Baby Shower Theme: 
Modern Nesting

by Jennifer Sbranti
Founder, Hostess with the Mostess

or a baby shower with the perfect mix of cute and contemporary, try this modern take on the oh-so-appropriate “nesting” theme. With natural, woodsy elements, mini feathered friends, mod patterns, and bright splashes of color - “Modern Nesting” is sure to help your own special “mama bird” prep for baby-to-be in style!

Color Palette
Chocolate Brown, Soft Blues, Cream, and White
*For a girl shower, replace blue with pink

Tabletop & Centerpiece Ideas
Paint wooden birdhouses from a craft store solid white, baby blue, and chocolate brown, then embellish them with buttons and ric-rac or patterned ribbon. Use a different house for each of your tables, or display them together in a contemporary row.

Decorate eggs (plastic, wooden, or hard-boiled) with ribbon and buttons. Set them in artificial bird nests along with little signs or tags that say cute things like “It’s a Boy” or “Welcome, Little One." [Or purchase pre-made mini nests and eggs - like the ones seen left - at beau-coup!]

Fold linen napkins into squares, and then wrap the squares with a band of the same decorative paper used for the table runner. On top of each napkin, place a mini bird’s nest filled with Jordan almonds or jelly beans. 

Create table runners from gift wrap or scrapbook paper featuring a contemporary bird pattern – such as this adorable “Bursting with Pride" design by Hello! Lucky.

Party Decor
Adorn branches (such as mistumata and manzanita) or spray-painted twigs with mini artificial birds from your local craft store or floral supply. Display the branches on tables or in vases.

Use natural raffia to adorn vases, napkin rings, and party favors.

Display greeting cards featuring contemporary bird designs in simple white frames to act as party decor. For example, this ridiculously sweet Baby Bird design by Elum and Blue Bird Hi! greeting card from Egg Press are both sure to garner “awww... so cute!” reactions from party guests! Embellish the frames with coordinating ribbon and buttons. These can double as leave-behind gifts for mom!

Baby gear that matches your theme always makes for great decor: 

Look for onesies and baby tees with contemporary bird patterns, such as the super-mod bird design by Quilt Baby. 

Fill decorative baby bottles with Jordan almonds or jelly beans and embellish with a band of ribbon. 

Tie baby blankets or washcloth bundles with a big fabric ribbon and embellish with an mini artificial bird or a plush toy bird. 

Party Favors
Personalized Bird Silhouette Mint Tins from beau-coup make great parting gifts for guests. The design is contemporary, comes in several colors, and it’s a party favor idea they can actually use (as opposed to that baby carriage shaped candle you might have been eyeing earlier)!

Food & Drink Tips
Don’t forget to carry your party theme into the menu as well! A special treat like Easter Egg Nests or Bird Nest Cookies would be perfect additions to the dessert buffet. To incorporate the theme into your signature drink, try playing on the colors and serving something like a non-alcoholic Baby Blue Punch, or pint-sized vanilla milkshakes sprinkled with powdered cocoa to resemble the look of speckled eggs!