by David A. Wells
What comes to mind after hearing the four magical words, "We're having a baby?"
A baby shower, of course.
Organizing a party with the expectant parents' closest friends and family members is the perfect way of expressing best wishes for their new family.
Baby showers are usually hosted by a close friend or relative, any time during the last months of the pregnancy.
Just like any party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go smoothly. Here are a few helpful tips to help the host organize the event.
1) Pick a location.
Most baby showers are held at the parent-to-be's house for the comfort of the expectant mother. Small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members are usually best.
A barbecue party in their garden, or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered.
The host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.
2) Choose the Baby Showers' theme
Consider the expectant parents' favorite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon.
Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered.
3) Decide on a menu.
The menu will depend on the time of the event. At most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods. If the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals are customary.
4) Design a fun program.
Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests' childhood memories. The main point is to make sure everyone has a good time, and games will surely liven up the event.
5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.
Prepare a list of the expectant parents' closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek the mother-to-be's approval before sending out invitations. It's the parents' event, and not the host's, so their choice of people should be final.
Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host's personal touch.
Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation -- it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host's contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organized, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower and make sure the mother-to-be gets the final guest list before the baby shower.
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Baby Shower Invitations & Baby Shower Gifts