I must admit that I went through a time in my late 20s when I detested any parties that ended with the word, “shower.” If I wasn’t bathing, I wanted nothing to do with it. I think I was super envious that I was always the bridesmaid and never the bride.  And the loud ticking of the biological clock reminded me that I may forever be an old maid. Now, slightly more matured and happy with where I am in my own life, I can genuinely say that I’m just delighted that I can be a part of someone’s very special day.

The Baby Shower I attended a few weeks ago was a particularly special one for several reasons. The main reason, of course, was that it was thrown for a very special friend. Second reason was because I co-catered the party for the first time! Between my sister (who made her famously delicious lasagna), my mother (made Osekihan, a red-colored rice, a dish for celebration) and me (salads and desserts), we came up with simple but delicious dishes for 15 lovely friends. The party took place in another friend’s lovely home in Marina Del Rey, who was gracious enough to let us use her pad and her William Sonoma-esque kitchen!

Here are the pictures of what we made. I know that many of the dishes here are repeats but I like to stick to what I know when it comes to hosting parties! 8)

Crackers with goat cheese, sliced cucumbers, smoked salon and mini lemon wedges.

“Wannabe” Salad Nicoise. Instead of the traditional tuna, smoked salmon was used here.

Greek Salad with cucumber, plum tomatoes, feta cheese, Italian parsley, shallots, olives, dressed in lemon, olive oil and garlic.

My sister’s famous homemade lasagna with grilled eggplants — out of this world!

My mother’s Osekihan that disappeared very quickly!

Cranberry Biscotti from Martha Stewart’s Baking Cookbook and Pinwheel Cookies from lovely and talented Anita Chu’s Field Guide to Cookies 🙂

Chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing, same as my last endeavor.

And lovely Y posing with the baby blanket I made for the baby.

The baby is due any day now. I cannot wait to welcome the bundle of joy to the world! 🙂

Update: Baby M has arrived!  YEAY!  I saw some pictures and she is absolutely perfect! 😀 😀 😀