Planning Our Baby Sprinkle -- On a budget

I decided last week that I wanted to celebrate the upcoming birth of Baby Daniel with my coworkers, family, and friends. I don't want to spend a lot of money to make it happen, so I brainstormed on possible venues and DIY ideas. Here is my master plan.

1. Location. . . Location. . . Location

Initially I planned to send an evite and ask everyone to meet at a small restaurant in Harlem to celebrate. After reaching out to three restaurants I decided it was too expensive and I was not prepared to pay $30-$40 per person for a brunch. My solution. . . I decided to google, "privately owned public places in NYC". I got a list of places that were open to the public and perfect for a "meetup" type event. I settled on the IBM Plaza & Atrium at 590 Madison Avenue at 57th Street. 

The space, as you see above, is the perfect location for a winter event. The sunlight and bamboo plants are the perfect oasis within the City. There are 110 movable chairs and 32 movable tables. It is open to the public from 8am to 10pm. Outside food and drink are welcome. AND ITS FREE99! Bottom line: Don't pay for a space.

2. Pick a time between meals

I decided to schedule my event in the early morning hours, 10:30am to 12:30pm -- right after breakfast, before lunch. I asked a good friend, Iris, to create a "gourmet" boxed lunch. We decided on bowtie pasta salad, a cookie, and a choice between chicken salad or tuna salad. For beverages I will go to Costco and get bottled sparkling water. Everything will cost less than $100, perfect for my budget. 

I ordered a large gable box in kraft 9" x 6" x 6" - $6.29 per 10 + $3.00 + Shipping from Paper Mart

Sandwich Presentation

My inspiration

3. Paperless Post is the way to go

Instead of the traditional paper invitation I went to my go to evite source, Paperless Post. No stamps . . . no USPS. . . budget friendly with built in RSVP and message board. 

The evite I choose

4. Make your own decorations.

Instead of making my own decorations, ain't nobody got time for that, I went to Hobby Lobby. I decided on a mustache theme. Here is what I purchased. I am keeping it simple because of the venue. A few balloons, strategically placed mustaches, and the the job is done.

5. Favors

For favors I decided on a gable box with a mix of spa treats -- handmade soaps, lavender, and I have to think of something else.

This baby sprinkle will definitely be no frills and less than $300 to produce. I can't wait to see how everything turns out. Now to find a cute outfit!!

For more information on free public spaces in NYC click here.