A Sweet and Simple Outdoor Baby Shower – Finding Joy in Uncertain Times

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When my sister was expecting her first baby in 2020, we had all these grand ideas about how we’d celebrate. But, of course, like so many things that year, plans had to change. The pandemic made everything feel uncertain—especially for a first-time mom—but we were determined to make her baby shower special while keeping her and the baby safe.

That’s how we landed on an intimate outdoor “Cutie Clementine” themed baby shower in my front yard. It was August, the height of summer, so a fresh citrus-inspired color palette felt perfect. And honestly? That one decision set the tone for everything else.

Creating a Cozy, Safe Space

Instead of a big guest list, we kept it small—just close family and a few friends. We arranged seating across the lawn with a mix of mini tables and picnic blankets (this set I found here was perfect!) so everyone had their own little space to relax.

For a focal point, I set up a cozy umbrella-covered spot by an old wooden barrel giving my sister a cute designated seat that still allowed for safe socializing.

The Decor – Fresh & Fun

We stuck with bright oranges, yellows, and whites, keeping things fresh and playful. My mom and aunt clipped zinnias from their gardens, and we filled the tables with real oranges, lemons, and fresh greenery (you can also grab a lightweight gauze table runner for an easy setup). A few foil “cutie” balloons with smiling faces (like these ones) added the perfect whimsical touch!

The Food – Keeping It Safe & Simple

Since we were still navigating pandemic concerns, we skipped the buffet and went for individually packed meals instead. Each guest received a picnic-style takeout box (these ones work great!) with:

🍊 Mini chicken salad sandwiches🍊 Orzo pasta salad🍊 A fresh, juicy peach from our local market

For favors, we kept things sweet and on-theme. Each guest took home a Sugarfina acrylic box of Italian spritz gummies (you can find them here)—a little nod to the citrus theme. And, of course, I had custom clementine-shaped sugar cookies made (here’s a great cookie cutter if you want to DIY!).

To keep things eco-friendly, we wrapped biodegradable utensils in twine with orange-themed napkins (I found the cutest ones here).

Sentimental Touches

One of my favorite details was the memory display on the gift table. My mom pulled out my sister’s baby blanket from the hospital, her first onesie, and her birth bracelet, placing them in a glass jar alongside some of her old baby barrettes and bows. It was such a simple, meaningful way to tie past and present together.

Making the Best of It

Was this the shower we originally envisioned? No. But it was sweet, simple, and most importantly, filled with love. It wasn’t about elaborate decor or a packed guest list—it was about celebrating my sister and this new chapter in her life, even if things didn’t go exactly as planned.

And honestly? I think that’s a lesson that applies to so many things in life—including party planning! Sometimes, the best events come from rolling with what you have and making the most of it.

If you’re planning a baby shower (or any special event) and want to bring in some of these sweet details, I’ve linked everything I used—or wish I had used—on my Benable list and Amazon Storefront. It’s all about making things easy, fun, and beautiful!

Stay sweet my friends!