Pixs: Retro Lingerie Shower

A few weeks ago, I threw my friend Rachel, who also loves all things vintage, a 1950s inspired lingerie shower/bachelorette party. Remember her pink & black invitations?

Rachel and her fiance just bought a house in the area, so she was anxious to show it off to friends. Check out the slideshow of the food and decorations. It’s possible to have fun and sparkly on a budget! The event was small, so we kept things on the simple side.

I lucked on several component that kept me on my budget of just $100 for invitations, food and decorations. Liquor added a little more.

I found the party favors–snarky recipe cards with 1950s artwork–on clearance at Michael’s Arts & Crafts. They were under $1 for the cards and recipe boxes.

1950's-themed party favors

I purchased the adorable serving dishes from T.J. Maxx for around $25. I love these because I can change the ribbon and give them an entirely different look. They fit in my apartment perfectly, so I can display them all the time.

Beribboned Serving Dishes

Instead of opting for a cupcake holder from Target for $20, I decided to stack the two cake plates. This would give me more flexibility in the future because I’m not convinced the cupcake craze is permanent.

Tiered Cupcakes

Food was inexpensive. I already detailed the veggie tray, but the menu offered hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, champagne cupcakes, chips & salsa, hummus & pita bread and Junior Mints (one of the brides’ favorite candies.)

Black & White Polka Dots

Rather than buy a new tablecloth or use a plastic one, I pulled out an old pink sheet that I’ve toted around from apartment to apartment. On top of that, I layered black tulle (3 yards at $1.50 from JoAnn’s).  I scattered around fake diamonds (a box of 30 for $6 at Walmart) and shaved coconut to add some dimension to the table and white plates.

Diamonds and Coconut

At Target, I found bud vases (packs of 4 for $2.99) and tied black and white ribbon around them that I picked up for $1 a spool on clearance at Michael’s. I tied ribbon around the serving plates and vases. At Sam’s Club, I picked up a dozen carnations for $4.99.

Pink carnations and ribbon

Trying to make it easy on everyone for clean up, I found black and white paper plates and pink polka dot napkins from Target. Who wants to do dishes after a late party?

Cute plates and napkins from Target

With the help of Mad Men cocktails, I stocked the bar with vodka and mixers. The vodka gimlet was a favorite all night.

Vodka drinks were the theme

Hostess with the Mostess is one of my favorite blogs. I loved the blinged stemware. Since I was using Rachel’s glasses, I didn’t want to glue or paint them, so I wrapped metallic pipe cleaners around the stems.

Blinged Stemware

I was also inspired by these showers:

Flirty “Love, Sweet Love” (Hostess with the Mostess)

Retro Chick Bridal Shower (Hostess with the Mostess)

A Retro Bridal Shower (It’s a Jaime Thing)

Romantic Red, Black & Lace (Hostess with the Mostess)

50′s Retro-Themed Bridal Shower (The Knot)

Tags: budget entertaining, decorations, inspirations, menu, party favors, Wedding Shower