Vintage Beach Baby Shower: Hermosa Beach, Ca

I knew this was not going to be an easy shower to throw, #1 because I haven't thrown an "easy" party... well, like ever and #2 because the 3 hour travel involved down to LA was sure to throw me over the edge...

Loading the car up (we're talking a CRV- not even a mini van) with party decor + 2 kids + Hannah + all of our luggage for a few days... it was pretty much a bigger version of Tetris and in case you forgot, I am not exactly known for my packing skills. It almost did me in just getting us and our party gear all in one car- but I kept things in perspective knowing I was going to be back in my hometown throwing one of my oldest and closest friends a shower for her first girl... as well as seeing my bestie who I hadn't seen in almost a year. I kept telling myself all of the work would be worth it- and it totally was. So what if 2 weeks later I'm still putting away remnants from the shower and cleaning out decorative sand from my car. It was still worth it and the pictures, taken by Shutter Styles Photography (located in the LA area) are a great reminder of how adorable an event it was and how amazing my friend Beth looks pregnant... I mean, really- she's 36 weeks in these pics!

I teamed up with Amber from Party On! Designs to make this shower happen. She sent me lots of fun party stuff from decor (check out those awesome sand-covered strawberry baskets!!) to cupcake liners, paper straws, wooden utensils that I "ocean-ombred" as well linen bags that I printed her custom graphic on to. If you're wondering where I got something paper goods related- it's probably from her shop: www.partyondesigns.com. She also provided the adorable graphics with little to no direction- as in: "I'd like a vintage girl beach baby graphic" and voila! Magically it appeared. She even entertained my mini beach bag favors with custom labels for the sunscreen, pack of gum and hand sanitizer. I highly recommend Amber for great party supplies and graphics, tell her Miss Party Mom sent you!

Hannah who owns Hannah's Cookies and Treats (located in Orcutt, Ca) made the cake, the adorable bathing suit cookies, cake pops and cupcakes. I couldn't have pulled this shower off without her, so seriously- thank God she came with me.

One thing I learned about travelling for a party is this: be prepared to spend some last minute Stupid Money. In party planning, Stupid Money is money spent on things you already own plenty of. For instance... 6" round cake pan, gel food coloring, icing tips, double stick tape, Goo-Gone and a PVC piping piece I well... just didn't figure was important to my set up?? Who the heck forgets key pieces to a backdrop set up? Oh me, awesome. So thankful we were in LA within 5 miles of everything! There was a Home Depot, Target... Michael's, and Joann Fabrics all right by my in-laws home where we were staying. Nothing like a little running around the night before and morning of a shower. Not stressful at all!

The shower was held at a gorgeous home on the strand in Hermosa Beach that is owned by a friend of Beth's parents... I mean, there really isn't a better location to throw a shower, that's for sure. Beth even opened her gifts on the sand... I mean, why not?! The weather was perfect and our "who can build the best crib out of sand" game was a total hit!

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed putting it all together.

                                                                     xo Party or Die xo
                                                                               kenna

   

 

Couldn't resist a pic of the one and only Birdie Jane...