Kelley Moore Throws a Baby Bash

In a smaller space, a buffet table placed against a wall works well, leaving a larger area for your guests to mingle and visit. I used this long zinc table from Tableau ($1,325). The buffet is set with “Dandelion Greens” flatware from Anthropologie ($25 per five-piece set), wrapped in yellow and white geometric napkins from Tableau ($14 each) and glass flower napkin rings from Common Folk Co. ($5.99 each). I asked guests to bring their favorite fairy tale for the baby’s library, and complemented the gesture by stacking Children’s Classic Storybooks from Barnes & Noble ($4.95–$7.95 each) on the table and topped the display with a Fawn Lamp base and shade from Urban Outfitters ($24 and $18, respectively). Since the baby’s gender is a secret, the table was decorated with yellow—a neutral color. Another tip: Use different-height displays on the table to create visual intrigue. I placed Gourmondo’s small bites on various displays (unless otherwise noted, all serving platters and displays were provided by Gourmondo), including a three-tiered tower of small cups of sweet pea salad and poached egg cups filled with white bean purée topped with ratatouille. Cups of fresh corn salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and champagne vinaigrette were set near a cake stand used as a serving dish for petite panino sandwiches with Brie and apple, and Black Forest ham and Gruyère. I added a forest feel to the table with mushroom salt and pepper shakers from Anthropologie ($12) and tree trunk candleholders from Watson Kennedy Fine Living ($45 each), which held dramatic black and white candles by Et Al Designs from Stuhlbergs ($16).

Create a playful refreshment table where guests can indulge in a variety of delicious and charming desserts and drinks. A water sphagnum moss sheet from Display & Costume ($7.95), used as a table runner, continues the party’s woodland fairy theme, and a recycled wood candelabra from Tableau ($790) with Chub candles from Display & Costume ($1.49 each) add an organic element. I served three different drinks, including a Villa Italia Blood Orange Soda “mocktail” from Trader Joe’s ($2.99), French aperitif Lillet served over ice with a lemon twist and an Italian Vin Santo dessert wine for sipping and dipping assorted mini biscotti (both provided by Gourmondo). Chilled birch-tree-etched glasses from The Arbour ($15 each) and roost-etched glasses from Lucca ($12 each) sat on a vintage silver serving tray I found at West Seattle Antique Mall. Delicate French macaroons, Piroline wafer cookies and fresh fruit (all from Gourmando) provided a classic touch. Left: I always send guests off with a parting gift—a tangible reminder of the event. To create this one, I added glitter to a paper crown from Display & Costume (55 cents); stocked it with goodies such as relaxing Sweet Dreams Tea from Teacup ($36 per pound), which I put into a travel-friendly turquoise Amac box from the Container Store ($1.39); and added a label for a personal touch. I also included a Little Miracles Box of Inspiration Quotes from Northwest Art & Frame ($5.50) to ensure good dreams and a huggable Blabla doll from Georgia Blu ($31).