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When interior designer Katie Hackworth teamed up with foodie Aran Goyoaga to throw a baby shower for a close friend, we knew the outcome would be a breathtaking mix of pin-worthy style and mouthwatering eats. In celebration of Jenn Elliott Blake’s coming baby boy, the two friends set out to throw a simple shower with a relaxed vibe, channeling Blake’s down-to-earth style. No wild games, over-the-top baby decor, or fussy foods. Take a look!
WE LOVE THE VENUE! WHAT LED YOU TO CHOOSE IT AS THE SPACE FOR THE SHOWER?
The baby shower took place in Aran Goyoaga’s light-filled Seattle studio. The studio is equipped with a small working kitchen that’s perfect for food and floral prep. The space is a designer’s dream with white paneled walls, rafters, and all the natural light one could ask for.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DECOR?
Aran and I met up a few weeks before the event. We really trust each other’s talents, so we vaguely discussed the menu which would entail fresh yet vibrant ingredients and the decor, which we wanted to evoke a boyish hint minus the traditional cliche elements. I focused on the design and decor, while Aran focused on the food and drinks.The linens were a no brainer. We both eyed through Drygoods Design, a fabric store owned by Keli Faw, another talented friend of ours. An off-white linen fabric was used to drape the table and the sweetest blue pinstripe linen fabric was cut into squares to create the napkins.
For the foliage, I choose whites, greens, and shades of plum. I love the way blue and plum tones play off each other. I foraged through a bunch of old vases and containers I had on hand, which helped lend a vintage feel to the setting. I also created a really clean and unfussy invitation and baby card, which helped modernize the setting.
THE FLOWER WALL FIXTURE IS STUNNING! TELL US MORE!
To be completely honest, I wasn’t really sure how it was going to come together until the morning of. I had an old branch, twine, and two buckets of hellebores. I started playing around and that was what evolved!
HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT DESIGNING THE CENTERPIECES FOR THE TABLE?
At first I had planned on having numerous small arrangements down the center of the table, but the table we ended up using was so wide that they seemed to get lost. Luckily, I had some large galvanized vases on hand and buckets of all my favorite seasonal foliage to play with, including artichokes, snowberries, anemones, hellebores, Queen Anne’s lace, poppy pods, and eucalyptus. All the fun stuff!
For Jenn’s place setting, I pulled in a small brass vase filled with a few hellebore blooms, along with a couple of my favorite pregnancy photos of the stunning mom to be.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE ELEMENT WITHIN THE DECOR?
The sweet single flower set on each guest’s napkin. I just knew they were perfect when I saw them. The morning of the shower, we set out assorted wood cutting boards with various cheeses and fruits, to add a little (edible!) color and texture to the tablescape.
WHAT DID YOU SPLURGE ON WHEN IT CAME TO THE DECOR?
I probably splurged a bit on the floral selection. The wholesale flower market can be dangerous for someone like myself! Although we did save by using our own cups, plates, and silverware!
MENU
Main
Roasted Heirloom Carrots
Potatoes with dill
Avocado Toast with radishes and paprika
Field Green Salad with peaches, goat cheese, beets, and pistachios
Dessert
Layered Buttercream Cake with figs and pistachios