Basics for a Successful Baby Shower

Throwing a baby shower for an expectant friend or family member doesn't have to be a pain; with a little planning and organization it can be easy!

First of all, choose your theme if you're going to have one. If you know the sex of the baby, choose a Pink Princess theme or a Little Boy Blue theme. If you don't know, pastel colors and a generic item like rubber duckies will make a fun theme to build a party around and you can even get little rubber duckies to give away to your guests as shower favors.

Traditionally, showers are held four to eight weeks before the due date of the baby so start planning your shower about a month before it will be held so you'll have time to make any changes to your guest list or other adjustments. Which brings us to the guest list. You will need to create a list of people to invite and from that list determining roughly what your budget will be for snacks and favors.

The guest list should include family and close friends of the mother and father-to-be. Sometimes, co-workers are invited as well. The future parents should always be consulted on the guest list to avoid inviting people they really wouldn't want at the shower.

As far as foods, go light with small sandwiches, fruits, veggies with dip, chips, sweet treats such as cookies and brownies and other light party fare is most often served at showers. Many people get the mother-to-be a cake to celebrate the occasion as well.

A traditional baby shower will focus on building the baby's layette, which is the newborn's collection of clothing. A nursery shower will help to build the baby's nursery with all the essentials, such as cribs, swings, and bathtubs. If you want to keep the shower general, create a list of items the mother-to-be could use to give your attendees ideas. Another option is to create a registry at a local store so certain gifts such as infant bathtubs aren't doubled up on.

If the mother-to-be already has a children or children, she can still have a shower. Years ago, showers were reserved for only the first babies - however all births are celebrated and many women have a shower for each of their children. These types of showers are often referred to as "sprinkles".

Whether it's a shower or a sprinkle, throw a great get together and celebrate the impending arrival of the mother-to-be's that little prince or princess that is soon to be here.

Labels: baby-shower

by: Mama Bebe & Co.