Safari Theme Baby Shower

So I’m pretty excited about my sister having her first baby. It means our kids will be about 8 months apart. How perfect is that for cousins?

Seriously, doesn’t she look great!

I have to admit, I’ve been planning Shannon’s shower LONG before this little man was around. I’d find cute elephant/giraffe prints and save the idea for her shower. The theme was always an African safari. Shannon spent nine months in Zambia doing missions work and loved all the elephants and giraffes she saw (one of her funniest stories was when a baby elephant wandered into their camp…and the momma elephants came looking for it!).

See that cute diaper cake? The craftiness of our friend Sara!

Elephants:  I searched for an elephant outline and traced it onto scrapbook paper. Then I just sandwiched ribbon between two elephants.

The other decorations mostly came from Shannon’s house. She has quite a collection of wooden elephants that spotted our table. I also used some of her African cloth to top my tablecloth.

My suggestion when you’re buying decorations:  buy basic pieces. These will last you through many parties, dinners, special events. Then you can pick up smaller, less expensive pieces (or borrow them) to personalize the event. And never forget the value of cute scrapbook paper!

The menu:  Why thank you Pinterest.

Shredded Beef Sandwiches by Erin Chase via The Chew (I heart Michael Symon)

Caprese Salad Kabobs (picture via Terri’s Table)–skewer grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and a leaf of basil on a toothpick

Sour Patch Grapes by Pure Sugar

Fruit and Cream Cheese/Marshmallow Dip

Chocolate Cupcakes

Coconut Meringue Cookies

Brownie Bites by me

 Pineapple Lemonade Punch by Froggy and the Mouse (I floated sherbet in it too)

Busy Bags:  I got this idea from Happy Hawkins. We made simple felt activities for when the little man is a little older and needs some quiet time. I printed out Laura’s examples for ideas, and everyone put their own spin on the project. We had a flower page from my mom and Grandma (they’re both fabulous gardeners), a rainbow from Shannon’s mother-in-law, a starry night, an autumn tree, butterflies, and ice cream cones. The great thing about this idea is that then the activities go into baggies so they can be switched out. Plus it’s an great craft to talk through (and easy enough that even non-crafty people have a good time).

 

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We can’t wait to meet you, little man. Keep getting big and strong! We’ll see you in a few short weeks. Your cousin Emily can’t wait to teach you how to talk and giggle. And your Aunt Lindsey can’t wait to give you kisses!