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Planning a Successful Baby Shower
By Sarah Lindstrom
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A baby shower is one of the most exciting things about being pregnant. I'm just being honest. It's like your bridal shower but everything is miniature and infinitely cuter. As the pregnant woman, it's glorious - you invite some friends and family, show up and let them shower you with gifts. As the woman planning the baby shower, however, it can be much more stressful and work intensive. You want to give the mom-to-be the shower she wants, while keeping some type of budget in mind and making sure everyone has a good time. Here are a few tips to keep the show running smoothly.
1. Choosing a venue. This can be more difficult than you think. On paper, it might seem easier to host the shower at your house, and if there are only going to be a handful of people in attendance this may be the best bet. But really consider all the extra work. Most people don't have a set up in their house to entertain 20 or more people for a shower. There has to be a set up for food that you will have to either make or pay to bring it in, a table for gifts and a spot for the mom to open the gifts where everyone can see. By choosing a small banquet facility or country club, all of those logistics are taken care of for you. They've done this before so they know the perfect setup for everything and there will be plenty of room. Plus, you don't have to clean your house and deal with the aftermath if you host it yourself.
2. To game or not to game. This is a situation in which it helps to know your audience. I, personally, did not want shower games, but I know a lot of women who love them. Ask your mom-to-be how she feels about them and go from there. We played Gift Bingo at my shower. It didn't take up any extra time and it gave the women something to do while I opened gifts. For the mom who likes playing games, I have one piece of advice: please don't over do it. Pick one or two games that you think are really fun and leave it at that. Play too many and the day starts to get long and people will get restless.
3. Feed your guests first. Unless otherwise stated, your guests will come expecting to eat. By feeding them first, you ensure a captive, and happy, audience for gifts.
4. Make the favors edible. Favors can be tricky little things. You want them to be cute and serve as a momento of the day; however, you don't want to waste your money. The little engraved pacifiers and booties are adorable, as are the candles that look like bottles and baby carriages, but let's be honest, they will probably sit in a drawer until the person doesn't feel bad about throwing it out - probably around your child's first birthday. Chocolates, mints or cookies in a little organza bag are a sure bet. Attach a little tag to each expressing your thanks.
5. Plan it early. I think the best time to schedule a shower is at the beginning of the seventh month. The mom-to-be will probably have enough energy to truly enjoy herself. Plus, you want to give her plenty of time to set up the nursery with all of her gifts and write all of her thank you notes before the baby is born.
Now here are a few tips for the guest of honor:
1. Thank the gift giver when you open her present. You would be amazed at the number of showers I've been to where the gifts are blown over before anyone knows what happened. Yes, you're going to write thank you notes, but half the reason everyone is there is to see you open the gift they brought. Take your time and thank each person individually after their gift.
2. Make the rounds. You are the guest of honor and everyone has taken time out of their day to come give you a present. Treat it as you did your wedding and try to make it around to chat with everyone. Yes, that means that if you have 15 guests, you will have to give details about how you're feeling 15 times, but everyone is excited for you so tell that story about heartburn each time with a smile.
3. Wrap it up with a little speech. I'm not talking about a speech of epic proportions, but acknowledge all the work that people put into planning the day and thank the people who took time out of their day to celebrate with you.
Baby showers are so much fun and certainly don't require the planning of a rocket scientist. Keep it simple and fun and that's all anyone wants. As long as there's food and maybe a cocktail or two, it will be a success. Don't over-think it and once the day arrives, greet your guests and then relax and have a good time.
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