I promise! Just because I said that I want to start planning a family next year does not mean that every post on decor8 is going to turn ga-ga-goo-goo on you! But I can't resist sharing these photos from a baby shower that Kathleen Kennelly Ullman from Twig & Thistle recently planned for her sister Allison because it's just too cute. I especially love how the nesting dolls were customized to look like the family -- the daddy nesting doll with the beard had me cracking up the moment I saw it!

Some design details that Kathleen has shared on her blog for you to walk away with...

1. She bought nesting dolls in the raw for $10 from Amazon and hand painted them to resemble her sister, husband and baby boy on the way and used them as a cake topper. 2. Each seat at the table had a crossword puzzle based on Allison and Ryan and words related to pregnancy and parenthood. The game helped guests to mingle and have fun. 3. To add a bit of whimsy to the table she found retro gray and white striped straws for the glassware. 4. For favors, she made fabric envelopes inspired by ones that Rebecca Thuss made shown here. Inside she put shortbread cookies and sealed them with a diaper pin. 5. She letterpressed the lovely invites herself!

Isn't this the most adorable, yet simple, shower idea? I love it. Less is more!

(images: kathleen kennelly ullman)