Outdoor summer soirees call for neutrals upon neutrals, glammed up with glittering gold accents, and voluminous fronds of pampas grass. This boho baby shower was sponsored by Portofino International. Products used to create this design were provided to me with their compliments, so that we could inspire and delight you with unique party ideas.
The Colors
For Bohemian party style, the order of the day is neutrals. Using shades of blush, champagne, and dusty rose, I added in gold metallic accents, and touches of ivory and white. I just love the subtle combination of these neutral party colors; they blend together so beautifully, especially in an outdoor setting. The creamy shade of the natural pampas grass sets the look off and adds drama. Neutral color palettes and pampas grass are both popular baby shower trends that are here to stay.
Setting the Table
The tables are laid with champagne linens of dupioni silk. Portofino’s white chiavari chairs are placed around the table and hung with kraft favor bags.
The bags are hand painted in blush with a pampas grass motif, and embellished with a length of gold chainette fringe, cut at an angle for a modern look.
Ornate glass chargers with a basketweave pattern are seated beneath a trio of modern white china plates. They shine decadently in the summer sunlight.
Coordinating silk napkins are held in place with gleaming gold napkin holders. The intricate pattern adds texture to the table.
Brushed gold flatware is placed at each place setting, and a wine glass is decorated with an ivory silk tassel and filled with refreshingly crisp chilled rosé wine, a favorite summer sip for parties like this glamorous bohemian fantasy.
Gold patterned votive candle holders in two heights add visual interest and a soft glow, and are filled with battery operated LED candles, for safety and simplicity.
Simple and Chic Centerpieces
Creating a unique centerpiece for this pretty boho styled table was a cinch, using Portofino’s set of rustic wood crates. The juxtaposition of the rustic elements against the glam really works, don’t you think?
To create these, I fitted styrofoam to the inside of the crate, then added small sprigs of pampas grass, glittered gold palm fronds, silk dahlias and cabbage roses. The best part of these centerpieces is that they add a necessary live element to the table design, but unlike fresh florals, these stay fresh forever, even on a sunny summer day. They are also lightweight, and make lovely take-home gifts.
Create a Show Stopping Focal Point
Portofino’s incredibly versatile Moon Arch is covered in a decadent cascading balloon garland in shades of blush, champagne and dusty rose. Using various sizes of balloons and adhering to a strict color palette are the keys to achieving that “wow factor”. A grand spray of premium pampas grass is carefully nestled into the balloons, and accented in the center with peachy blush colored dahlias and cabbage roses, and glittering gold palm fronds. To add to the spectacular arrangement, it’s topped off with long, elegant ivory ostrich feather plumes. Mongolian sheep’s wool pillows are placed at the base of the arch, along with white fur rugs. This is a perfect spot for the expecting mama to open gifts, or take photos.
Special Touches
Portofino’s mylar balloons that spell out the word “Baby” received a special treatment for this unique look. Laying the mylar balloon flat while it is deflated, use chalky finish spray paint to lightly cover the surface of the balloon. Then add glitter spray paint in gold. Finally, hand paint on some pretty details to add a hint of color. Once the balloon is dry, use glue dots to carefully place it into the balloon garland.
Dessert and Favors
Cookies were created by the talented Roni Placensia of Roni’s Sugar Creations. Baby rattles, bibs and onesies are iced with royal icing and accented with tiny roses and leaves.
Portofino’s tall cocktail table was also covered with a champagne silk linen, then laid with gold cake stands which are perfect for serving a variety of treats, like vanilla cupcakes. Beside the table, heavy glass vases in various heights are embellished with long metallic gold chainette fringe, and filled with more fluffy pampas grass, flowers, ostrich feathers, and glittering palm leaves. Another rustic crate is also placed at the base of the table and filled with a cluster of peachy dahlias and cabbage roses.
A modern gold tube vase sits behind the treats, filled with delicate sprigs of pampas grass.
I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at the details of this bohemian glam baby shower. Portofino International will offer a select product line for retail customers, beginning in August 2020. Give them a follow on Instagram to stay up to date on their latest news and exciting product releases.