Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let me back up a minute before I tee up all kind of rumors that will make our parents' pulses quicken. I'm not talking about us...I'm talking about throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends. My rounder figure can be solely attributed to an injured hip and the indulgence in too many glasses of Napa Valley wine. But I digress.

It's no secret that I love to entertain, In fact, said baby shower will be hosted at our very casa just next weekend. And while I feel like I can throw together an affair to remember without too much worry, in this case extended family will be flying in from multiple states, so the pressure to step up to the plate is really on. Although the mom-to-be wants to keep the couples shower relaxed, my worry is starting to mount given I don't have all the details firmed up at this stage, and have just a mere eight days to finalize our plans.

It helps tremendously that I'm co-hosting the event with another hostess with the most-ess, but I still need to get my rear in gear. My mind is buzzing with a list a mile long of recipes to try, groceries to buy, décor arrangement, and more.

What have we done so far?

• Guest list finalized
• Invitations designed, printed, and mailed
• Theme of party has been established, playing off of the turquoise umbrella used in the invitations
• Rough menu sketched out

What's left to do in advance? Uhhh, for starters:

• Purchase décor
• Make décor
• Plant new flowers and mulch beds
• Clean backyard
• Clean and oil outdoor furniture
• Trim ivy
• Clean house
• Finalize menu
• Make playlist
• Purchase beverages
• Shop for/make food
• Finalize favor idea and implement
• Somehow figure out how the mom-to-be, a graphic designer by trade, could design various party accoutrements (favor labels, menu cards, etc.) without spoiling any surprises
• Set up

As you can see, we have our work cut out for us. But as you might know about us, all it really takes to get our butts in gear is a nice little deadline. A few weeks ago I started a Pinterest board for myself to inspire me in the way of baby shower celebration ideas. Here are few of my front runner ideas for food, fun, and favors.

I pinned this to get my "outdoor decor" creative juices flowing. While we won't have nearly this many people all seated in our tiny backyard, I'm more looking at the umbrellas and simulated jewel rain effect. Though this spread is pink, we don't know the sex of the baby, so we really don't have many limitations in color.

There's not much that gets my fancy going more than color coordinated and perfectly lined up party items. I really like the tiered approach to dessert presentation in this photo, as well as the glass bottles for drinks. It's unique and quite fun.

You know me and my love for baked desserts of the cake variety. This spread would obviously be incredibly involved if I were making it all myself, but I think there are some really great ideas tucked in here that will give me a good start.

Honestly, who can't get behind a champagne bar for a baby shower (other than the mother to be)? This look is so bright and clean, and if there's ever a time to start poppin' corks, it's when you're celebrating the impending arrival of a little one.

We're looking to keep the menu "utensil-less" for a more relaxed, casual approach. (And also because we can't provide seating for the number of people in attendance.) Finger food will allow guests to easily mill around. And as you can see from these photos, I'm a bit obsessed lately with cute, individual serving presentation when entertaining, including these chic miniature seven layer dips.

Photo credit: The Girl Who Ate Everything

So now I turn to you, oh reliable, insightful, and wonderful blog friends. What do you think we should throw into the mix? Keep in mind we want this to be more of your atypical baby showers. No games guessing the circumference of a belly. There will be both women and men in attendance, and it will hopefully be both inside and outside depending on the weather. 

With that information in hand, what shall we do? How should we celebrate? Do you have any favor ideas? As a mother of only four-legged kids, I would absolutely LOVE to hear some of your sage advice. I can think of one mother-to-be that would be oh so appreciative of any input.