When hosting a baby shower and the sex of the baby is unknown, creative planning is de rigueur. I recently hosted a “generic” baby shower and used a French “Fête” theme. The invitation offered up a “Déssert Affaire” honoring “Le Bébé”.
As a bona fide francophile, I made sure everything played off the French theme.
I wanted to arrange fresh flowers in my own vases. If you’re in the Nashville, TN, area, Sandy at In Full Bloom Flowers and Gifts offers beautiful cut flowers. She helped me choose white hydrangeas and yellow spider mums.
White hydrangeas and “le chien” welcome guests.
Les fleurs très fraîches, bien sûr!
“Shh…baby is sleeping” sign in French
Letters for “Le Bébé” and the food placards were simply printed on textured scrapbook paper. I hung each letter on simple twine with tiny wooden clothespins. How easy is that!
Adding a monogram decal to a plain glass pitcher gives it a special touch.
Petit Éclairs and Pâte à Choux, a Fontaine à Chocolat, and Red Raspberry Sparkling “Limonade” rounded out the simple French déssert menu.
In my desire to serve sparkling “limonade française” on a budget, I concocted the simplest recipe ever. To each can of frozen red raspberry lemonade, substitute chilled lemon-lime soda for the required amount of water. I added a fresh raspberry or two in each glass for a special touch. It was the hit of the shower and everyone wanted the recipe.
As with most successful events, I had the help of two special ladies and their daughters, along with my own sweet daughter. Merci Kathy, Katelin, Michelle, Brittany and Tory!
Bon Appétit!
