A Winter Wonderland
It was Christmas Eve-Eve (that’s totally a thing) and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for this backyard baby shower… a winter wonderland/gender reveal, in fact. You would think a December day in California would typically have great weather, right? Well, typically it does. Lol. However, it was storming just a few days prior, which had me a little worried since this was all taking place outside.
Talk about a Christmas miracle.
The sun was shinning and it was way warmer than I expected. Man, was I happy, because balloons and extreme temperatures do not mix! Now, while this was a baby shower, it was more importantly a sibling promotion. Cue the tissues because it’s about to get even better. As you’ve guessed, the parents-to-be already had a daughter, and while they were completely overjoyed to welcome another child, there was nothing more important than making sure she felt special that day. In the midsts of a new baby, it’s common for siblings to feel left out, so I loved that this day was truly about her! Mom and dad did amazing with the concept and I was just happy to be a part of it. :) So let’s get into it…
Winter Wonderland Backdrop
I used three Chiara wall panels and over 20ft of balloons, to cover about 18ft of hot tub in the background. Challenge accepted! The color scheme was white and green, with hints of gold. Immediately, I knew I wanted the backdrop to be a shade of forest green. It made the most sense with the Christmas theme and we typically think of snow when we hear winter wonderland. So obviously, the top of the walls would be snow-capped! The outside panels had a falling snow effect, while the center panel remained somewhat solid, to add some textured difference. Mama wanted “Oh baby” for the signage and the balloons were a combination of a few gold and confetti, as well as Eucalyptus by Sempertex and White with Metallic Forest Green by Tuftex (the IT color for me this season, let me tell you!). I threw in some life-size white birch trees, as well as custom wood cut trees painted gold… just to tie in those gold aspects in the balloon garlands. :) The final touch was my all-time favorite event accessory for the holidays, buffalo snow. I used a few bags to create a nice spread on the ground, making sure to cover the bases of all the trees, so it truly looked like you were walking through a winter wonderland. So fluffy!
Build-a-Bear Stuffing Station
Party of 12, now seating! Can we get into this adorable kids activity table? Animal stuffing is becoming a very popular and trendy activity, you have to try it. I used white table linens, with white Chiavari chairs to match. The table was 12ft long and winter wonderland decor aligned as the centerpiece. Naturally with the color scheme, the centerpiece was a combination of Christmas trees, featuring a colorful assortment of fabric markers. There were icicle trees, pearl cone trees, green and flocked pine trees, as well as white birch trees. The best thing about these stuffing stations is being able to customize the type of stuffed animal. Polar bears were the ideal choice and the fluffiest little bears you’ve ever felt! Each kid’s place setting had an unstuffed plush, birth certificate, heart insert, and a customizable t-shirt. Each chair had a gift bag for their newfound friend and a bag of personal fluff inside. They used fabric markers to customize each bear’s t-shirt with colorful Christmas designs or whatever their heart desired! Overall, their daughter had the best time making fun memories with her closet friends, and after they were done, guess who walks in…SANTA CLAUS!!!
Story Time with Santa
A gorgeous red velvet chair was placed in front of the backdrop for a very special guest. The one and only man himself, Santa. While the kiddos were bagging up their bears, they didn’t even realize a chair was placed, let alone who it was for.
Out walks Santa.
The kids couldn’t believe their eyes. He carried a sack of gifts, very special gifts (more on that later), and the story of how Santa got his reindeer. Each child pulled up their chair from the table and sat down for story time. They held their bears, as if they were all snuggled in front of a fire, and Santa began to read. It was the cutest thing you ever saw and the sweetest reminder that Christmas magic is real. :) After the story, Santa pulled out a very special gift for their daughter. Little did she know, inside revealed the news of a little brother or little sister on the way. Mom and dad gathered around, while family members surrounded everyone with confetti cannons. All ready for the exciting reveal. As she opened the gift, baby girl clothes were revealed and pink confetti filled the skies! She was the happiest little girl, whose Christmas dreams came true that day.
