A Book-Themed Baby Shower Full of Inspiration

By the time of her baby shower, Elizabeth Colling had already received practical presents–burp cloths, onesies, and such–from her family and friends in California. So, to stand out amongst the sea of gifts and festivities, her friends in her current home of New York decided to throw her a baby shower all about children's books, a nod to Elizabeth's enduring love of literature.

Instead of focusing on one singular author, like Dr. Seuss, or a particular tale, like Beauty and the Beast, the soirée celebrated the love of the written word and the creation of stories. Focusing on books partygoers had loved when they were kids themselves, the party's theme was born.

One sunny Saturday in June, Elizabeth and her husband Stephane gathered together in a Brooklyn brownstone with their loved ones. Artfully decorated in the mom-to-be's favorite colors of pink and gray, the group shared advice on parenting while enjoying an array of tasty treats. The menu incorporated some of the expecting mother's favorite flavors—rose and jasmine. Decorated in shimmering-yet-simple materials—ink and paper—the space came alive as guests' imaginations ran wild.

The menu, displayed on the spines of favorite children's books wrapped in colorful paper, highlighted a variety of Elizabeth's culinary preferences—with a storybook twist. From Jack and Jill Iced Jasmine Tea to Sugar-and-Spice Layer Cake with Flying Banners, guests were guaranteed to find a delectable option. Here, take a look at a literature-lover's dream baby shower and find out how to plan your own wow-worthy bash to celebrate new life.

Invitations came with a bookmark and a bookplate—the latter was to be put into a book for the baby and mother to cherish for years to come. Artist Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. created the stationery from her own hand-painted illustrations.

The buffet table was decorated with a curated selection of cherished children's books. The theme continued with a select menu with dish names featuring nods to the mother-to-be's favorite characters.

Color coordinated straw adorned garlands added to the baby shower theme and hung brightly over the drinks table. This craft is a fun activity for kids as well as for the friends of the expecting mother. Create the decoration using nylon twine and straws.

The spines of paper-covered books listed the Mother Goose-themed menu that was as charming as it was tasty.

Perfect for teatime, the savory-sweet menu included "Goldilox" Tea Sandwiches, Mary Quite Contrary Garden Salad, Peter Piper Pickled Prawns, Little Boy Blueberry Scones, and Miss Muffet's Lemon Curd.