Setting a Date
Are you canning the calendar in search of the perfect date on which to throw that baby shower? Showers are typically thrown before the baby is born, usually a month or two before the bay is due. It¡¯s a good idea to provide the expecting mother with enough time to go out and purchase the items that she didn¡¯t receive at the shower but wants to have before the bay is born. Additionally, keep in mind that it is dangerous to plan the shower too close to the due date as you never know if the baby will be in a hurry to get out! Instead of a baby shower, some have a "welcoming shower" a few weeks after the baby is born (this is generally the case if guests are eager to purchase gender specific gifts). This is also a smart idea if you want to include friends and relatives that will be coming in from out of town for the birth (grandparents, aunts, sisters, etc.).
Who Makes the List?
One of the most important ingredients in the recipe for a successful baby shower is a good guest list. Are you still trying to figure out whom to invite? Here is a little cheat sheet: Grandparents from both sides Sisters from both sides All female relatives from both sides (aunts, cousins, etc.) Female co-workers of the expecting mother Close female friends of the expecting motherIt¡¯s in your best interest to run your guest list past the mommy-to-be to make sure that you have included everyone that she would like to have in attendance. If the party is a surprise, consult close friends and relatives of the expecting mother and use a collaborative effort to create a complete guest list.
Make a Baby Shower Man Friendly?
When baby shower planning many women wonder whether or not they should include men in the plan. More than likely, most men will not be at all interested in a baby shower. The idea of gossiping about babies, playing silly games, and eating pastel colored cake while sipping punch is probably less than appealing to most men. It's a good gesture, however, to ask the daddy-to-be make an appearance for the gift opening. Opening presents for their new child could be a special moment that the new parents would like to share. It's not uncommon that some the female guests will be chauffered by their male counterparts (some will likely come in from out of town). A great idea is to arrange a simultaneous male gathering in another part of the house or at a location nearby.
Make Some Diaper Dishes!
A baby shower is the perfect place to display your creative side. Looking for some cutesy ideas? Well, if you go down your baby shower checklist you¡¯ll find that you need both decorations and refreshments. Why not combine the two? One of the cutest ideas is to make homemade candy dishes that are shaped like diapers. Follow the instructions below to make your own:Cut out pieces of felt (remember that these will be a candy dishes so make sure they¡¯re big enough) Fold the felt pieces into diaper shapes. Attach a small safety pin to each side of your diapers to give them a realistic look. Hold the diaper upright and make sure that the center is hollowed out. Dip each diaper into melted paraffin wax while maintaining its shape. Cover each diaper completely with wax and remove. Place diapers on a cookie sheet to cool.Once your diapers have cooled, fill them with whatever goodies you¡¯d like and display them. They¡¯re sure to be a hit!
Simple Baby Shower Table Setting
Are you looking for a creative way to decorate the table at the baby shower that you're hosting? Believe it or not, you probably have all the supplies that you will need in your home. First, cover the table with a festive cloth (pastel colors work best) and place a nice floral arrangement in the center of the table. Next, sprinkle glitter or confetti over the table to give it a festive look. You will need one white dinner napkin for each place setting. Fold each napkin into the shape of a diaper and secure them with safety pins. Now, you have a table fit for a baby shower. If you want to have a little more fun you can make a game out of your diaper napkins. Place scoops of peanut butter inside a few of the napkin diapers. Offer prizes to whichever women seat themselves in front of the dirty diapers!
Tea Time!
One of the best baby shower themes is a tea party. To set this up, arrange several tables with fancy table cloths and nice place settings. Then, put a fresh floral centerpiece on each table. Borrow tea sets and china from friends and relatives ahead of time to make sure that you have enough for each table to have its own tea set. Pick up assorted scones and pastries from a bakery (or have each guest bring an appropriate refreshment). If you're the baking type (and if you have the time) you can even make your own desserts to serve. For a main dish, serve deli meats on croissants, cold rice salad, and fresh fruit. When sending out invitations, make clear that guests should dress up for the occassion. If you would like guests to bring anything make sure that this is clear on the invitaions as well.
Waste Not Want Not
Wrapping paper is such a waste. Sure, it looks nice when the gift is sitting there, waiting to be opened. At the end of the day, however, the paper ends up torn and crumpled on the floor. What should you do instead? Wrap your present with materials that will be as useful as the present itself. If you're heading to a baby shower, ditch the baby blue gift bag or cutesy paper with little tug boats on it. Instead, place your gift in a box and wrap it with a receiving blanket. Secure the blanket with safety pins. Instead of a bow, attach an assortment of items that the baby will use to the top of the gift (rattle, pacifier, teething ring, etc.).
Use Your Shower to Build a Library
If you're in charge of the baby shower planning it's your job to make it an extra special event. The point of a baby shower is to "shower" the mother with gifts and supplies that she and her new baby will need. Aside from necessity, however, it's a good gesture to arrange something personal for the child. Want a great baby shower tip? On each invitation, ask that the guest bring one of their favorite childhood books to give to the baby. And, have each of them write a personal or inspirational message to the child on the inside cover or title page. This will jump start the new baby's library. As a gift, it would be a great gesture to give the mother some decorative book ends to help organize the new reading selection.
How to Invite the Invited¡
So, you¡¯ve created the perfect baby shower guest list, now what? You better start sending out those invitations or you won¡¯t have any guests. There are many ways to send out invitations including:??By mail Making phone calls Via email If you decide to go the email route, make sure that all of the guests have email addresses and, more importantly, that they check their email regularly. It¡¯s imperative that you ask guests to RSVP in this situation and/or that you make follow-up calls. And, if you go the phone route, make sure you¡¯ve got plenty of time to kill as it will most certainly take a while (and will probably require second and third rounds of phone calls). The most recommended way of sending out invites is through standard mail. Everyone has a mailbox and the postal service is reliable. Plus, you can add personal touches to all of the invites (you can even write them by hand if you¡¯d like). Make sure you include all pertinent information such as time, location, baby shower theme (if any), directions, and specifications of anything you would like the guests to bring.