Some celebrations are especially close to our hearts, and this one was truly special. On August 30th, we helped celebrate my cousin Nicole and her husband Matt as they prepare to welcome their baby boy, Caleb. As the youngest in our family, it’s still hard to believe she’s now becoming a mom herself — and it was such a joy to play a part in this milestone.
The Venue: Rise Clubhouse in Irvine
The baby shower was hosted at Rise Clubhouse in Irvine, a venue that offers the best of both indoor and outdoor space. Guests enjoyed the shaded courtyard seating, which was perfectly positioned between two buildings. With Irvine’s late-summer heat climbing into the high 80s that day, we were so relieved that the setup was in complete shade — and safe from the sun’s balloon-popping ray
The Theme: Citrus Fun with Blues and Oranges 🍊
Nicole chose a theme that was bright, fresh, and so different from traditional “baby boy” shower designs. Instead of muted pastels, we brought in a citrus-inspired palette:
- Blue, orange, and clear balloons
- Citrus fruits cut in halves and used as natural table accents
- Single-stem flowers placed into the citrus halves for a playful, modern touch
The overall effect was cheerful and full of energy — perfect for celebrating baby Caleb
The Balloon + Décor Install
Our balloon install featured:
- Three panels as the backdrop
- Custom foam lettering reading:
- “Baby Caleb arriving December 2025”
- “Nicole & Matt’s Baby Shower”
- A lively mix of blue, orange, and clear balloons
This setup was fun, modern, and refreshing — and the citrus details tied everything together beautifully.
Problem Solving on the Spot
With fresh citrus fruit on the tables, we noticed they were attracting bugs (a little too much nature!). Luckily, we came prepared with balloon shine spray, which we used to coat the fruit and reduce its scent. This simple trick helped minimize bugs while keeping the décor intact.
A Bright and Memorable Celebration
What made this shower so meaningful was not just the décor, but the love that filled the space. Seeing Nicole glowing, surrounded by family and friends, reminded us why these milestones are so special. We’re so excited to meet baby Caleb this December.
Planning a Baby Shower in Orange County?
From backyard gatherings to clubhouse venues like Rise, Pepper Play can help create custom décor, balloon installs, and play areas that match your theme. Whether you want something timeless or bold and unique, we’ll bring it to life with care.
