A ‘Martha Stewart’ woodland baby shower

Editor’s Note: Bunnies and squirrels and deer, oh my! “Martha Stewart Weddings” editorial director Darcy Miller looked to the woodlands for inspiration when planning a sweet and sophisticated baby shower for friend and colleague Kate Berry.

Story highlights

Find inspiration for a baby shower in the woods: What's cuter than baby animals?

Miniature deer, bunnies, even ladybugs adorned the decor and food at this shower

Hand-made item at the shower are the kind of personal touch the mom-to-be will remember

What was your baby shower theme or inspiration?

CNN  — 

Before Kate Berry moved to New York City and became the creative director of “Martha Stewart Weddings,” she was a floral designer living in San Francisco, always on the lookout for natural beauty.

So when Darcy Miller, the magazine’s editorial director, decided to throw the stylish expectant mom a shower, she knew exactly the type of party that would resonate with the former California girl: a woodland-chic-meets- Bambi affair. (Is there anything cuter than baby animals?)

Once the theme was decided, Darcy took stock of what she could make by hand. “Those personal touches are what Kate will remember,” she says. On her DIY list: drawing sweet animals, which were then printed on the invites and custom soap and sachet favors.

Darcy also turned birch stumps into food platters by lining the tops with faux-bois paper. The motif was reflected in the food as well: Croquemonsieur were cut into bunny shapes, and a mille-crêpes cake was decorated with a woodland scene.

  • Don’t miss out on the conversation we’re having at CNN Living. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest stories and tell us what’s influencing your life.

    Darcy’s top 5 tips for throwing a baby shower

    Personalize the affair

    Weave in the guest of honor’s interests and style wherever you can. “I know Kate loves gold and made sure there were some gilded details.”

    Elevate the presentation

    Keep the food spread visually appealing: “I like to group like with like, displaying bites in an organized, pleasing way.”

    Ask for custom

    If you can’t find exactly what you want, go to the source and see if it can be created for you. “Etsy is filled with vendors who will tailor products to your specifications.”

    Time it right

    Three words: early third trimester – with an emphasis on early. The guest of honor should feel comfortable and “not in danger of going into labor!”

    Pass the camera

    Make sure there’s someone in charge of taking pictures. “You’re going to be too busy hosting to take on the task.”

    What was your baby shower theme? Share your experiences in the comments, on CNN Living’s Facebook page or on Twitter @CNNLiving with the hashtag #cnnparents!