Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's Oz-tastic Shower

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's Oz-tastic Shower
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Oh Baby!

Evans Vestal Ward
On November 18th Nicole Richie and Joel Madden celebrated their impending arrival with family and friends at a Wizard of Oz-themed baby shower held at the Beverly Hills hotel. The celebration, planned by Mindy Weiss, included touches like ruby slipper centerpieces, a yellow brick road lined with candy, and a live band performing tunes from the classic flick. Guests included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Lauren Conrad and Rashida Jones. "It's nice to be supported by your friends and family. There are people here I haven't seen in so long." Richie told her guests at the event, which also raised money for the newly-established Richie Madden Children's Foundation. One thing the couple didn't share with the crowd was whether they are expecting a boy or a girl.

-Kwala Mandel
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Old Friends

Evans Vestal Ward
"We all went to school together. I'm seeing all my friends from grade school and it is like a reunion," said Nicky Hilton, who noted that Richie will be one of the first in their circle of friends to have a baby. "Nicole's ready to go into motherhood." Nicky, who attended the afternoon fete with sister Paris and mom Kathy (not pictured) were among the guests who have known Richie for many years.

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Fun and Games

Evans Vestal Ward
The accessory of the day at the Beverly Hills baby shower was a diaper pin necklace. Anyone caught using the word "baby" was forced to hand over their pin, the object of the game being to collect as many as possible. "I think I have about 11 now," laughed Hills star Lauren Conrad, flashing the impressive collection that landed her a prize.
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Friendship Bracelet

Evans Vestal Ward
In addition to pins, guests donned everything from mohawks (mostly friends of Madden's band, Good Charlotte) to the Mouawad bracelet that Richie designed and gifted to friends like Amber Valetta. The Native American-inspired gold, onyx and leather bangle-made exclusively for the occasion-was a taste of things to come from Richie's upcoming collection for jeweler Mouawad, which will hit stores in 2008.

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Family Affair

Evans Vestal Ward
"This is my second baby shower this week. My sister had one too," said Madden's twin brother, Benji (left). "I'm going to have two grandchildren in the next few months!" the boys' mother, Robin, declared.

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Proud Parent

Evans Vestal Ward
Another guest looking forward to becoming a grandparent was Richie's mother Brenda, who played host for the Wizard of Oz-themed baby bash. "I've been stocking up [on baby items] for a while," Brenda admitted. "I can't wait!"
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Shake, Rattle, Roll

Evans Vestal Ward
"This is really fun and not traditional," said Richie pal Bijou Phillips. "And there are a lot of games, which I like." A live band playing classic songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz also helped to get guests into the spirit of the day.

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Soul Food

Evans Vestal Ward
"Don't deprive yourself, try the donuts!" declared The Office's Rashida Jones, who went back to the mini-donut station for seconds and encouraged the other guests to do the same. For those interested in the main course, a buffet was stocked with a onion rings, macaroni and cheese and roast beef tenderloin. A full pasta bar helped Nicole satisfy one of her strongest pregnancy cravings.

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Flashback

Evans Vestal Ward
After taking a moment alone-to check out their own baby portraits-Richie and Madden collected donations for their newly-established charity, The Richie Madden Children's Foundation, which will provide baby gear to families in need. "It's a really cool way we can celebrate our child's life with something positive," said Madden. "And celebrate other young couples who are just starting out and will enjoy all these things that people donated."
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On Camera Cole

Evans Vestal Ward
Singer Natalie Cole helped preserve the day with an on-camera appearance. "I've known Nicole since she was 11. The last time we were in the Beverly Hills Hotel together was for her graduation," said Cole, who also provided some commentary on event planner Mindy Weiss's decor. "Mindy did a baby shower for one of my girlfriends-her imagination is just delicious."

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Match Maker

Evans Vestal Ward
Among the other guests transported to an afternoon in Oz were DJ Samantha Ronson, Khloe Kardashian and designer Jenni Kayne. "It's surreal to see your friends growing up and having babies," said Ronson, who was thanked for introducing the happy couple to each other.

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Under Wraps

Evans Vestal Ward
In addition to their exclusive Mouawad bracelets, guests like Paris Hilton were gifted with a soft pashmina on their way out the door. The warm wraps were available in pink, blue or yellow, a color scheme that kept many guessing whether Richie and Madden's bundle of joy will be a boy or a girl.

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Fantasy Following

Evans Vestal Ward
A yellow brick road transported guests like Lauren Conrad, Rashida Jones and Paris Hilton into the Wizard of Oz-themed ballroom filled with film references. "It's my favorite movie and has been ever since I can remember. It's fantasy," said Richie of the big screen theme, brought to life by planner Mindy Weiss.

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Sweet Tooth Station

Evans Vestal Ward
A candy bar-featuring lollipops, natch-was a hit with the underage set in attendance, while the grown-ups sipped pink, blue and yellow lemon drop martinis.

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Tabletop Toto

Evans Vestal Ward
Apple trees, blue gingham tablecloths, and centerpieces featuring Toto and ruby red slippers pulled the theme together. A keepsake red slipper ornament marked each guest's place. "Nicole really wanted a lounge theme," said planner Mindy Weiss.
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Cause Celeb

Evans Vestal Ward
In lieu of extravagant gifts, Richie and Madden asked their guests to bring along their favorite children's book to help them start a library. The couple also asked their guests to reach into their pockets and donate to the new Richie Madden Children's Foundation, which will provide 100 mom-to-be kits to less fortunate families in the L.A. area.

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Beauty Bar

Evans Vestal Ward
The fun and games also included a station where guests could try out temporary tattoos and over the top eyelash extensions. Paris Hilton tested out a fluttery pair of bejeweled lashes. "Joel requested the rhinestone eyelashes, that was his idea," said Richie.

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Icing on the Cake

Evans Vestal Ward
Cake Divas created a tiered confection of white cake with elaborate icing, garnished with a messages that read: "There's no place like having a baby at home." An array of bright cupcakes adorned with sugar roses was nearby, and cookies iced with images of iconic characters from Oz served as place settings.
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