

The first invitation by Less Orginary Designs almost had me wanting to do a strictly whale themed baby shower post.  I love the 70's feel.  Whale Love.  It can be self-printed or printed by Less Ordinary Designs.  Receive a 10% discount on all invitations (print packages only) through 10/31/11 if you mention Next Stop Baby in your purchase comment.

by Less Ordinary Designs



The next invitation by Delightfully Notes is completely different - it has a preppy vibe and features a sweet sailboat.  Receive a 20% discount on all items (except custom party packages) with the coupon code "nextstop20" (expires 7/14/11).

by Delightfully Notes


I love the original color palette used in this last invitation by Paper by Jill M. - playful and modern.  Paper by Jill M. is offering FREE matching, print-your-own address labels with the purchase of any invitation in her Etsy shop - just mention Next Stop Baby in your purchase comment (valid through 7/20/11).

by Paper by Jill M.


The Menu

Drinks - Spritzers.  Add seltzer water to just about anything to spritz it up.  My favorite combination is pomegranate juice, lime juice and lime-flavored seltzer water.  For the alcohol drinking guests, some pre-mixed and garnished sea breezes (vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice) would be ideal.

Food - Seafood of course.  Finger foods like shrimp cocktail and bacon wrapped scallops are always crowd pleasers.  But, these are also expensive options.  Mini tuna sandwiches (crush cut off and some fresh lettuce) and goldfish are more economical choices.  Use marine themed cookie cutters (below) to make some festive treats or just purchase the octopus cookies (below) by Chocolate by Kim who is offering NSB readers free shipping on all orders over $40 (contact shop for details).

by Chocolate by Kim
via Amazon.com


The Decorations


This nautical banner by Blue Moon Studio would be a perfect for the baby shower and could be used afterward as nursery or playroom decor.

by Blue Moon Studios


Use this anchor shaped confetti by Aubree Lane to decorate the refreshment table.

by Aubree Lane



Mama Matryoshka makes the cupcake toppers below.  You can order all of one design or a mixed batch.  Receive a 10% discount on your order with the coupon code "NEXTSTOPBABY" (expires 7/14/11).


by Mama Matryoshka



The Favors


This sand dollar ornament is hand cut, painted and fired in a kiln by Concepts in Clay, making each piece slightly unique and, as you can see, making each piece beautiful.  If you mention this blog in your purchase comment you will receive a free "Maine Pine Tree Pin".


by Concepts in Clay



3 comments:

Jennifer said...

What a terrific collection of ideas! I love nautical themed events and think they are perfect for babies and summer. Thanks for including my invites among such awesomeness!

Coll said...

I think you should go into party planning. I love the shower ideas, so adorable!! :)

Drew Watts said...

Pleased to see your baby shower celebration. Really in love with your theme. The entire preparations are awesome. The cute octopus cookies are fantastic and will use this great idea for my event booked at one of the best Los Angeles event venues. The invitations idea is also very impressive. Thanks for sharing them here.