Chances are, if you’re pulling out your hair trying to figure out whom sells baby shower favors and, more importantly, what the heck baby shower favors are, you’ve probably been asked to put together your first baby shower. Oh sure, you stand behind your pregnant friend and you want to give her the best celebration possible, but now you question what was going through your head when you agreed to host and plan it. You don’t know where to even begin, it seems like such a monumental task. The good news, thankfully, is that a baby shower can be easy to put together. Just take a deep breath first and take it step by step.
First things first, what does the mother-to-be want? Isn’t that the most important part of the equation? As much as she might not want to deal with it, she has to give you an idea of what she would wants the baby shower to be, even a basic outline. Also, try to involve her other friends in the decision-making situation. You can come up with better ideas as a team.
Now that you have a basic idea of what she wants, begin to assemble the individual aspects of the party. First of all, get a guest list together and get invitations out before anyone makes other plans. Find a caterer if that’s what the mother- to- be wants. If flowers are to be involved find a florist who will put together something nice, and more importantly have it done in time for the party. Decorations and party supplies don’t have to be picked up right away, but make sure you have them all lined up at least a week before the party.
Now that the individual aspects of the party are lined up, it’s now time to make sure all of them smoothly come together on the special day. Get as many of the supplies as possible a few days before the shower day so that you can keep your stress levels to a minimum. If you have a reliable caterer (or are getting food from a restaurant) make sure to call in a few days before to make sure everything is lined up clearly. Ask about delivery as it might be worth it to save some time. Make sure the baby shower favors are all in order and get the drinks on ice. Make sure you have a few trusty people around to delegate some of the lesser chores. This will make the day run smoother and will make sure that everything goes according to plan. Both the mother-to-be and your sanity will thank you big time for taking this step by step.
Author Kimberly Green has planned many baby showers and always gets the baby shower favors from SimplyBabyStuff.com
Planning a baby shower can be tough work unless you can clearly map out what both you and the mother-to-be want in a party. All you have to do is focus on a few simple things to make sure the baby shower is a hit for everyone.
In the lead up to having a baby, for the parents everything can feel like a production. Besides the stress of the actual childbirth, you have to get the nursery together, deal with the insurance costs and make sure the child has a financial nest egg to start their life.
This is why baby showers are left to the new mother’s friends and family, because the last thing a mother needs to worry about is getting the right baby shower decorations. While it’s not exactly brain surgery, if it’s your first time doing it planning the right baby shower can be a little bit stressful. There is figuring out the guest list, sending out invitations, planning games, getting food and drinks, and, most of all, making sure everyone has a great time. It might sound like a lot, but as long as you take it step by step it shouldn’t be any more of a hassle then, say, planning a get together with your friends.
Maybe the easiest part of the planning is getting a guest list together. This is pretty much all on the expectant mother, whoever she wants she can invite. Chances are she’ll already have a list in her head ready by the time you come with her with your inquiry. Just make sure you have enough room for everyone in either your or her residence.
Picking the right invitation again falls under the discretion of the mother-to-be. Some women might not care what invitations go out (at that point you can purchase them at Target or Wal-Mart), while others might want something more formal. You might want to check shops like Paper Chase and Papyrus for a wide variety of cute (though somewhat pricey) invitation ideas.
When it comes to planning games for the baby shower, your best bet might be to check out the countless number of “baby shower” planning books that are out there or, more economically, you can check out internet websites which highlight baby shower games. Some expectant mothers might want to skip the games and make the shower a more streamlined affair.
Two of the most important components of the baby shower will be the food and the drinks offered during the affair. Let’s face it: one of the main reasons to go to any party is to graze on the food and drinks offered at it. While freshly made party platters offered from local grocers are a good idea for any party, those looking to get the affair catered might want to look towards a chain restaurant that offers platters off different “ethnic” food such as Greek, Mexican, Japanese, etc. Make sure the food matches with the expectant mothers and attendees tastes. As for drinks: soft drinks, mineral waters, juices, and wine are always good ideas.
The key to making any baby shower a hit is making sure both the mother to be and guests have a good time. The combination of good food, drinks, fun games and an overall good atmosphere will make any baby shower a hit.
Author Kimberly Green’s favorite part of planning baby showers is picking the baby shower decorations – never been disappointed when shopping online at SimplyBabyStuff.com
Posted in Big Dot of Hapiness, Simply Baby Stuff | Comments (0)