a book shower
To celebrate the upcoming arrival of my baby, my sweet friends asked if they could throw me a shower. I admit that I hesitated, since this was my fourth child... and really, I had everything I needed. But a shower gives you a rare opportunity to gather with friends and really take a moment to celebrate a new baby, and I always feel a little sad when my friends opt not to have a shower at all.
So we decided to have a book shower. Books are always welcome in our house, and I knew each and every gift would be put to good use by the whole family. My dear friend Emily who hosted the shower, found a beautiful illustration from an old copy of Huckleberry Finn and used that as the inspiration for the theme. It was perfect for celebrating the arrival of a new little boy. (Special thanks to my friends at Blonde Designs, who designed the invite.)
Blankets were laid out on the grass, lanterns were lit, and friends settled in to enjoy a selection of pies. It was almost too pretty to eat. The pies were brought by different friends and included Harvest Berry, Lemon, Fresh Strawberry, Cherry, Rustic Apple, and Coconut Cream. They were all amazing and I think I ate leftover pie for breakfast for the rest of the week!
Little mason jars with tiny votives were hung above the buffet, cleverly tied through the wooden slats of the deck above. Some beautiful books were tucked under the pies and around the shower (picked up at the local library's used book store for 25 cents each).
I was given so many wonderful books! My friends were worried that I would receive duplicates or books we already owned, so I made a wishlist on Amazon full of books I've wanted for years or new copies of books we've loved so well they are now tattered and torn. The kids were thrilled when I came home and showed them our new stash. I don't think I've ever been more excited about gifts!
As a favor, little bookplates were given to each guest. I took a pile for myself and added them to all the books I received at the shower. I love that these books will be with us for years to come, and each time we open them I will be reminded of my dear friends and this lovely summer evening. Thank you friends!
10.4.2012
Reader Comments (57)
So sweet! I adore book showers! :)
Very beautiful as usual:) I'm glad your are back. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing! I love the idea (books + pies!) and it sounds like it was a lovely evening.
What a fabulous idea! My children have particularly enjoyed "Press Here"...so clever. Please add my happy congratulations on welcoming another dear soul to your family.
I have just come from a Book Shower in Melbourne Australia and each time a book was unwrapped, there was a collective sigh and "Oh I love that book!" Such a lovely idea. PS the pies look beautiful!
What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing this. I have a few friends who are working on their second or third child and I hate to not celebrate in some way, but they do already have most of what they need. i think i will suggest this next time. :) Really cute spread of food BTW, everything looks divine.
Cheers!
Rachel
what a great idea!
love it! thanks for sharing. XOX (and congratulations to you :)
What a fun idea! I should do this for my dad's birthday. He'd love it!
Every new child should be celebrated, and that celebration does not need to include presents (why do many assume all showers must include presents?). But a book shower is absolutely lovely. You can never have too many books because you can always find room for another bookcase. I especially love the book plates for guests and you to take home afterwards.
I *love* 'Make Way for Ducklings'. A book shower is such a nice idea. I've hankered after one before but, like your friends, have always thought it would end up with books the recipient already had or wasn't keen on. A wish list is a great idea. And the pie theme is lovely too!
okay,
A. i can't believe the last time i read your blog you only had TWO kiddies!
and B. this is the cutest idea!! i love it!
and 3. congratulations, how completely fabulous to have such a family full of kids!
What a lovely shower! I agree that all new babies deserve to be celebrated, even if it is a small gathering of friends. Congratulations on your new baby blessing, and thanks for sharing your shower!
I have never heard of a book shower before but what a great idea!! And like your home, books are always a welcome addition in this home too :)
so sweet
PK Torrent
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