We love baby showers here at {ritzy bee} and wanted to feature some fun ideas for hosting {or helping} to plan one for the special mom or dad to be.
Theme
We like an event that is unique and meaningful! To come up with some theme ideas consider the following: the baby's nursery {think colors & theme}, a favorite children's book, a picture hanging on the nursery wall, etc. Be sure to take cues from the mother and/or parent's to set the tone of the party. Do they prefer modern over traditional? Casual vs. formal? Be sure to carry the theme thru from the invitations to the favors!
Photo credits: Poster by Binth
Invitations
Send invitations six weeks prior to the party. Be sure to include: details of a theme, if it will be a boy/girl/or a surprise, and a list of where parents are registered for gifts. Consider holding the shower over Sunday brunch or on a Saturday afternoon between lunch & dinner.
Photo credits: Coaster invite by Snow & Graham via Broadway Paper, elephant invites by ink and wit
Decor
Carry colors into decorations - concentrate on decorating in one area, such as where food will be displayed. Instead of a centerpiece on the food table, opt for a hanging mobile...even better if it can be utilized in the nursery following the party!
Photo credits: Martha Stewart
Food
Serve light appetizers and drinks for an afternoon affair or brunch for an event between 9 am & noon. For menu ideas visit Food Network for recipes.
Photo credits: Blueprint
Gift giving
As the host, give at least one gift not on the registry. A good idea are theme corresponding thank you cards they can send to everyone that attended {if you have the time, label & address envelopes for the parents-to-be}
We love these baby update cards from Cotton Idea Studio as a fun gift for parents!
Photo credit: Blueprint, ink and wit, Cotton Idea Studio
Give a {group gift} to a mom-to-be such as a pregnancy massage, maternity photo-shoot session with a professional photographer or a larger registry item!
Photo credit: Whitebox
Other details
Be sure to designate someone to take pictures
Give something edible as a parting gift such as custom sugar cookies from Eleni's
Play a fun "lullaby" playlist
Compile a photo book about the baby's family & family members to read to them when they arrive
Photo credits: Martha Stewart
Great post - I love the blue and orange palette.
Posted by: Kathryn | March 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Any ideas for games that aren't cheesy?
Posted by: Gretchen | April 11, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I love the idea of baby update cards as a gift for the parents! It is such a cute idea especially for those who have a lot of out of town family that can't be there as often to see the child grow =)
Posted by: Courtney | May 20, 2008 at 10:14 PM