Throwing a Memorable Baby Shower

There are many elements to throwing a baby shower. They can be costly, but I have compiled a list of suggestions to make your baby shower throwing experience a little easier on your wallet. You also want to make the baby shower memorable for the mom-to-be. Let’s get started.

Invitations:

Give your guest about three weeks notice before the date of the baby shower. The invitations should include the baby registration location, time, place, names of the shower throwers and how to r.s.v.p. You can either make your invitations from stationary at the craft store or purchase them. In this case, I recommend purchasing the invites, it will save you time. You can buy them in many styles and amounts. You can try target or wal-mart for your invitations.

Theme:

Selecting a theme can be fun. You can go to your local party store to find some theme ideas. If the mother knows the sex of the baby you can do either blue or pink themes. IF the sex is unknown, greens, yellows, blues and pinks can be used (non gender specific). A theme can be rubber ducks, teddy bears, or puppies. You will want to pick a theme that you can easily find decorations for and can easily be creative.

Decorations:

Balloons are always a fun decorating tool. They can fill a room and make it look more festive. You can find matching streamers, balloons, plates, utensils, and cups at discount party stores. This is the most cost effective way to decorate. Pastel colors should be your focus, unless you know the mom-to-be enjoys brights. You should get matching table clothes if you have scattered tables and spread baby theme confetti on the tables.

Centerpieces:

You want your guests to be able to help themselves; this will take the burden off you because you will be busy. Set up a refreshment table, gift table, and food table. Make centerpieces for each of these tables. Take an inexpensive gift basket and fill it with a stuffed animal, bottles, pacifiers, and some Easter straw. You can also pick items at are apart of the shower theme. This will give a personal touch to the shower.

Food:

Finger foods for a shower are more traditional than a sit down, elaborate meal. Here are some suggestions; mini sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit and vegetable trays (with dip). For deserted spend some extra money on an elaborate cake, do some research to find the best price. The appearance will pay off in the end. For our non- cake lover guests provide a batch or two of homemade cookies.

Beverages:

Supply enough beverages. Coffee, diet or regular soda, and a homemade punch are some beverage suggestions. It’s important not to have alcohol, the mom-to-be has to be sober, so do you. Alright,if you want to have a white wine for an evening shower, go ahead, but make sure you have red for the mom-to-be.

Favors:

These can be done in a very cost effective manor. Grab some after dinner mints, hard cadies, or Hershey kisses and wrap them in tulle or lace. It can bound by a pretty ribbon or tie. You can find many options at your local craft store.

Games:

Get creative with the games. Don’t for get to buy prizes for the games, such as a scented candle or gift certificates to get a manicure. You can play baby bingo, unscrambling baby words, or the dirty diaper game. This one can get gross, but it’s a lot of fun. You take several disposable diapers and number them on the outside. Buy the same amount of candy bars as there are diapers. Melt the chocolate bars in the microwave and put them in the diapers. Pass the diapers around and have each person right down what candy bar they think is melted in the diaper. Don’t forget to make a key for yourself so you know the answers.

Gifts:

Make her baby bling with some fabulous gifts. Reserve a part of the evening to open the gifts. Have the mom-to-be wear a special sash and sit in a chair in front of the guests. Have someone sit next to her (probably you) and help hand her gifts as well as record the names of the gift- givers (for thank you notes later). Return the open gifts to the gift table to keep them in one place.