Baby shower… with Pinterest upgrades!

In the preamble to last week’s GRAND Social link party, I noted that I’d had a busy day the day before. The reason for the busy-ness was Brianna’s baby shower! It turned out to be a lovely baby shower—thanks in large part to all the pinning Brianna (and I, admittedly) had done pre-party planning.

I hosted Megan’s baby shower more than 10 years ago—long before Pinterest appeared and upped the ante on entertaining. Megan’s shower was nice. But, gee whiz, thanks to Pinterest, the bar has been raised since those long-gone days of simply serving up punch, cake, shower decor, and a few silly shower games.

Here are a few of the Pinterest-inspired creations I (with help from Andrea and Megan, who flew in for the weekend) managed to pull off for Brianna’s fall-themed affair:

The favors: Confetti popcorn Thank you! bags and It’s A Boy! Rolo-rolled cigars (signage courtesy Megan) — The favors: Confetti popcorn *Thank you!* bags and *It’s A Boy!* Rolo-rolled cigars (signage courtesy Megan)

In lieu of a guest book, Brianna requested guests sign and paint letters for a sentimental ABC set for the nursery wall

And the guests rose to the creative challenge

Brianna also requested a festive backdrop for pics with friends and family—a combined effort by Andrea, Megan and me (and Jim, too)

One of the best upgrades for Brianna’s shower over the last one at my house—tho completely unrelated to Pinterest—was that Brianna’s BFF Suzanne covered all hostess duties (i.e. shower games and more!) during the event.

Suzanne also created cute name tags for the VIP attendees.

Brianna’s special day was a sweet success. She was showered with love and laughter and gifts galore.

The sweetest part for me? Having all three of my girls together for the gala affair!

At shower’s end, me with my forever favorite females: Megan, Brianna, Andrea

GRAND Social No. 320 link party for grandparents

Now for the party you came here for:the GRAND Social link party! Thank you for joining me!

How it works:

All grandparent bloggers are invited to add a link. You don't have to blog about grandparenting, just be a grandparent who blogs.

Grandparents who do not blog (or want to share something other than their own post) are welcome to add links to other posts grandparent readers may be interested in.

To link up a post, copy the direct URL to the specific post — new or old — that you want to share, not the link to the blog or website home page. Then click the blue button below marked "Add your link" and follow the directions.

I reserve the right to remove posts I feel are inappropriate. (Which hasn't happened yet, but I feel obligated to note that, just in case.)

Those who add links to the GRAND Social link party will be sent a weekly reminder when the party goes live. If you prefer to be removed from that email list, feel free to do so (and you'll still be more than welcome to join the party any time).

If adding your own post, including a mention such as This post linked to the GRAND Social to your linked posts is appreciated.

The GRAND Social linky accepts posts through Wednesday evening, so please come back to see those added after your first visit.

If you're not a linker, you have the pleasure of being a reader. Those sharing a link would be honored to have you visit, read and, if so moved, leave a comment, even if just "Hey, stopping by from the GRAND Social." Bloggers who link are encouraged to visit and comment on the links of other bloggers, as well.

An InLinkz Link-up