Here is the thing about having a baby, take two: You’re the same amount of “excited”…but how all that excitement gets expressed is a little different. A little toned-down. Mostly because you just don’t have the time or energy to run around scouting a million different stroller options, picking up a carrier in that exact color you wanted, setting up a nursery straight out of a Pinterest board, and throwing a huge, fancy shower…but also because you realize that honestly, when it comes down to it, those aren’t the things that really matter. They’re fun, of course, and they’re an important part of gearing up for the excitement that is welcoming a new member of your family. But they aren’t everything.
This time around, I wanted to celebrate our little girl, but I didn’t want all the fuss associated with a shower. I didn’t want gifts, I didn’t want to dress up (or make my friends pour themselves into dresses on a Sunday afternoon), and I certainly didn’t want to make it about me; been there, done that, and it was wonderful the first time around…but any more would feel super weird. More than anything, I wanted a celebration of spring and the friendships I’ve made here – friendships that I know are going to carry me through the coming months.
My solution: a Sprinkle.
Now, technically a Sprinkle is a Baby Shower Lite, with the purpose being to not to “shower” the second-time mom-to-be with gifts for her new arrival (since presumably she already has most of what she needs), but rather to “sprinkle” her with those few items she could still use (diapers, gender-appropriate outfits, et cetera). (This New York Times article on why more and more women, wary of asking friends who have already celebrated their engagements and marriages and first children, are wary of continued wallet-opening occasions and are preferring to throw no-fuss Sprinkles in increasing numbers as a way to celebrate minus the fuss, is an interesting read.)
I definitely wanted to call our little celebration a Sprinkle just because that’s the cutest term for a party ever, but made sure to specify “No gifts, plz – just yourself, ready to drink a few mimosas and eat a few cupcakes” on the invitation.
So I invited over my mom and five girlfriends (all of whom happen to have kids Indy’s age), and we hung out in the backyard in the sun and ate things and drank things and talked about babies and our lives while Kendrick did the toddler-corraling, assisted by a couchful of pillows and a whole lot of toy cars. (Which was amazing. Thank you, Kendrick.) It was so much fun, and exactly the kind of chilled-out, cupcake-and-cocktail (or mocktail)-filled afternoon I wanted: a celebration of our friendships and our kids and the new life we’ve been building in our new town.
My feeling is that all you really need to create a festive atmosphere are Funfetti cupcakes. Am I right?
Rainbow flowers help, too.
For a centerpiece (and to give a nod to the Sprinkle theme), I set out The Honest Company‘s Diaper Cake filled with baby basics (including healing balm, bubble bath, and laundry packs) and sprinkled (hee) with teething butterflies that guests were welcome to take with them for their own little biters.
The teething butterflies also got tucked into the flower arrangements, because I couldn’t resist.
I didn’t want to spend all day cooking, so I just made a cold pasta salad and a potato salad the day before – if you add a platter of meats and cheeses, this is really all you need for an all-ages afternoon summer party (plus juice boxes and popcorn because for whatever reason nothing makes children happy like popcorn).
Oh my goodness, is this Watermelon-Lime Cocktail/Mocktail ever delicious. And kind of impressive-looking, I think, especially considering that it’s really not very hard to make (just make sure to whip up the puree in advance, and then combine it with either Fresca or champagne just before serving).
I’m big on not sending guests off empty-handed, so I set out a big bowl full of products that made for a more comfortable backyard experience (The Honest Company Bug Spray – I am obsessed with this stuff; it’s made with bug-repelling essential oils rather than chemicals and smells more like a perfume called “Camping” than bug spray – unscented, baby-safe SPF 30 Sunscreen, and Hand Sanitizer Spray), and prettily be-twined packages of The Honest Company Bar Soap, Lip Balm, and Organic Body Oil. That lip balm, by the way, is actually a trio containing three formulas – Lavender Mint, Sweet Orange Vanilla, and Purely Simple – and is wonderful; it actually moisturizes rather than just sealing lips off from the elements like a lot of petroleum-based formulas do.
– Keep it low-key: a small guest list, a relaxed environment, and minimal decorations make a celebration easier on families with packed schedules.
– You can do girls-only…but feel free to invite partners, too, especially if kids are coming along.
– Skip the games; they’re too shower-y for a Sprinkle.
– If you don’t feel comfortable having guests bring gifts (I’m personally a big proponent of this idea), be sure to specify “No Gifts, Please” on the invitation to eliminate all pressure. (Those who bring along something small anyway probably would have wanted to give you something whether or not you had a party, so no need to feel guilty.)
– Don’t forget to include the older sibling(s) and his or her friends; set out easy snacks and activities to keep the kids present happy and occupied.
Ramshackle Glam readers can enjoy $10 off their first purchase of at least $40 at Honest.com using the code THC+RG10off40. (Valid for U.S. and Canadian residents. First orders only. One per customer. Expires June 13, 2014.)
This post was created in collaboration with The Honest Company.
