Hello! Welcome to Keeping Up with the Joneses. Thanks for stopping by! We're a young couple living in the East Arkansas/Memphis area otherwise known as The Delta, with a love for family, friends, faith and food.

We believe that some of the best memories are created at home around the dinner table, and when entertaining those you love. This little blog is where I share recipes, wine, our home and our life. Enjoy! -Kendall

What You'll Find:

I love to try new recipes. In fact, I rarely make the same thing twice. I'm a bona-fide cookbook collector, Pinterest addict and magazine aficionado. On the blog, you'll see what I've got cooking.

I love wine, y'all, so from time to time I feature bottles I've loved. Crafts and decorating our little house are passions of mine, so you may see some of that. Thanks for stopping by!

Rustic Fall Baby Shower for Lauren

This weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting a baby shower for my dear friend, Lauren, alongside six other fabulous ladies. I had so much fun planning and preparing that I've decided it must be a form of therapy for me to plan parties, especially a party for a special baby boy that I can't wait to meet!

First, this was the inspiration behind the shower, our 'mood board' if you will:

inspiration

Joanna and I dreamed this up one night when she was staying at my house for work. We had so much fun stalking the mom-to-be's Pinterest boards to see where she was headed for her nursery decor. We quickly noticed a few antler decor items, and a few touches of glam. Lauren is very stylish, so we knew the shower had to be, too!  So, here's how we brought it to life!

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This is the invitation, designed by my talented friend from work, Michelle. I think they turned out so cute! I also love that she makes things for me that are totally original. I wish I had that skill with design software!

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Joanna made this super cute garland from shreds of burlap and ribbon, and it was hung between two large vases full of bamboo sticks that had been spray-painted gold.

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Rachel's home was the perfect settings for the shower - she has a fabulous house! Everything fit in the space so well.

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We wrapped silverware into napkins, tied with twine and added a little party circle.

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So cute!

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On the table, we decorated with tree stumps, painted pumpkins, pine cones and wilderness animals.

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After spray-painting them gold, they became 10 times cuter! I think I'll keep these for Christmas decorations...

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My friend also made food cards for us. I love going to parties where I know what I'm eating!

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We kept dessert simple - mini pumpkin pies and cookies

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For extra flair, we stuck party circles on to the cups. These were a big hit!

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For those not pregnant, we had a mimosa bar! :)

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One of my favorite elements from the party were these 'wish' cards.

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Everyone was asked to fill one out, and the responses were a mix of such sweet and funny things!

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It was a beautiful day, so the party extended out on the back patio. I love fall weather!

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For food, we kept things in a southern-fall theme. Everything turned out great!

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These skewers were a Southern Living recipe - OMG, so good!

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Mom and I made Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs that were quite tasty. The picture isn't so great, so I'd like to make them again and take better photos!

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A big hit was the Chicken and Waffles. I "semi-homemade" these using Eggo Minis (toasted), Chik-fil-a nuggets, green onions, and a Peach Horseradish Maple Syrup from Southern Living. They were incredibly easy and so yummy.

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Those Ham and Cheese sliders you see on Pinterest? Yep, they rock.

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Another Southern Living dish - Strawberry Pretzel Crostini. Awesome!

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Joanna's scrumptious muffins.

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And, of course, caramel apples for fall!


Enough of the food - on to the memories!

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Lauren received so many wonderful gifts!

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Daddy Lee came by for a while, too. I love this picture!!

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The house was filled with people who already love Baby Strother so much!

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I wish this picture wasn't so blurry :)

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These two will be parents come February!!

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All of the lovely hosts with the mommy-to-be. Hannah, Kelly, Joanna, Lauren, Lindsay, Whitney, Rachael and I.

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Our small group bible study girls. Dating back over 10 years! We missed you, Shelly!

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I am so happy for this bestie of mine!

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As a thank-you gift, Lauren gave us all these adorable metal baby hogs. So sweet!


It was a really fun shower to host. I think we had just as much fun doing it as Lauren and Lee had being showered! I am so excited for Baby Strother to be here.

Congrats, Lauren and Lee! I'm praying for a healthy baby boy and years ahead filled with joy and laughter. Love all three of you! - Aunt Ken




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