Being an Event Coordinator can be tough in one respect: You have to work HARD (or at least I do) not to go over-board on things like your childrens' birthday parties, friends' showers, etc. I, like so many other people these days, am on a budget. While I would love nothing more than to throw the most outrageous parties, I still have to write the check (and explain the expense to my hubby) at the end of the day.

Well...my baby sister is expecting her first baby in March. She is the best sister a girl could ask for ... close doesn't begin to describe our relationship. Throwing her a shower was a no-brainer. But what's a girl on a budget to do?? Here is what I did. It was simple. But elegant. And oh so fun. :-)

• Invitations - I went "green." I sent a really cute electronic invitation from Evite's new website: Postmark. If you haven't seen it yet, you should check it out.
• Food - I opted for a brunch shower. Breakfast foods are typically less expensive than other alternatives. And it helps that my sister loves a good brunch. :-) I served french toast shooters, fruit skewers, my Mother's famous chicken salad with crackers, and pigs-in-a-blanket.
• Beverages - Who doesn't love a good mimosa? We had them, of course. Along with orange juice for the mommies-to-be and sparkling water for anyone who preferred a non-juice alternative.
• Flowers - It took going to four different grocery stores, but I finally found white stock (love) and white tulips. Yes, you did read that correctly. I said grocery store. I got 8 stems of stock and 20 tulips for less than $30. I used two vases and one coffee mug that I already owned.
• Other decor - I am all about using what you already have. I own 20 beautiful wood mingling plates and 10 champagne flutes. I borrowed 10 more flutes from my sister (they didn't match mine, but they didn't need to). Throw in a few colorful napkins, some existing placemats and an old baby-blanket, and you're all set. The mingling plates allowed guests to wonder around without feeling the need to sit down. If you don't know what I'm talking about, google them. They are my go-to choice for any party I throw. Best.Buy.Ever.
• Favors - My sister loves macaroons, so I opted to splurge on them. We didn't serve cake or any other sweet during the shower (with french toast & fruit, I thought it would be sugar over-kill), and I thought they would make a great little take-home. I threw them on top of two cake plates I already owned, and they made for another great decor piece.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped with my iphone that day. I know they aren't the best quality, but I was busy playing hostess :-)



Happy Planning!