On Safari and Showering the Baby!

My friend Carolyn and I gave a baby shower last weekend

in anticipation of the arrival of our friend

Annie’s first grandchild. . .

It’s a Boy!

Due to arrive next month~

We had a lot fun hunting for big game

or little game in this case :) for the shower. . .

 . . .  Safari animals, to decorate the chandelier

and onesies to hang on the mantle.

 Lions, zebras and monkeys,

oh my . . .

 On safari at Target, I found receiving blankets

to use on the table in lieu of a tablecloth.

 Ideal for our animal theme and

serving Swaddled Chicken Salad Bites~

 Chicken salad, wrapped or swaddled in cucumber ribbons.

Cut English cucumbers in half and use a mandolin to make ribbons. I found 1/16 was the right thickness to roll and the ideal ratio of cucumber-to-chicken salad.

Layer the ribbons on paper towels to remove the excess moisture until ready to use. Use your favorite chicken salad recipe/spread~ I pulsed the chicken salad in the food processor until is was a smoother consistency to spread easily. Spread, roll, and then secure with a toothpick. You could use an herbed cream cheese spread instead of chicken salad.

Annie had two adorable vintage nursery scales from her retail days that she used to display baby bath & body products. We put them into use again for a centerpiece and to serve our shower food.

Easy Delivery Cups~

Athens Mini Fillo Shells from the freezer section in the grocery store make a quick & easy delivery for your fillings, sweet or savory.

We filled them with a mixture of goat cheese, fig preserves, topped with chopped pecans.

Animals were rounded up in the form of crackers and added to white chocolate popcorn, made with almond bark candy coating, for a crunchy mixture of salty and sweet!

We used the dad-to-be, Adam’s baby cup

for a scoop to serve the mix.

More a procedure than a recipe, adjust your mix~ adding nuts, pretzels, and candy, custom blending for your holiday or occasion.

You can variations for Easter, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, July 4th, and Halloween, here.

A version of a cheese straw,

Cheddar ‘Due Date’ Wafers~

Chopped dates are a sweet addition to the balance the heat of the chipotle cheddar cheese.

The dough can be made 24 hours ahead, then sliced and baked. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Recipe found, here.

 Baby-Makes-Three Marinated Shrimp, Olives & Artichokes

is a favorite, and one of Southern Living’s 2011 Best Recipes.

Easy to throw together and it can double as a side dish or appetizer, made 8 to 24 hours in advance.

 Shrimp, artichoke hearts, black olives, feta cheese, and grape tomatoes are marinated in olive oil, white balsamic vinegar and garlic-and-herb dressing mix.

You can also find it served in individual martini glasses for our Christmas Cookie exchange.  You can find a recipe, here.

Baby Ruth Cupcakes and a sweet ending~

 Baby Ruth miniatures in the cupcake

batter, along with some to garnish the tops!

Recipe, here!

Carolyn made adorable safari friend favors with

Wilton chocolate molds, candy melts, and lollipop sticks.

Party favor box and napkins were found at Hobby Lobby.

Best Wishes to Elizabeth and Adam~

We look forward to the arrival of your little miracle!

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