Inside the Nautical-Themed Baby Shower Kaley Cuoco Threw for Her 8 Simple Rules Costar Amy Davidson

When it came time to celebrating the upcoming arrival of Amy Davidson‘s baby boy, the actress knew she was in good hands with her 8 Simple Rules costar — and good friend — Kaley Cuoco.

“We had the shower in Kaley’s backyard, which is a paradise,” Davidson tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Kaley is one of the best hostesses I know — even when we do Bachelor night! It was relaxed and beautiful.”

The theme for the Saturday bash, sponsored by USANA healthcare products and produced by Good Carma Studio, was a nod to Davidson’s husband, boat captain Kacy Lockwood. “My husband works on the water so they ran with the anchor theme,” she says. “It was a total nautical paradise.”

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In keeping with the motif, shower guests wrote messages in a bottle to Davidson or her son, due March 19. “It was such a beautiful touch,” says the mom-to-be, 36.

“We’re doing a vintage, nautical nursery so there are many pieces that will work for the nursery.”

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For lunch, Davidson’s girlfriends, including Lacey Chabert, mom-to-be Ali Fedotowsky and Haylie Duff, dined on pulled pork sandwiches and risotto balls and sipped La Croix sparkling water.

“I never deprive myself,” jokes Davidson, who wore Seraphine’s Cassie Chevron Print Maternity Dress for the outdoor event. “Currently I’m into sweet potato fries!”

When the fete was over, guests took home Mabel’s Labels bag tags and PIXI Beauty makeup products.

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While she’s looking forward to motherhood, Davidson admits a part of her wants to hold on to the pregnancy a little longer.

“I feel like this little boy has been so gentle and sweet and loving already, part of me is like I’m not ready to give up my bump and give up caring for him,” she shares. “But seeing everything come together, I’m slowly becoming more okay with the next stage, which I know nothing about firsthand.”

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Now, Davidson — who is waiting to decide on a name — is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her little guy. “Until now, I’ve only had my husband and my two dogs to care about,” she says.

“The thought of having a human being to raise and look after and care about is overwhelming and scary, but also the most exciting thing I’ve ever experienced.”

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And the simple life lessons will continue once the new addition arrives.

“I think children have so much to teach us and as we get older we forget something simple like being curious and staying engaged,” says Davidson. “I’m excited to learn from him and in return obviously teach him.”

For more from Amy Davidson’s baby shower, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

— Aili Nahas