| Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a | | | | When to have the baby shower is entirely based on |
| successful baby shower. Below are some important | | | | the preferences of the host and the mother. |
| topics to consider when planning: | | | | Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a |
| 1) Who will host the shower? | | | | popular day for these parties. They can occur in the |
| The person that plans and hosts the shower can be | | | | afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like |
| anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the | | | | people's schedules and how much you want to spend. |
| new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or | | | | Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than |
| family member will do all the preparations, but | | | | hosting lunch. |
| sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly | | | | 4) What activites should be planned? |
| with the guest list. Sometimes a small group of friends | | | | There are many games and activities that can be |
| can plan the event together. | | | | planned in advance to make a baby shower |
| In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must | | | | memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for |
| occur more carefully and invitations should be sent out | | | | everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search for |
| in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as | | | | "baby shower games" on the internet and you will find |
| close to the new mother will be involved in acquiring | | | | many games, some of which you can purchase and |
| supplies and getting the word out. | | | | some that are free. |
| 2) Who should be invited? | | | | A short speech of congratulations is also a nice |
| Be sure to invite all the mother's friends and family to | | | | surprise for the new mother. If such a speech occurs, |
| the event. If planning a surprise party, make sure that | | | | it is usually from a close friend or family member. A |
| everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close | | | | good time for congratulations is before eating lunch or |
| friend or family member may know most of the | | | | dinner. |
| mother's friends, but it can also be helpful to ask | | | | Finally, make some time before, between, and after |
| co-workers and other friends to make sure that no | | | | events for everyone to mingle with the new or |
| one is left out. | | | | expecting mom. |
| Also, men are increasingly being included in these | | | | 5) What kind of food is appropriate? |
| parties. An all women's shower can be different than a | | | | The food at the party does not necessarily have to be |
| shower with both men and women, so the planner | | | | baby-themed, although that can be a nice touch. The |
| should consider these things as well. | | | | most common baby-themed food is baby shower |
| If other young children will be in attendance, then make | | | | diaper cake. Your local bakery can also make other |
| sure to plan events for them too. Not planning for | | | | items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby |
| children is a common oversight that adults make when | | | | blocks, pacifiers, rubber ducks, and other baby items. |
| planning parties of this nature. Baby shower games | | | | Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, |
| are a fun way for both children and adults to | | | | make sure to pick food that everyone will enjoy. |
| celebrate. | | | | If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them |
| 3) Where and when should the shower occur? | | | | about their ideas and experiences with baby showers. |
| The party should be held at a location that is | | | | They may have some creative ideas that you may |
| comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the most | | | | not have thought about. |
| common place to host a party is at a friend's or family | | | | 6) Decorations and party favors. |
| member's home. In this case, the mother will not have | | | | Your local party supply store will probably have plenty |
| to worry about cleaning up afterwards. | | | | of decorations for your baby shower. Specifically |
| Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother's place. | | | | themed decorations can also be purchased online. |
| This can be convenient as well because the mother | | | | Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice |
| doesn't have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother | | | | way to say thank you for coming. These gifts for your |
| can help with the clean up afterwards. | | | | guests can range from themed candies to more |
| For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other | | | | expensive keepsakes, including personalized items. |
| locations can be rented. Other places include parks, | | | | Special prizes can also be given out for game winners |
| restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else | | | | or other people who have been important in the |
| that might be appropriate. It is okay to plan things | | | | mother's life and during the pregnancy. |
| differently as long as the mother and everyone else | | | | 7) During the party. |
| has a good time. | | | | Greet the guests when they arrive and have others |
| Most baby showers occur several weeks before the | | | | help out if necessary to make sure everything runs |
| baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the baby | | | | smoothly. And finally, don't forget to have fun after all |
| is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. | | | | the planning and preparation. |