HOW TO THROW AN ENCHANTING GROWN-UP WOODLAND PARTY

woodland, nursery, party, theme, forest
A vintage deer tapestry became a tablecloth, layered with handmade mushrooms, living plants and woodland creatures.

A grown-up woodland party

Woodland themed parties are often designed for children, but we wanted to create a grown-up woodland party. It was a baby shower, but almost all the guests would be adults.

We chose this vibe for my daughter and son-in-law’s baby shower. I decorated with deep browns and greens, ferns and moss, and a variety of woodland creatures. We also made woodland-themed food, like meringue mushrooms and acorn cookies as well as DIY projects like large fabric mushrooms and acorn cocktail picks.

Vintage brown cross-stitched linens, wooden serving pieces and wooden utensils. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography
Vintage brown cross-stitched linens, wooden serving pieces and wooden utensils. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography

Food and decorations for a grown-up woodland party

We spent weeks planning the menu, which included pond scum punch, a hedgehog cheese ball, log cookies, moss-covered pretzel sticks, acorn cookies, meringue mushrooms along with the more traditional fare. We also made several fun DIY projects, including large fabric mushrooms and woodland-themed cocktail picks.

The bar included an assortment of garnishes and handmade cocktail picks.
The bar included an assortment of garnishes and handmade cocktail picks.

The acorn cookies were super simple. We used melted chocolate to stick Hershey’s kisses to mini sandwich cookies, then added a mini chocolate chip for the top of the acorn. You can complete directions here

Acorn cookies were super simple and yet so cute. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography
Acorn cookies were super simple and yet so cute. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography

The meringue mushroom cookies were a little more involved, and it took some time to get the hang of piping the meringue. In the end, though, they were precious — and delicious.

Meringue mushrooms are perfect in a vintage wooden stand.  Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography
Meringue mushrooms are perfect in a vintage wooden stand. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography

The hedgehog cheese ball was the star of the show. It was easy to make the cheese ball, though getting the perfect hedgehog shape took some trial and error. We found the recipe at SavortheFlavour.com.

The pond scum punch (with or without alcohol) sounds gross but tastes divine. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography
The pond scum punch (with or without alcohol) sounds gross but tastes divine. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography

We made two different types of pretzel sticks — one that looked like it was covered with green moss and the other decorated to look like birch bark.

Pretzel sticks decorated to look like moss and birch bark.
Pretzel sticks decorated to look like moss and birch bark.

Dishes for a grown-up woodland party

Cute mushroom plates from Anthropologie were a splurge, but they brought all the items together.

Mushroom and owl plates from Anthropologie. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography
Mushroom and owl plates from Anthropologie. Photo credit: Claire Keathley Photography

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