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April shower powers
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 05:44PM 
She's expecting our sixth grandchild
It was a rainy day and although I regret that my guests had to drive through rain to attend our shower, I liked it once they all arrived safely to enjoy the occasion with me.
I love a rainy day and I especially like festive occasions on rainy days.
My sister drove the farthest: two hours from Greenville!
It's the Pearl
But she made it safely to my door and safely back again to hers -- the rain had stopped by then -- and we were honored to have her here with us.
Also our Stephanie had come, arriving the night before and staying in the guest room, along with Melanie and Allissa.
Little Andrew stayed back at home with his dad.
My beloved big sister drove from Greenville to be with us
So as I told you before, our theme was nautical. Erica loves the nautical theme and had even decorated the spare room of her house with nautical pictures and items.
That room will now be the baby's, and the theme will be adventures of the land variety, but she'll figure out something to do with her seaworthy decor.
At Hobby Lobby I found a long length of delicate blue gauze, on sale in the spring shop. So I made that look like water going down the middle of the table.
A starfish and a pirate ship and a lantern, and twinkling lights
Just go with me on this. I really DID make it look like water. You've got to believe.
Of course, my heirloom-quality Jenny the Pirate statuette, hand-carved for me in 2014 by Mari's Bob (I call him Bon; short story and I guess you had to be there), took pride of place at the end of the table where the expectant mother would sit.
I put twinkling battery-powered candles here and there beneath the sea length of blue gauze.
Jenny the Pirate
There was a tiny child mermaid, and a starfish and lots of shells, and a lantern, and my pirate ship salt-and-pepper shakers from Cracker Barrel.
I even found a ship in a bottle with Black Pearl on its base.
Allissa helped me position a long strand of party-colored fairy lights on my ledge, which, I promise I have not forgotten that I need to tell you about. My ledge, I mean.
Piracy was our only option
Be patient.
I like to have as many points of light as possible in a party situation. I think it adds to the charm like nothing else can.
And on a rainy day? Shut the front door! Open the back door! Let the dogs out!
Speaking of dogs, Rizzo was consigned to his crate downstairs in the sun room, for the day.
Invitations were by The Invite Lady on Amazon
I'm pretty sure he slept through the whole thing. When most of the guests had gone, we freed him and gave him his daily allotment of green beans, after which he went outside.
Rizzo will not go outside in the rain but it had stopped raining by then.
For our pirate nautical-themed fare, we had lots of things.
None of which were seafood.
We used Twizzlers to make nautical knots around the flatware
For starters, as soon as the guests arrived they were offered a cup of blue punch. I'd bought a fetching glass beverage dispenser for thirteen dollars at Walmart.
To me, it resembles a fish. If you don't see it, just keep that to yourself.
The punch was made with Hawaiian Punch in Berry Blue Typhoon flavor, mixed with pineapple juice, and Canada Dry ginger ale with zero sugar.
It was delicious. Also we all had blue tongues.
Pirate punch
There were cans of Bubly sparkling water too, in raspberry and cherry flavors, on ice in my giant galvanized pail.
As for our beverage dispenser, at one point I had to say: Apparently there's a leak! But it was a small one and a towel strategically placed took care of the problem.
Along with the punch was an appetizer of just-popped theater popcorn served in nautical theme boxes that encouraged Smooth Sailing.
We filled these with theater popcorn
The actual lunch commenced once everyone had had a chance to visit and take pictures with Erica in front of the nautical backdrop, while noshing on their popcorn and punch.
For the meal I had made my famous-in-the-family Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs which, while not being in any way nautical, are always a big hit.
Trust me, if you have not made this recipe yet, with from-scratch meatballs, it's time you did.
Here's looking at you, kid ... I mean, crabby croissants
(FYI the recipe calls for two pounds of ground sirloin but I use three pounds, and I double the amount of sauce. This makes about 70 meatballs if you use a cookie scoop making them uniform in size.)
I had also made my ham salad, and stuffed it into mini croissants, into the top of which we put candy googly eyes on toothpicks (I personally glued every eye onto every flat toothpick), transforming them into crabby croissants.
Those were pretty much the hit of the party because just to see them inspired laughter.
Allissa installed the toothpicks while I sang I Only Have Eyes For You
I made my trademark extra-stuffed deviled eggs and transformed them into sailboats by putting a Cool Ranch Dorito on top of each one.
I got that idea from pictures on the internet. They turned out super cute, sailing on their blue plate.
Rounding out the savory part of the feast was Seven Layer Salad, and I know this will amaze you but it was the first time I have ever made that dish. I'm sure you're all way ahead of me.
Dorito sails in the sunset
The recipe I followed was this one and I must say, simple as it was to put together, it was extra fresh and delicious.
TG loved it and ate the leftovers (there wasn't much) with great enthusiasm. I will be making that again, soon. Probably for Memorial Day.
To have something cool and sweet, with lots of color, I made Honey-Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad and it was so tasty! Zingy, even, and an ideal couterpoint to the savories.
Seven Layer Salad sailed the seven seas
That was it for the luncheon menu. But wait! There's more!
There were desserts.
I ordered cupcakes from Publix because their cake and buttercream frosting is sublime.
The cupcakes were twelve in number: six vanilla and six chocolate. Six had red frosting and six had blue; all had silver sprinkles.
Rainbow Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing ... limes and rainbows have nautical connotations, no?
They were just-baked soft and so scrumptious. I ordered them online and TG picked them up that very morning, when he went to Dollar Tree for the balloons.
OK so that brings me to what I good-naturedly refer to as my fail whales.
I found this recipe for Ultimate Rice Krispie Treats and, apparently wanting to make things as difficult for myself as possible, I decided to make them.
The cupcakes
They're like a kicked-up Rice Krispie Treat and while there's nothing wrong with that (and a lot right with it), it just makes for more sticky material to manage.
I made the huge tray of treats on Thursday, and left them to set until Friday, when my plan was to use oversized cookie cutters in the shape of whales, starfish, and shells, to make the treats.
Then I planned to dip or cover one edge of each treat in blue candy melt.
That all sounds good in theory. But then there is the execution.
The fail whales ... don't mock
First of all, even though I had spread out the Rice Krispie Treat material on a huge jellyroll pan, it was still very thick. Thicker (in height, I mean) than a normal Rice Krispie Treat would be.
Now, my cookie cutters were, as I said, oversized. But pushing them down into the Rice Krispie Treat pan and pulling them back up and getting the treats out, proved a challenge.
As in, the starfishes' delicate points got mangled when I pushed them out of the mold.
Our Candy Bar
The whales were having a hard time holding together at the narrow point between the body and the tail.
The shells didn't look like anything at all, much less shells; the delicate scallops did not translate when you stamped them out of Rice Krispie Treat material.
The pirate was becoming frustrated.
Dessert Nation
I sailed walked away for a while, to think, and started working on a few other recipes. There was plenty of time to figure it out.
Eventually I decided to start over and make only whales, and do the best I could with the fact that the tails wanted to break off.
I ended up making thirteen whales, melting the blue candy and drizzling it thickly over their tails, which technically may have made them stronger at that point.
Oyster cookies with candy pearls
But they looked dumb and I knew it. I also knew they would taste phenomenal, so I just put them out and we all had a laugh at my whale fail.
No one is perfect ... least of all the pirate.
Probably my favorite project dessert-wise was the oyster cookies.
No actual oysters were involved.
The cute outfits just kept on coming
It's where you take two round cookies and pipe some icing around the edge of one, and put a white spherical candy in front and top it with another cookie.
Like an oyster with a pearl poised in its partially open shell, hanging out with other oyster-like confections, all resting on a bed of turbinado sugar "sand."
Not only was it easy and cute, but those shortbread cookies (I got them at Dollar Tree) were outstanding. And with the icing? Another level, my friends.
He'll be one of the boys of summer
I had also made Muddy Buddies -- special baby shower edition, white with blue candies, plus a recipe of chocolate ones -- for everyone to take home and enjoy later.
And we had a "candy bar" on offer in my crystal jam jars -- mini Swedish Fish, blue Sixlets, and silver-wrapped Hershey's Kisses.
The whole eating part was a blast. The laughter and conversation came in happy waves.
He'll get a workout with these
After lunch I made a big pot of coffee, which was enjoyed by several of the guests, as we had our dessert.
At last it was time for Erica to open her gifts. Dagny stationed herself at her aunt's right elbow.
I can't believe how cute all of the little clothes and the little toys are. And how generous everyone was!
Dagny helped read the cards
Little Mama received several very nice nursery supplies and so many darling outfits!
Being a baseball lover, I fell in love with the tiny romper that said My First Season.
Reveal, of sorts: My grandson's initials are RGP. I know what the R stands for but I cannot tell you just yet because Cherica are actually still debating the first name -- two choices, each beginning with the letter R.
They're ninety percent sure, but still. Not time to tell yet.
It's a boy and his initials are RGP
I can tell you that his middle name is Gregory -- after both grandfathers, who share that first name, and after his own dad, whose middle name is also Gregory -- and that his last name is Porter.
I'll just call him Cutie Peanut most of the time, I imagine.
After the party we sat around and talked for a long time with a few guests who lingered, and by the time everyone had gone, I had the kitchen almost entirely cleaned up.
Baby mermaid vibes
That was a good feeling and we still had a quiet evening to enjoy.
Don't you love making plans, making special dishes, making a fuss, making memories?
I do. I plan to do it again, as soon as possible, and I hope you will too.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Wednesday
Reader Comments (15)
Jenny! You are an amazing party planner. This is the cutest shower ever. Bob is a nautical fan as well, and we have a family room filled with nautical things. He's sitting in the hotel with me and was thrilled to hear that Jenny the Pirate was used at the shower.
Anyway, I am going to save this in the hope that someday I can use some of these ideas for a shower, or a party of some sort.
Erica is glowing and I can't wait for the arrival of RGP! (I love all the Gregory's in the family)
Dagny looks pretty excited too and I am sure Alyssa had great fun helping you.
Oh my gosh, I am in total AWE!! You should be a professional party planner. These are the best ideas, and the cutest things! Especially the crabby Croissants and sailboat deviled eggs. And awesome decorations. Everything is amazing, cute, and inspired.
@Mari ... Oh I hope you get to do a nautical-inspired party someday! It was such fun. And if you already have lots of nautical decor, it will be a cinch! We had SUCH a good time. I wish you could have been here. Yes I brought Jenny the Pirate RIGHT to the head of the table to oversee everything because she has a commanding presence. As it should be. Only twelve more weeks until we meet our baby! Can you believe? xoxo
@Ginny ... thank you but you know, I just really do what is easiest for me ... everyone else comes up with the ideas and puts pictures on the internet, making it so easy. I learned a lot about Rice Krispie Treats and cookie cutters, haaahahaaha! xoxo
What a spread!!! You out-did yourself, as per usual. ~~~~~~ I know, that probably is not grammatically correct but... That's what I mean. You made a super party, and you always do.
And yes, the (blue) beverage container does look like a fish!
The river is sweet.
Oh mercy, the food!!!!!!!!!!!! You do enjoy cooking, that's for sure.
And no wonder, you were tired after, for a while!!!!!!!
Gentle hugs..
Mari-Nanci
🌿🌼🌿💛🌿🌼🌿
Yay!! a new post and I sure have enjoyed it girlfriend! So many fun things to look at and so many interesting and fun things at this shower! I'm SO GLAD all went well, and people were able to come for this happy and special occasion, despite the gloomy/rainy day. Wow, you outdid yourself on all the cute foods and decorations, you ARE SO GOOD at this. The stuff was cute.....but the BEST PART.....IT WAS EDIBLE, HA HA. LOL. Love the pretty table decorations too.Looks like y'all had a fun time and she got some really nice presents. They will BE PUT TO USE so very very soon!!!---I'm sure she is so excited and you are too. Beautiful picture up top there of you and Erica, all gorgeous and GLAMOUROUS in your red lipstick smiles, love it!! I love the blue punch, and guess what??!! It's one of my "specialiaties"----I always serve up a blue punch for holidays/home picnics etc except I call mine "mermaid punch" because that is what lil Fairy Granddaughter likes. LOL. My recipe is different from yours tho except for the blue hawaiian punch. Are you taking the new dispenser back since it leaked?---dang, why do things like that happen? Mercy, those deviled eggs look delicious, I DO LOVE ME SOME DEVILED EGGS. LOL I can eat a bunch of 'em. Too bad about your rice crispy treats---but ya know as long as they TASTED GOOD that is all that matters, right? I'm on my way to the dollar store to get those shortbread cookies! Hugs my friend!
@Mari-Nanci ... Well I do have a lot of fun when I have a project afoot! Cooking is therapy. xoxo
@Debbi ... WOW your punch sounds awesome ... no I'm not taking it back because the leak was so tiny, and I have a cute tray I can sit it on, with a towel. It was so inexpensive and it's so cute! YES DO get you some of those shortbread cookies at Dollar Tree! They are amazing but there are LOTS of amazing things in the cookie aisle at Dollar Tree! Have fun! xoxo
What a great shower idea and such clever ideas! All the food looks wonderful and I'm going to be making those meatballs at our next gathering! Too bad about the rice krispy treats but I'm sure they did taste delicious! You are a good party planner. I get so stressed getting stuff ready for a party that by the time it gets here I'm totally mentally exhausted!
It is wonderful! I like how you created the blue water and adding the twinkling lights is a great idea. The dessert table is amazing, I would have to try one of each.
Sending prayers as the count down to little RGP is here!!!
xx oo
Carla
@Jeanette ... I totally hear you about the stress factor. I'm no expert and I know you did not ask for advice, but I can just say that the only way to deal with an event where a little more planning and cooking is involved, is to start planning weeks in advance to give your ideas time to "settle" and solidify both on paper and in your mind. I look at LOTS of pictures and recipes online to get ideas; I don't come up with many things on my own, hahaha! Then when it comes to your dishes, pick things that you are comfortable making. I had first intended to make individual shepherd's pies for this party. So I did a practice run of those early in the week and while they were delicious, I knew it was too much work for the day of the party (I don't like to serve leftovers or food that has been made and then frozen). So I went with my go-to meatballs and that was all accomplished the day before (I bake my meatballs for about 20 minutes so they are partially done, and then stored in the fridge overnight, with the sauce "marrying" separately overnight too. Then it takes less than five minutes to get them going in the crock pot on the day of the party). So the key is having enough time to plan, and shop, and then to make almost all of the food the day before so that on the day, you just have the fun of presenting everything and enjoying your guests ... xoxo
@Carla ... Thank you and YES! Prayers ... only twelve more weeks! I can't wait to snuggle that little baby sugar ... xoxo
Everything looks amazing! And hi - nice to see you again.
@Fiona ... hello! Thanks for stopping by. xoxo
Wow, what a cool shower! Congrats to all for the little baby boy soon to be joining what seems like a wonderful family!! Oh my gosh with the food!! I bet it was all tasty and so much appreciated by all the guests! Love the theme of it too! A labor of love on your part to welcome a new addition to your family!!
betty
@Betty ... It was indeed a labor of love! So much to celebrate. Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
Erica is a such beautiful mother-to-be. And what a party! I can imagine all the loving planning that went into this baby shower. Amazing and imaginative - plus, now I'm hungry again! Can't wait to see the little guy in those adorable outfits. Thinking of you all and the rising anticipation of the baby's birth. Hugs from CO.
@Barb ... It was truly a labor of love, planning and executing all the different moving parts of the shower. But I love having a project to work on! Thanks for the virtual hugs ... Erica is doing well but the hot summer will be a challenge. She is working from home for a few weeks longer, part time, before retiring to nest and decorate the nursery, and get ready for the final days before meeting her baby. Thanks for your thoughts and stand by for news and pictures when he is born! xoxo