A Rustic Teddy Bear Baby Shower

The perfect place for a woodsy rustic teddy bear baby shower? Portland, Oregon, of course! The local mama-to-be, dreamt up the theme with a little inspiration from her city and her baby boy’s nickname – Teddy! Isn’t it cute? We love a woodland animal theme – and so do the kiddos! It’s adorable, easy to emulate, and when s’mores are involved, how could you not?! Something that makes this shower extra special? This expecting mom has many talents… from graphic design to owner of the decor rental boutique, Vintage Mingle. So, not only did she execute a lot of the design, but also recruited some friendors (friends who are vendors) to help. The result is beautiful…

Once I found out that I was pregnant and expecting a baby boy, planning my shower was an expectation and delight. My shower was inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the name of our little bundle, Theodore (aka Teddy). I wanted a celebratory afternoon with friends and family, and to have an intimate casual setting with a modern rustic feel and whimsical accents. The first impression of an event starts with the invitation branding. The invitation design included a crest with forest animals characterized in a rabbit, bear and wolf trio. The bear is the symbol for our little baby Webster, Teddy. I chose a color palette of navy blue, ruby red and mustard yellow combined with wood textures and retro plaid pattern accents.

Studio 1904, had an open floor plan with exposed brick walls, a rustic wood shiplap bar, and concrete slab flooring. It was by far the perfect space to host our Teddy bear shower. Not only was the space beautiful, but it came with modern and rustic furnishings from Something Borrowed’s inventory. The entrance was marked with a wood welcome and schedule of events sign by Letters and Dust.

Once inside, guests found rustic inspired sweet and savory bites alike. The dessert table displayed a delicious assortment of mini pies from AnniesPies, Peruvian inspired alfrajore cookies from Rosycakes and a gorgeous lemon thyme cake with blackberry compote and topped with florals from Just a Dash. Not only did Just a Dash bake the cake, but they also provided a spread of mini sandwiches and a stunning charcuterie table, which ‘wow’ed our guests. Hand lettered chalkboard menus and acrylic dessert labels were the perfect finishing touches of modern and rustic textures to the decadent menu.

Instead of assigned seating, I wanted our winter woodsy shower to be more of a mix and mingle occasion. We encouraged guests to roam around and partake in activities such as painting wooden blocks, sculpting with baby playdough (mostly for the little guests), and playing guessing games. Guests sat at the beautifully arranged tables with Bramble Floral’s foraged mix of branches, greenery and dried flowers. The flowers were placed in vintage and modern glass bottles of varying sizes; which made for a unique winter wooded tablescape. A whimsical and modern pussywillow installation at the lounge area acted as a cozy retreat for playing games and opening gifts.

I had an amazing crew of Portland’s best event businesses and friendors and family to execute my vision while I was getting my hair and makeup done by Olivia Hawthorne. I must tell you, it was really difficult for me to not get up and help them set up. But, my friendors came through: Lead coordinators, Katie Sciarrino of BearDesign and the sweet duo from Power of Love Rentals outdid themselves, harmonizing with vendors in setting up and styling. My sister acted as MC of the party and it all came together just as I envisioned – and then some! I am so thankful to be a part of a creative community in Portland. It’s definitely a collaborative environment here in the Northwest, and with wonderful ways to celebrate our little bear cub.