My Very Own Brooklyn-Hip Baby Shower!

It made more sense to have our baby shower host write the post about planning this shindig…so without further ado, I give you my bestie’s thoughts on throwing me a rockin’ party…

By: Jeff Hinchee

As someone who reads Delia’s blog, you no doubt spend your free moments thinking about how lucky her friends are to regularly indulge in her epic and well conceived parties. We ARE very lucky.  Delia and (husband) Jeff are really amazing friends,  so I wanted to throw them the baby shower they deserve.  Actually, when Delia and I were in California last year throwing baby showers she pulled me aside, looked me in my eyes and said— totally deadpan— “Take notes. This is your job when I’m pregnant.”

The theme was loosely inspired by Delia’s nursery. Enchanted forest, real and imaginary animals, with a splash of “baby hunting lodge”. For the invitation I collaged together a bunch of images I liked to convey that unusual concept.

Throwing a party for such a seasoned party planner is a daunting task.  Even though I knew she would be happy with anything, you would never invite the Queen of England to stay in your railroad apartment and sleep on the Ikea mattress on the floor that you call a bed.  And so I enlisted the help of some other devoted friends, referenced Martha Stalwart frequently, and proved that you, reader, CAN throw these parties too!

With only 30 minutes to set up the space it was a scramble to get the food table arranged, the leafy pennants and balloons hung, and the furniture moved around.

The prep team.

Delia and Jeff just moved out of the perfect party space, so the first task was to find/rent a suitable space for 30+ people. Hard work in an expensive city when you don’t want to spend a fortune.  I spoke with 25 venues but finally found a great spot, Caribou Baby, a store in Greenpoint that has a large classroom and party room in the back. 

Baby food jars are the perfect size for favor containers!

Almost all of the prep happened in the final two weeks before the party.  Ordering a torte from Pittsburgh, purchasing tableware, and making decorations.  Two grocery store trips happened in the final week: first early in the week, the non-perishables, then two nights before, the produce.  The night before the party we made all of the food we could- pimento cheese, curried chicken salad, boiled eggs, and cookies. We also made all of the signs and food labels, strung the pennants, made the cake toppers, and packed up what we could in boxes. This took 4 people a leisurely 5 hours with takeout, wine, and a trip for more wine.

We waited until the next morning to assemble the sandwiches, so that we were sure the food was as fresh as possible.  No one wants stale or soggy bread.  I will admit that even with a well-timed schedule we cut it very close to our 12:30 set-up time.  As New Yorkers we called for a car and crammed it with every box, bag, and helium balloon.

Brooklyn Hip Baby Shower for a Boy

• Theme- Outdoorsy
• Food/Drink- Assorted savory and sweet tea sandwiches, spinach dip, deviled eggs, veggies, cookies, ice cream sandwiches, Prantl’s burnt almond torte (a favorite!), Rabbit punch, and lemonade.
• Colors- Greens and blues with pops of yellow and pink
• Decor- Pennants and Balloons
• Favors- Animal Jars filled with Delia’s favorite vintage candy
• Activities/Group Gift- Birthday cards to be opened every year until the kid is 21. A matching game worksheet with a prize: Famous George’s and their quotes. Can you guess what name they’re leaning towards?  A photobooth and accompanying book of all the photos.
  

  Sallie Patrick planned the finer parts of the menu and sent recipes from LA. Delia specially requested Sallie’s tea sandwiches.

  

  When it comes to winning a prize, Delia and Jeff’s friends get very, very serious.

  

  Future birthday cards for the baby.

  

  Photobooth cuteness.