After some wild and, somewhat last minute preparation (I had to teach two English classes that morning), we were finally ready for Sabrina’s baby shower.
I had so much fun decorating, especially knowing that whatever I did would be so foreign to the French culture, she would be blown away by it. I would have been much more trepidatious having to wow an American.
So some standard party favors (I made little medallions with tiny figures that I tied on with a bow).
Appropriately colored party decorations and flowers.
And la pièce de résistance! The raspberry cupcakes.
I used a Martha Stewart recipe and decided to be bold and make the chocolate filigree hearts by hand. Some were a smashing success …
However the icing was fairly disastrous. I didn’t have a candy thermometer to test whether the temperature had reached 160° so could only guess. It apparently did not.
I also didn’t have a KitchenAid, and so my 11 minutes of beating the egg whites and sugar was just not enough. It dripped absolutely everywhere and was not strong enough to hold up some of the chocolate hearts.
With confectioner sugar and some cold air, I managed to salvage it to some degree. And despite the 4 sticks of butter used, the overall reaction was that it was delicious. And light!
So Sabrina showed up ready to be wowed.
It was highly satisfactory.
Posing with her twin-laden belly …
before the husband makes his fast get-away from all these females.
Silly games, included “guess the size of her belly.” Then 2 minutes to write a baby-related word for each letter of the alphabet. Musical poopy diaper. (I offered a real poopy one from amongst Petit Prince’s fragrant offerings, but everyone decided to stick to the melted chocolate). Each time the music stopped and someone was left holding the diaper, they shared something with the expectant mom before they were “out.”
And finally, this flurry of activity was accompanied by Sabrina’s ringing laughter. I honestly thought she would go into labor.
It was the multi-tasking mom. You had to hold a telephone in one ear and a baby in the other hand and see how many clothing articles you could hang up in one minute. Oh yes! And you had to talk on the telephone at the same time. That’s what made Sabrina laugh so hard.
All the winners got a bar of french milled soap, a wink towards the American shower concept (where Sabrina asked if she would get wet).
But what came out of the whole afternoon was the idea that I should start baking for a living.
Gluten free.
What d’y a think?
What a wonderful shower!!! While I would definitely encourage the baking business, I feel I cannot give you an honest answer without first tasting ALL of your examples – so please send some my way! 😉
It looks like such a lovely lovely afternoon for a dear friend who is so very lucky to have you in her life! Bravo!
Okay, an order of one 48-item culinary sampler is making its way to you right now. 😉 Seriously, how can I expect anyone to encourage me when I’m showing mainly my disasters? (chuckle)
You are so sweet and professional. I love everything:the colors,the themes,the happy face of Sabrina and the games.
What a great way to celebrate.I think it’s OK that the French can experience something different and fun.
A friend of mine was thinking to get KitchenAid for baking but changed her mind Kmix stand mixer because of the power(better and cheaper).
Thank you sweet thing. I have to look into the tip about Kmix!!
Oh, the joy of having friends to gift.
What a wonderful day.
And I think your table looked lovely.
Thank you darling. If only I could taste some of your cooking!
Hey, I’m an American and I’m wowed. Anyone who can do a Martha Stewart recipe deserves a major award. I tried her candy cane cookies last year, and all I can say is: don’t go there.
And look at the nice bokeh in your third photo!
Which one? What’s a bokeh?
Wow. Are you sure your calling isn’t starting a French baby shower catering company?
Looks lovely! I can practically taste those chocolate hearts. Yum!
What an amazing gift of memories you have given Sabrina. I know how it feels to be showered with love. Thank you for your support on my day as well. I enjoyed having you and made sure to highlight your blog on my site and SITS as well! It feels great to be showered with love! Lots and lots and lots of love to you.
Yum.
You are such a sweet friend, to plan such an amazing baby shower! Sabrina is lucky to have you in her life. Gorgeous photos, as always.
It looks beautiful!! What a lovely shower. And I LOVED that last game!!
I love baby (and bridal) showers and think this one looks like a warm and wonderful event — gorgeous photos, as ever.