Baby showers are a lovely way to celebrate an expecting parent (or parents) and shower them with love and gifts for their new arrival. They are a time to gather loved ones for games, food, fun, and well wishes. Whether you're a seasoned party planner or a showering newbie, here are some tips to throw a baby shower that everyone will remember fondly.
Balloons, streamers, and banners are all baby shower staples. But you can also get creative with centerpieces, tablecloths, and other decorations that fit your theme.
A. Choosing a theme
Choosing a theme sets the tone for your entire baby shower. It inspires your decorations, food, activities, and even favors. Here are some popular themes to get your creative juices flowing:
Classic Themes: Can't go wrong with these timeless favorites!
- It's a Boy/It's a Girl: A traditional approach with a blue or pink color scheme and decorations featuring teddy bears, rattles, and baby carriages.
- Neutral Tones: Opt for a gender-neutral theme with calming colors like yellow, green, or orange. Decorate with animals, nature motifs, or hot air balloons.
- Tea Party: This elegant theme is perfect for an afternoon gathering. Decorate with floral arrangements, teacups and saucers, and dainty desserts.
Whimsical Themes: Let your imagination run wild!
- Storybook Characters: Choose a beloved children's book like Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, or Peter Pan. Decorate with themed tablecloths, centerpieces, and even have guests dress up as characters!
- Jungle Safari: Transform your space into a mini jungle with animal prints, greenery, and stuffed animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes.
- Under the Sea: Dive into an oceanic adventure! Decorate with blue and green hues, seashells, starfish, and playful fish cutouts.
- Minimalist Chic: Keep it simple and elegant with a monochromatic color scheme, clean lines, and geometric shapes. Decorate with fresh flowers and greenery for a touch of nature.
- Boho Chic: Create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with macrame wall hangings, dreamcatchers, and colorful throw pillows.
- Travel-Themed: Celebrate the parents' love of travel with a world map backdrop, miniature airplanes or globes as centerpieces, and luggage tag favors.
B. Plan the Perfect Menu
Finger foods are ideal for a baby shower. Think miniature quiches, sandwiches, wraps, and bite-sized desserts. Don't forget the drinks! Offer a variety of beverages, including water, juice, coffee, and tea.
C. Fun and Games
Baby shower games are a great way to break the ice and get guests interacting. There are many classic baby shower games, or you can come up with your own creative ideas. Here are a few ideas:
- Guessing Games: These are always a hit at baby showers. Try the "Guess Who?" game pictured above! Guests can try to guess who the baby will look like, who the silliest parent will be, or even who will be the first one to change a diaper!
- Bingo: Create baby-themed bingo cards with squares containing baby items, like rattle, onesie, or bottle. As the mom-to-be opens her gifts, guests can mark off the squares that appear. The first person with a bingo wins a prize!
- Price is Right: Wrap up a basket of baby goodies and have guests write down their guess for the total price. The guest with the closest guess wins the basket!
D. Open Presents
This is a highlight of the baby shower! Set aside ample time for the mom-to-be to open her gifts. Encourage guests to share a quick message or well wish as they present their gifts.
After the shower, be sure to thank your guests for their generosity and well wishes. The mom-to-be can send a handwritten thank you note or a personalized email.
We hope these tips help you throw a baby shower that celebrates the new arrival in style!
