Having a Baby

Even the most inexperienced host can plan the perfect baby shower – all it takes is a little thought and organization.

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In a moment of spontaneity you agreed to throw a shower for a special mom-to-be, but now you are questioning your sanity, tossing and turning at night wondering how you will ever pull it off. Well, there is no need to panic! By using a simple planning guide or checklist, giving yourself plenty of time to prepare, and enlisting the help of others, you can host an event that is both memorable and enjoyable.

Plan the Guest List: Determining how many people you need or want to invite will influence many other decisions such as location and menu. Will your baby shower be a small, intimate gathering of close friends or will it be a larger affair including family, coworkers, and neighborhood acquaintances? In some cases, you may want to check with the grandmothers-to-be or other friends to make sure no one is left out.

Choose a date, time, and location: Will the shower be before or after the baby is born? While many moms-to-be appreciate getting some of the necessities ahead of time, hosting a party after the baby is born is a great way to introduce the new bundle of joy to family and friends. If you choose to plan your shower before the baby is born, remember to select a day that is at least two months prior to the due date to avoid the possibility of early labor. If you prefer to wait until after baby arrives, remember to ask the new mom what time of day is best. Of course, the size of the guest list will determine the location. You can host the party in your own home, a tea room, restaurant, or choose to rent a larger facility such as a banquet hall or community center.

Choose a theme: When you want to plan the perfect baby shower, choosing a theme will give your event that unique and personal touch, and have guests believing that you are a party expert. You could choose something as simple as following the same color scheme as the nursery, or a more elaborate theme such as an around-the-clock shower or a tea party. You may wish to choose a Mother Goose or Fairy Tale theme and ask each guest to bring a book for the new baby; or possibly incorporate a Toy Story theme where everyone brings a new toy. Once you have determined a theme, choosing decorations and invitations will be much easier.

Invitations: It only takes a few minutes at the computer to find the perfect baby shower invitation to match any theme. If time or computer skills are an issue, most local department stores carry a large selection of party invitations at reasonable prices. Along with date, time, and location, remember to include any specifics such as baby’s gender (if known), gift registries, party theme, and method of RSVP. You should also decide on the most efficient way to manage replies – whether by mail, email, or phone – and keep a list of the responses received.

Decorations: Again, for the professional look, have decorations follow a specific color scheme or theme. If you are creative, you could make centerpieces and balloon bouquets, or for the less artistic, you could visit a local party store and purchase everything you need. If you choose a restaurant or tea room as your location, remember to check with management to find out what they will allow you to bring or what they are able to provide. To save money and accomplish two jobs at once, choose decorations that can also be used as party favors and thank you gifts, such as chocolate bouquets, fresh cut flowers, candle holders, or picture frames.

Games: Games are a vital part of any shower because they help people relax and encourage socializing. There are many options to choose from such as printable games, physically active games, group activities, and individual challenges and quizzes; however, venue and party size will be major considerations when making your selections. Keep prizes simple by using easy to find items like baby-shaped candy, soap, small bottles of hand lotion, or chocolate.

Menu: Perhaps the most stressful part of planning any party is deciding on the menu. The size of the party, the time of day, and the atmosphere you wish to create are important factors to consider when deciding on what food to serve. Do you want a brunch with soufflés and fruit, an afternoon tea with fancy sandwiches and pastries, a full course sit down meal, or a buffet of finger foods? Will guests be able to sit at tables or will they be balancing plates on their knees? If you will be preparing all of the food yourself, try to choose items that can be made ahead of time so that you know everything is in order before the guests arrive and you can focus on playing host/hostess. If you will be ordering some of the menu in, remember to order well ahead of time so you can relax, knowing that the right food will arrive at the right time.

Even if you are taking your first hesitant party planning step and feel completely overwhelmed, using these simple ideas to help plan the perfect baby shower will make the experience less stressful and leave guests raving about your hosting skills.

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Posted on December 19th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Having a Baby