Baby shower ideas
Step by step tips for giving an unforgettable baby
shower!
Showering the Mom and sometimes the Dad with friendship and
love is the purpose of a baby shower.
Many people are electing to hold the shower after the birth
of the baby. This way the appropriate clothing can be given. It also gives
Mom an easy way for many people to see the baby at one time. (This eliminates a
constant stream of visitors right after the baby is born, when both Mother and
baby need their rest.) Check with the mother-to-be to see when she would prefer
a shower.
If you are going to hold the shower before the baby is born,
you should start your planning approximately six weeks before the baby shower.
Ask the mother-to-be for a complete list of guests she would like at her
shower. Once you have an idea of how large the shower will be you can
start making arrangements within your budget and time constraints.
Baby Shower Guide
TEN EASY STEPS
1. Who will plan
Anyone can host a baby shower for the new "parents to be". It can be a
family member, a friend, or a co-worker. If it is a surprise shower, then the
family can help out with the guest list and gift items.
2. Budget
To determine how much the shower will cost, you will need to know the number of
guests, the location of the shower, the menu, what type of party favors, and how
many game prizes you will need.
3. Guest List
Organize your guest list by asking the parents-to-be who they would like to have
at the shower. Usually this includes friends and family, but a few close
co-workers may also be invited. Get address, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Decide if it will be a "girl's only" shower or "couples".
4. Theme
Baby showers are fun! Be a kid again with teddy bears
and stuffed animals. Or invite couples and do a buffet or outdoor party.
Whatever theme you choose, remember this will be the baby's first party. Have
fun!
5. Selecting the menu
Although your menu should reflect your theme, the
time of day is as important - as well as the number of guests. Make this a day
of celebration for the Mother-to-be or parents-to-be, her guests, and yourself.
Consider the amount of time and room available for the shower, as well as any
special dietary needs of the Mother-to-be and her guests.
6. Location
Choose a location that is easy to get to and will
accommodate the needs of the party. Generally, baby showers are held at the home
of the host. Have an idea of how many people you expect before arranging any
final details.
7. Select the date
The baby shower is normally around six weeks before
the due date of the baby's birth. However, some mothers are electing to have the
party after the baby is born. Showers are held on weekends and during the week.
Try to make the time and day convenient for everyone including any out-of-town
guests.
8. Selecting the time
If most of the guests attending the shower work, then
an evening or weekend shower will work best. Consider a weeknight for a change
of pace if everyone lives near each other. If you choose a weekend date, plan
your shower early enough in the day for all who must travel to attend. Be sure
to keep in mind the Mother's schedule (naps, doctors appointments, etc.).
9. Invitations
Invitations can range from the casual (a phone call)
to the most formal (printed invitations). You decide what will work for your
shower. Be sure to include all necessary contact information. Consider also
including your email if you check it every day.
10. Entertainment
As guests arrive, introduce them to one another. As a
unique conversational item, ask your guests to wear a small photo of their child
on their shirt. Who doesn't love to brag about their child?!? Another way to
break the ice is to provide name tags with a small note, such as, "I
attended grammar school with Susie". This is a sure way to start
conversations. Make sure to offer your guests liquid refreshments and whatever
else you have provided. Set the mood with lighted candles, flowers, and
decorations. You want your guests to enjoy the day (or evening) as much as the
guest of honor.
Baby Shower Tips
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Choose the kind of party you can do best.
Accept your time, budget, and equipment limitations.
Coordinate your invitations, decorations,
party favors, and food. Create a mood! -
Plan games and activities that your guests
will enjoy.
-
Check your supplies way ahead of time.
Linen, silver, tables, dishes.
Select unique party favors. Personalized
Party Favors -
Employ students for serving and cleanup.
-
Avoid time consuming dinners. Choose a menu
with which you are familiar.
-
Always overestimate the amount of food you
will need. Make sure you have chafing dishes or hot plates.
-
Buy camera film. Have someone else at the
party be in charge of taking pictures. Chances are, you will be busy. If you
get a lot of great shots, you can make a memento album for the parents
later.
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Don't forget the guest bathroom. Add extra
touches like scented soap and lotion. Keep tissue and feminine items in an
obvious place.
-
Clean and cook ahead of time. Do not wait
until the last minute.
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Plan seating that will encourage lively
conversation.
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When serving buffet style, be sure you have
enough tables or lap trays.
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Create your mood through lighting, music,
and decorations.
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Pay attention to your guests. Know when they
are ready to move on to the next phase of the party.
-
It can be a little awkward at first. A few
close friends arriving early can create an instant party buzz.
-
Do not wait until the last minute!
Baby Shower Scheduling
Organization
Six weeks before the baby shower
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Set time and date with Mother-to-be
-
Prepare guest list with couple's help so you don't
overlook someone
-
If it is a surprise shower, contact the couple's friends
or parents to help with guest list
-
Reserve the date as soon as possible if you are planning
to hold the shower at a restaurant
-
Make or purchase invitations
-
Reserve a caterer if you are using one
-
Start thinking about decorations
Four weeks before the party
-
Plan menu and start planning who will bring what (if this
is a group effort)
-
Decide on what games you will play and gather necessary
props
-
Decide on game prizes you will award and start shopping
for them
-
Choose your gift, as you might get so busy you forget
-
Mail out invitations
-
Begin your search for anything you may need to rent or
borrow for the shower
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Purchase or create place cards if you will be using them
Three weeks before the baby shower
-
Take care of decorations, either buying, making,
collecting or borrowing
-
Ask friends to bring teddy bears or stuffed animals if
this is your theme
-
Purchase and wrap your gift, so you won't forget at the
last minute
-
Prepare shopping list for all ingredients you need to
prepare food
-
Purchase and wrap favors for guests
-
Make sure you have extra wrapping paper and ribbon on hand
(just in case of last minute gifts)
-
Purchase prizes for games
-
Designate someone to pick up the Mother-to-be
Two weeks before the baby shower
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Make sure that you have the proper serving dishes and
utensils
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Check tables and chairs to be sure you have enough
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Look over table linens and napkins (if using cloth)
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Empty coat closets so you will have a clean space to hang
coats
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Confirm reservations if the shower is being held outside
the home
-
Order centerpieces and corsage for the Mother-to-be
-
If it is being catered, contact the caterers
-
If friends are bringing food, touch base with them
One week before the baby shower
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Prepare anything that can be frozen ahead
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Call anyone who has not responded to the invitation
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Check all recipes and buy the ingredients
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Either clean your home or hire someone to do it
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If you will need extra refrigerator space, call a neighbor
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Decide what you are wearing, making sure it is pressed and
ready to wear
-
Check over your decorations to be sure you have everything
you need
Two days before the baby shower
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Decorate your home
-
Set the table, if possible
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Wash china and crystal if needed
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Arrange transportation for any guest who may need it
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Make sure "Mom is feeling good"
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Have a footstool and pillow for "Mom"
The day before the baby shower
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Purchase, pick up, or make the rest of the food on your
menu
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Check your home for last minute cleaning
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Set up extra chairs for guests
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Check to be sure you have enough ice
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Try to set up a spot to display baby's gifts
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Check on any last minute details
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Have plastic trash bag ready for wrappings
-
Pick up helium balloons (they'll be fine overnight if they
are mylar!)
The day of the baby shower
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Call "Mom" and make sure she feels
"great"
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If the shower is being held someplace other than your
home, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your guests
-
Make sure designated driver picks up the guest of honor
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Try to have someone there to help with last minute details
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Light candles to scent the room
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Have glassware and light refreshments available
-
As each guest arrives, make sure she knows someone or
introduce her to others
-
Provide the Mother-to-be with a footstool and a pillow for
her back
Complete your event with party supplies
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