Planning a baby shower can be a joyous experience. After all, your best friend is going to have a baby -- such an exciting time. On the other hand, actually throwing the party can be overwhelming. Do you need a theme? What games will everyone play? And what do people eat at these things? Below are some suggestions that may help you through each stage of planning, with some help from the creative party planners in the ParentsPlace.com community!
Themes give a party structure
Although themes aren't mandatory, they can help you structure the event. Coming up with invitations, menu ideas, games, favors, and gifts are easier if you have a theme to guide you.
Before selecting the theme, you must analyze your guest list. Take into account the number of attendees, as well as the personalities of the guests. If your shower will be large, for example, you might want to avoid a personal, intimate theme. Otherwise, by the time you get through the fifteenth guest's discourse on what motherhood means to her, you'll have to awaken remaining guests with a real shower!
Here are some ideas for themes to jump-start your baby shower planning:
The better baby baby shower: This theme is designed to contribute to the baby's intellectual development . From food to decorations, think in terms of red, white and black with bold shapes.
The warm and fuzzy baby shower: Intimacy is key. From activities to gifts, close friends can help prepare the mom-to-be for the upcoming addition with advice and stories.
Spa day for Mommy: Soon enough the baby will be getting all the attention. This shower is for the mother, and may even include a relaxing reflexology massage during the party! Gifts would be theme-based.
Jack and Jill baby shower: Why leave the dad-to-be out of the fun? This type of shower is great for couples who have shared every step of the pregnancy. And when it comes to food, forego tea sandwiches and think barbecue.
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