DIY Baby Shower Inspiration

Recently, I threw a baby shower for a dear friend -- while low-key and low on cost, it was HIGH on style. In response to a reader request (yes, that's you Jen), I decided it was a perfect time to share some ideas that won't break the bank.

PICK A THEME: For this shower, the mama-to-be was lucky enough to have the last name 'Angel'. For her little boy on the way, I thought there was nothing more appropo for this Brooklyn jetsetting mom than to make her a Hell's Angels - I mean, Harley Davidson - inspired shower. So, I enlisted the help of a graphic designer friend to make a logo for "Baby Boy Angel" that we printed on labels and applied it to the cups (who says plastic isn't chic), favor boxes, and the centerpieces.

GROCERY STORE FLOWERS: You need not spend a fortune on flowers. The trick to grocery store flowers is choosing a single bloom and a single color. Carnations are my favorite for this strategy: they are cheap, cheap, but when packed together in square glass vases or galvanized buckets (I bought these for $5 a piece at the local hardware/landscaping store), they look anything but flimsy. Tulips and spider mums are also great, economical choices. I did these in hot pink for a bridal shower.

GET CRAFTY: My favorite trick is the "wrapping paper runner". I did not invent it, but I certainly introduce it at all my kids' parties and impromptu showers/dinners. For an 8 foot table, it usually takes one-to-two regular rolls of paper (make sure it's a thick paper stock so it doesn't rip). Cut it straight down the center vertically, and secure it to a paper or plastic tablecloth with double-sided tape. Redstamp.com is an amazing source for chic wrapping paper.

THE POWER OF PLASTIC: Do not underestimate the power of plastic goods. Yes, they're not exactly "green" (but you can find disposable eco-friendly party supplies at plumparty.com). But they are good on the bottomline. The trick is to pick a color and pay attention to shapes. Party City and Party Fair carry a myriad of colors, and I LOVE this turquoise.

Other inspiring themes? Cravings shower (I did Pickles N Ice Cream); Bubble Bath Brunch (with Rubber Duckie placecards, wash cloth napkins, and clear crystal balls on a tray for a centerpiece); or, Candyland with apothecary jars filled with candy in a color that doubles as centerpiece AND favor.

Lisa & Roey Wed

Photo: Justine Ungaro & SOTA DZINE/STUDIO THISIS courtesy of People.com

Read about our latest wedding on People.com and more photos from their fabulous fete in this Friday's issue of PEOPLE Magazine.

Mazel tov, Lisa & Roey!

xoxo, Amy

Fresh Find: Vintage-Inspired Cupcake Liners

So you've decided to whip up your own cupcakes this year -- hey, we all need to do a little D.I.Y. these days. Well, no need to sacrifice style in a recession! Inexpensively sweeten-up your homemade cupcakes with decorative cupcake liners, like these precious pink and brown flower cupcake liners from Layer Cake Shop.

For just $5.25, you'll receive a pack of 50 Pink and Brown Sweet Flower Cupcake Liners. These are standard size with a 2" diameter bottom. Check out their selection of cute cupcake toppers and sprinkles, too!

A Bendel's Bridal Shower

So, you may not be splurging at Henri Bendel on an average Saturday these days (thank you Wall St), but don't fret: this famed swank shopping spot on New York's Fifth Avenue doubles as the perfect spot for a bridesmaids lunch or bridal shower.

Take your closest ladies to the counter at Memoire Liquide's Bespoke Perfumery where they can mix-and-match over 150 fragrance oils and create their own signature scent for your wedding day (can you say, bridesmaid gift?!). Maybe sample a make-up artist or two while on site. Then, head to The Chocolate Bar for downright divine snacks (they serve a full menu of sandwiches, drinks--and of course, chocolates!).

Who says you can't indulge? At least for one day, right?

The New "Polaroid" Guestbook

Urban Outfitters is a haven for quirky event ideas--and I knew I stumbled on something supercool when I found Fuji's new instax photo system that instantly prints beautiful credit card-size color photos in minutes - sharp and clear on Fuji instax film! Instead of the bulky, old- fashioned polaroid (did I hear a rumor they're discontinued anyway?), sit this baby on a table in the reception for your guests to shoot themselves and place in your guestbook like a Kolo album.

Or, buy them as bridesmaids or groomsmen gifts--and have them shoot the festivites from their P.O.V. Plus, it's cool enough to take with you on your destination wedding jaunt or honeymoon where you can create an instant photo album with pics from the adventures each day.

Lightweight and compact, the stylish instax mini 7 camera goes anywhere. Operation is easy - simply check the LED exposure indicator and press the shutter,Auto focus; auto flash; built-in lens cover; instructions included. * 5"w, 5"h, 2.5"d*, 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

$130 at Urbanoutfitters.com.

Take a Seat

Lounges at receptions have been around for a while now, so I've been a bit bored by the typical white furniture. That's why I was so excited to see that prop rental companies like Taylor Creative in New York have expanded their options. Check out their Windsor Collection (in photo): this super elegant tufted banquette is covered in a plush white synthetic suede. This seating collection is delivered in 2 parts: one piece is 8' long, the other 10' long and them mitor together in the corner. Seats 8 people.

TIP: Check with your reception site about building restrictions, extra load-in fees, insurance, and elevator policies--and don't forget to measure the dimension of elevators and hallways. If you're working with a planner, these should be on their list already so don't fret!

Solved! The Tri-Fold Invitation

With so much information to parlay to your guests today, from directions to accomodations to multiple parties, invitation designers are trying to keep up. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all: if you're planning a wedding with many weekend events, I urge you to consider picking an invite with an organizing system. There are tons with self-enclosed folders to neatly contain multiple cards and other designs placed on tri-fold cards, like these by Just Ink on Paper. Regardless, a wedding website is a must for keeping guests in the know (especially those travelling to a destination). Check out the designs at http://www.wed-o-rama.com/.