We are now counting days, not months or even weeks, until the arrival of our baby girl and that means it’s getting really real. At the end of January my London friends surprised me with an amazing baby shower and to say I was shocked is an understatement. Part of the reason I was so surprised is one of my friends who was organizing it had asked for a guest list and we were discussing tentative dates at the end of February and the other was that everyone kept it SUCH a surprise. It turns out one of my good friends was in from the US and they planned it so she could be there – a great group of six friends from university, work, and volunteering showered Baby R with so much love. I had thrown around the idea of a British themed afternoon tea and to keep things low-key and my friends took the first to heart.
Party poppers filled with confetti went off the second I walked into my friends flat to pick her up for lunch and the surprises kept going. The kitchen was set up for afternoon tea complete with three tier plates of tea sandwiches, half a dozen types of tea, cups and saucers, gold flatware (silverware to Americans) and more. We popped champagne and they had a non alcoholic version chilled already waiting for me and then the surprises just kept coming. I had a baby scan that morning so had come dressed in leggings and a top (I’ve found black leggings are key because of all the gel) but my friends knew I’d likely want to be a bit more glam. They had a handful of maternity dresses waiting for me so I could pick one out and even had a fascinator ready for me so I could truly embrace the theme.
After that we sat down to do gifts and to my surprise the TV was hooked up with a video call which all of my family called into – both grandmas, every set of aunt and uncles, my parents, and my brother. I felt, and still feel, so incredibly loved that everyone made the effort even family who joined at 7am even while on holiday in Mexico. I was able to open a few presents, enjoy an amazing afternoon tea with too many delicious treats to name, and then some baby shower games – a truly fantastic British Baby Shower. Luckily the week before we had done the first version of our baby registries (both at John Lewis & Partners and Baby Wishlist at Amazon) so guests were able to actually get us some of the essentials we needed.
I could go on and on but it was an amazing afternoon and I’m so grateful to everyone. Ps. My friends did an amazing job and seriously, everything was so thoughtful, including the outfits. If I had been looking for my own I really like this Alyssa Bardot Bow Maternity Midi Dress with Ruching that comes in six colors which is what I was planning on ordering if it had been a month later / I knew the date.
Which is your favoirte shot from my British Baby Shower?

Marjorie says
Wow, no detail was left unattended too. Such nice friends you have and you must hav felt so special.
The tea idea was right on point and I might have to steal this theme for a future party. Such a clever theme.
Pauline Shea says
What an awwesome surprise for you. God bless good friends!! And loved your “killer haqt”!!!
Tons of Love, Meme
Terrie says
Your friends really knocked it out of the park. All the special touches and I love the hats. Glad you got lots of photos.
Linda says
So happy for you Kelly! How wonderful that so many of your friends were able to shower you and your baby to be with all that love and happiness!
Helen says
Oh how very British and lovely.
What spectacular friends you have and I am sure you had a ball…
TAMMY says
Wow. You had a surprised baby shower. Your friends planned it great. Food looked very tasty. Lovely floral dress your friends picked out for you. I have a baby shower for mid June for my favorite co-worker. Our group is planning her party now and will have a nice little dress ready for her. We will be leaving the alcohol and killer heels home that day. I also love the cute dress on your friend that is holding your stomach with those killer boots.