I'm writing this post and loving looking back on the last week when my friends had a "sprinkle" to celebrate the (approaching!) arrival of our son. I felt like such a princess! I mean, the shower was at Kensington Palace's Orangery, so it's easy to understand why. But beyond the location, the day was just so gorgeous and sweet. I can't think of ANY element that could have made the moment more perfect.

(Okay, maybe a small private plane dropping off a few family members and friends from the States, but... that may be a little high maintenance.)

Instead of doing a traditional "shower" with lots of baby gifts and a slew of hostesses having to bring various items, it seemed more fitting to go with a "sprinkle" that didn't do gifts and could be somewhere that was a good combination of beautiful, central... and affordable. I'm such a fan of brunch, so having all my friends around a pretty brunch table for the morning was just perfect.

The subtle theme of Peter Rabbit was perfect for the morning- it felt perfectly English and sweet for a baby boy. Even despite the fact that I wore a pink dress. (This is the one! It covers all the right parts, but still made me feel pretty. Plus, it is designed for post-baby, too, with a discreet little zip in the front for nursing.)

These adorable Peter Rabbit Biscuiteers biscuits welcomed all the guests to their seats and made for gorgeous favors from the day.

And look at the gorgeous homemade carrot cake topped with the guest of honor, himself. (I think I took at least a hundred photos of it before the day was finished.) If you can even believe it, it tasted better than it looked. Plus, that mint green cake stand from Minted is just.... too much.

The great thing about having the brunch at some place so beautiful is that just a few simple details really made the day gorgeous. Small touches like the sweet personalized bunting just made it feel so gorgeous.

Eggs Royale or Caramel Waffle with Cinnamon Butter & Apples? I know. I know. It's a tough choice, but the waffle won in the end. YUM.

In lieu of the standard baby shower gifts, friends gave us the coolest stash of gift certificates. There was the go-to Amazon gift cards for diapers, tickets to the Electric Cinema, a spa pedicure, handmade coupons for dinner after the baby arrives, a date night for Tyler and I for a cooking class at Jamie Oliver's Recipease and so on. So great- and the perfect gift for a second-time mom who already has what she needs.

I'm trying to think of what else to tell you about the day- but I just keep coming up with the generic statement that it was so perfect. I'm not sure all expats feel so loved and at home where they live (it can be so lonely and isolating at times!), but that morning was such a sweet reminder of how fortunate we are to be in London with so many kind people around us.

Thank you to all my friends for blessing us with such a celebration! I love each of you and value your friendship so much. Thank you for being family to us in a home so far away from home.

If you're a sucker for parties like this (I am!), you can see the sweet shower that Amber & Helena held for the girls in my last pregnancy. Another gushy (and royal-themed!) day that I am so thankful to have enjoyed.