The "Mother" lode: hosting a Southern California baby shower, champagne cocktail, flowers, gorgeous lil' outfits and a delicious shared quiche recipe

Let's ring in Spring with
a Sunday afternoon Baby Shower Tea Party

a labor of love went into making this cake.  
Two friends collaborated to create Lucia's dream cake

We hosted a love-filled baby shower for Rich and Lucia's very first little girl soon to arrive, Amelie.  We coordinated from the east coast for their Southern California shower, so it was important to stay organized.  With websites like etsy and Pinterest as support, this project became a snap.  We ordered up some spring-time items channeling the upcoming Easter holiday and celebrating a new baby girl, including moss-covered baskets, mason jars, bamboo utensils, paper products and little Easter gem-like eggs. We shipped some of these items beforehand so they were ready for our arrival. With spring, fresh colors, bunnies, and children's books guiding us, we  created a fresh, festive menu for 25 guests.

We were inspired by Easter and bunnies, the color pink and spring offerings when choosing the Paperless Post invitations.

 we started with a delicious signature cocktail.  I found this recipe over at pineappleandcoconut.com 
It was an instant hit, setting a festive tone.  I added my own twist to the recipe which already called for pineapple, coconut juice by adding fresh squeezed orange juice and creamy coconut milk (then blended it together with a touch of ice).  The recipe called for starting with a ring of  shredded coconut on the glass and we topped it off filling half the glass with Italian, sparkling Prosecco. 

Now, let me share my favorite quiche recipe...

quiche is perfect for entertaining because you can make it ahead of time and warm it up in the oven.  This particular quiche tastes fresh and somehow a little bit lighter than some versions.  When using a store bought puff pastry (found in the freezer section at the supermarket), it is also easy to make. 

Tamara's tomato, mozzarella & basil quiche 
Roll out a layer of frozen puff pastry (after letting it sit for 30 minutes on the counter at room temperature) to a thin sheet then line a ceramic or glass quiche dish pressing it gently into the dish and making it even on all sides, then use the back of a fork pressing around the edges to finish it off around the crust area.  Line one layer of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the crust.  Blend four eggs per quiche in a bowl with 1 cup of milk with a generous dash of salt and pepper.  Mix the liquid ingredients together and pour into the pie shell. Place one layer of thinly sliced ripe red tomato with most of the seeds and juice removed, then a layer of shredded fresh basil on top.   Bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees or until brown on the edges. Let it set for 15 minutes and serve warm.

I made an herb and citrus-infused iced tea, then added a fresh cut bark stump to our self-serve bar to hold our cups.  

We wrapped bamboo utensils in little pink polka dot bags and napkins and tied them with a raffia bow. 

 We picked fresh flowers and lemons 
from under the pergola, California style! 

The guests arrived, bearing a plethora of gifts and even a homemade motorcycle baby blanket, a usable sculpture  -- how cool is that?

 

the guys even chipped in... 

Gabby created her favorite tea sandwiches on healthy whole wheat bread - cucumber and cream cheese with lemon zest; and chicken and honey mustard. Kristan arrived with many gorgeous pastel colored helium balloons.

We cooked a honey glazed ham, a roasted vegetable pasta dish, a large tossed salad and, voila, 

we had a party!

we found these mossy baskets at Save On Crafts

creamy roses, sprays of baby's breath and mossy baskets, together with mason jars filled with faux grass and chocolate bunnies, the mood was set.  There was lots of cooing over the adorable baby outfits, 

and fun was had by all!

Happy Nesting 

Xo Tamara