Reception Ideas by Beth Helmstetter
Today’s post isn’t so much a real wedding…it’s actually not even relevant to the blog at all. It’s a baby shower! BUT, it’s such a funky, completely unique shower, that it could provide hours of inspiration for anyone looking to throw an eclectic, fun wedding reception filled with oh-so-unique handmade touches and details. Beth Helmstetter sent me these images from the shower that she planned for her best friend…
From Beth…
While every event I plan is so meaningful, this shower really touched my
heart as it was in celebration of one of my best friend’s Jen and her pending
arrival of baby Collier. The locale was Kansas City and for those of you who
haven’t been there, this city is a surprising blend of arts, culture and just
all around, good people. Being originally from KC, I immediately thought of a
hidden herb garden in the downtown area cared for by the
Blue Bird Bistro .
Blue Bird is an organic cafe using only the freshest locally grown products and
service to die for. While I’m not sure they knew what they were getting
themselves into initially, they catered to every whim of a high-maintenance LA
event planner as well as every craving of a soon-to-be mommy.
Now, Jen is a bit of a fashionista with impeccable taste, so while I plan
weddings for some of the most discriminating brides in Southern California
everyday, I was very nervous about meeting her standards. I wanted it to be
unexpected, yet comfortable, all the while reflecting Jen’s style. In the end, I
went with a handmade, vintage feel for the overall event. With decor including
handmade pillows and napkin treatments, hanging mason jars, vintage china and an
eclectic mix of flowers and vases adorning the table.
The afternoon started with a cocktail hour of passed mimosas, wine and
tropical iced tea. Passed appetizers included only Jen’s favorites such as mini
burgers, macaroni and cheese and pad thai in peanut sauce. The ladies chit
chatted, laughed and took full advantage of the makeshift photobooth set up in
the corner of the garden. Props such as pom-poms, cowboy hats, feather boas and
tiaras were a huge hit and helped create some great memories.
For lunch, we served a mix of locally grown greens, salmon and fresh made
bread on top of turquoise pressed glass plates, which was paired with organic
wine from the Robller vineyard in Southern Missouri. After lunch, the ladies
showered Jen with gifts that reflected her style including rock-and-roll onesies
and a custom-designed skateboard by local tattoo artist,
Andrew Milko, a guy
with amazing talent! Lunch ended with cupcakes from McLain’s Bakery, a staple in
the Kansas City community for over 50 years, and homemade pecan tarts.b
