Baby Showers Made Simple

Article Written By: PamelaKazmierczak

Trying to throw a baby shower is far different than thinking back to the ones we attended or even the ones that were thrown for us. We have to consider what the mother to be wants and does not and make sure we plan the shower in a timely manner. This article will cover the basics of a baby shower.

The first question that must be addressed is who is going to throw the shower. Today just about anyone can throw the shower as values and traditions are rapidly changing. However there was a time when only close friends were the ones who were supposed to have this job. The reason was because when a relative throws a shower it can give the impression that they are trying to get gifts for their family member instead of wanting to celebrate the upcoming baby with family and friends.

The invitation list must be decided early on. Close family and friends for both the mother and father to be should be invited. A traditional view of a baby shower is to keep the lit intimate, less than 25 people, in order to allow the guest of honor time to spend with each guest. However when big families and lists of close friends are involved this may not be possible. Make sure before you finalize the list you allow the mother to be to go over it to make sure that no one was left out and that everyone being invited is someone she is comfortable sharing her special day with.

Before finalizing that guest list you might want to think about having a co-ed party. Co-ed parties are pretty new in the world of baby showers but they are gaining in popularity. It must be decided if the party is to remain traditional, a girls only affair, or if this is for a modern couple who would rather have a co-ed baby bash to celebrate the family that they are about to start. If a co-ed party is chosen it would be wise to rethink decorations, venue and food. Instead of dainty food, pastel colors and a banquet room you might want to consider something like a barbeque type of outing.

If the couple wants something in between the traditional and the modern you might consider two parties, one a traditional baby shower and the other a dinner or activity for the men. The woman's shower would not be affected by the men's festivities but the new father to be will still be able to celebrate in his own way with his male family and friends.

The next thing that should be determined is when exactly this party will take place. A good time for the part is between the sixth and the seventh months. This will ensure that most likely the mother to be will not go into labor before than and after the party to expecting parents will have time to organize all their gifts, finish getting the nursery ready and be able to determine what they still need to purchase. Invitations should be sent at least 2-3 weeks in advance for in town guests and 4-6 weeks in advance for any out of town guests.

The invitation design can be anything from a basic white to a theme that is being used in the nursery. If possible the invitation should either correspond with the nursery theme or the party theme. The invitation should include the guest(s) of honors name, where and when the shower is being held, a map to the shower, the hostess's name and number, when to RSVP by, the sex of the baby is known, the shower theme if any and any places the parents to be are registered to and under what names.

Now that all preparations have been completed it is time to look forward to the shower. A baby shower can run anywhere from 2-4 hours, but should not be any longer. The beginning is usually when the hostess and the guest of honor will thank each guest for coming. During the period of everyone's arrival is usually time for people to mingle. After everyone is there some sort of food is usually served, either a sit down meal like a brunch or a variety of finger foods and desserts. After the food you may choose to play a couple of games, but of course this is not mandatory. Finally, the guest of honor gets to open her presents. As the hostess besides providing the party and the food, you may also want to buy door prizes, prizes for the baby shower games and party favors.

There you have it, the basics of throwing a successful shower.

About the Author

Pamela Kazmierczak owns an online shopping site specializing in all your gift buying needs such as Baby and Children Gifts and Baby Gift Baskets

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This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 and Read 251 Times

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