Modern Baby Shower

I decided from the very beginning that I was going to throw my own baby shower. Well my husband calls me a control freak and I just think I am a good planner and organizer of really cool events. I am so not the only one that gets shower invites in the mail and automatically thinks of how they can get out of them. It is true I wanted full control of the theme (cocktail party), decor (modern) and games (oh there are so no games at my shower).

So my shower is two Saturday's from now and here is what I came up with. Now I love a deal and I get sticker shock all the time so I will be the first one to tell you that the plan is still evolving but I think I am in good shape.
#1 Guest List: I am inviting all my friends, guys and gals.
#2 Theme: Oh Baby Cocktail Party
#3 Invites: www.Evite.com= totally free and a great way to keep track of RSVP's
#4 Location: The toughest one on the list. I thought in this market I could find a model Loft space that was not being used at night and rent it for cheap. I posted on Craig's List, I call Real Estate Companies, I call Condo buildings but no luck. Then I tried intimate event locations but they really only have wedding prices and you have to use their caterer. Finally the light bulb went on and I realized that all the new fancy Condo spots have "Party Rooms" their residents can rent. I called a good friend living in one of Rittenhouses poshes buildings and she said no problem and $25.00 later- oh yeah I said it $25- I have a hip little location for my party.
#5 Food: Ah what a smack in the face the pricing for this was. I reminded myself this was not a wedding this was a party with 60 of our closest friends and decided light fare and philly favorites were the right way to go. I am going to scoot down to the restaurant supply place in Old City and pick up some giant trays to create one smashing veggie tray (produce from Reading Terminal Market), one killer cheese and fruit tray (Cheese DiBruno, Fruit Reading Terminal) and some other supplies I will need. I am blessed with a brother-in-law that loves to bake so cupcakes for everyone! He is for hire if you need him!
And a to die for tray of Primo Hoagies (husbands addition) to round out everyone's night. I am sure I will add to it but for now that is where we are.

#6 Cocktails: How Could I forget the all important mixer and elixirs for my guest. I already have a large, glass, fancy drink holder (forget the professional name) and I am going to get a couple gallons of the Mojito Mix that comes with everything you need. Toss in a few cut limes and some muddled mint and we are in business. Then some classic bar staples gin, tonic, scotch, mixers- etc. And a few cases of Corona should do it. Oh and I am going to Delaware to get everything- no tax and cheaper.

***Bonus: We asked our friends to skip the hassle of getting a babysitter and bringing their kids- Which it looks like everyone is so I will be picking up a little kids table at IKEA and some coloring books and other fun and shiny things and creating a little go to space for them. Which means I will be adding juice boxes to my drink list.