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Baby
Showers 101 |
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The birth of a baby is
an exciting time for the new parents and a baby shower is
a great way to celebrate that joy and to show support. |
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Etiquette
Who should host a baby shower?
The shower can be hosted by a close friend or relative of
the mother-to-be. Traditionally, it was considered
improper for a family member to host a shower because it
is primarily a gift-giving event. However, today family
members commonly help or host the shower.
How many and who should be invited?
A shower typically ranges from 5-20 people. Occasionally,
expecting couples request a co-ed shower. It is of course
always best to consult with the mother-to-be when making
up the guest list.
When should the shower be held?
A good time for the shower is 2-3 months before the due
date or after the baby is born. Check with the
mother-to-be to see which she prefers.
Party Themes
Shower themes can be carried through to the invitations
and decorations, tableware and food. Themes can be as
general as "teddy bears", "Noah's Ark", or "storks". Other
ideas can revolve around gift ideas to help the new
parents stock their nursery:
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Baby Clothes (diapers, sleepers, rompers)
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Baby Toys (rattles, stuffed animals, teethers)
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Bath Items (plastic tub, powders and ointments)
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Baby Nursery (sheet sets, blankets, night light,
changing table)
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Mother's Suitcase (nightgown, slippers, robe)
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Personalized Baby Items (booties, birth certificate
holder, picture frames, picture albums, blankets, first
spoon and fork, first curl box)
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Invitations
Invitations are a great way to reflect the spirit and
theme of your shower. They should be sent about 6 weeks in
advance for out-of-town guests and about 4 weeks in
advance for local guests. Here are a few suggestions:
Little Diaper Invites-
Cut out triangles from pink and blue construction paper or
felt. Write the party details on one side, then fold like
a diaper and secure with a diaper pin.
Bubble Gum Cigar -
Send your guests a bubble gum cigar with a tag describing
the party details.
Building Blocks -
Cut out 3 squares of different color construction paper.
Draw an "A", "B" and "C" on one side. Overlap them
slightly and tape or glue in place. Write the party
information on the back. Enclose a baby charm inside.
Store Bought or Custom -
Choose from a variety of store bought invitations that
match your tableware, or have personalized custom
invitations.
Decorations
Using a theme from a tableware pattern is easy because of
the matching centerpieces, paper cutouts, banners and
other items that are available. Here are a few other ideas
to create the right atmosphere:
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Ask several guests to wrap packages of diapers in solid
color wrap and draw a large letter on each side in a
contrasting color. Stack the diaper "building blocks" in
a corner of the room.
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Use a basket stuffed with baby items as a centerpiece.
Attach a balloon bouquet to it.
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Tie pink and blue balloons around the room and on the
back of chairs. Mix in coordinating mylar balloons.
Weigh them down with a stuffed animal or baby toy.
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Schedule
A shower usually lasts about 2 hours. Here is a "typical"
schedule:
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Have each guest introduce themselves and how they know
the mother-to-be.
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Play 2-4 shower games. Playing the games at the
beginning makes a nice "ice breaker".
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Serve food or have guests help themselves to a buffet.
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Have the mother-to-be open her gifts.
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Give party favors to guests as they leave
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