Gracious Living Tips Day 1: Baby Shower at Marlsgate Plantation

Posted on 25 October 2010

Gracious living, as our October issue implies, encompasses everything that you do, from the way you decorate your home to how you entertain. True to that belief, we’ll be sharing tips with you on our blog all week. Today, At Home contributor Tiffany Burgess lets us in on the particulars for hosting a baby shower at Marlsgate Plantation.



It’s a Baby Shower!

Have you ever just wanted a special day to dress up, chat with your friends and enjoy being a girl? I have! And that’s the way I feel about showers. It’s the honoree’s special day and therefore it should be a little out-of-the-ordinary. When it came to a shower for a dear friend and her baby boy, I wanted it to be extra special.

Several mothers and daughters had volunteered to host and the hunt was on for the ideal setting. After several weeks of looking for a spacious stately location, my mother decided to put in a call to Marlsgate Plantation (www.marlsgate.com) in Scott. The owner, David Garner, was more than happy to oblige.

As a native of the Keo/Scott area, I can say with full authority that Marlsgate is synonymous with special events.  To add to it, this mommy-to-be had her bridal shower there as well! So, we thought it was only fitting that we celebrate her family’s new addition in the same style.

After that call everything else pretty much took care of itself. We planned a light Sunday afternoon menu, discussed flowers, and sat back in anticipation of the party­- oh, and shopped for something festively appropriate to wear, of course.

My good friends Lauren and Dawn at the Pinwheel Press (www.etsy.thepinwheelpress.com) designed this blue and yellow invite for the occasion.

To carry out a little-boy-blue theme we ordered ‘berry blue’ Jelly Belly candies and made favors for the guests to take home.

It was a perfect sunny day as guests arrived for the party. Upon entering they were immediately transported back in time to a well-adorned parlor overflowing with Southern graciousness.

I think it’s always nice to have some background music when your guests arrive, whether it’s Pandora through your speakers, a playlist from your iPod, or live entertainment. We were lucky enough to be serenaded by the music room’s piano.

We went with some light “girly” food for the afternoon including fresh fruit, mini chicken salad sandwiches and party punch.

My personal favorite baby shower edible is definitely petit fours. We added the honoree’s initials to personalize the sweet treats.

The gorgeous seasonal arrangements were also one of my favorite touches.

After some mingling, it was time to get to the good stuff – all the presents! She was overwhelmed with gifts (and kindness!) from so many close friends and relatives.

We placed a chair for her at the foot of the stairs and let the opening begin.

She even had a few special helpers – her darling nieces – to assist with the unwrapping.

We had the best day. I can’t wait for the next wedding or baby just so we can come back!


In case you missed them:

Home decor inspired by our Fall Fashion Stylebook!

At Home with Fashion Part 1: “Cozy Spot for Fall” and “Cocktails at 8″

At Home with Fashion Part 2: “Bring on the Blues” and “Let’s Meet for Afternoon Tea”