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Baby Showers
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Baby Shower Planning and Hosting
by: Criss White
Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful
baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:
1) Who will host the shower?
The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close
to the new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or family member will do all the
preparations, but sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly with the guest list.
Sometimes a small group of friends can plan the event together.
In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must occur more carefully and invitations
should be sent out in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as close to the new
mother will be involved in acquiring supplies and getting the word out.
2) Who should be invited?
Be sure to invite all the mother's friends and family to the event. If planning a surprise
party, make sure that everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close friend or family member
may know most of the mother's friends, but it can also be helpful to ask co-workers and other
friends to make sure that no one is left out.
Also, men are increasingly being included in these parties. An all women's shower can be
different than a shower with both men and women, so the planner should consider these things as
well.
If other young children will be in attendance, then make sure to plan events for them too. Not
planning for children is a common oversight that adults make when planning parties of this
nature. Baby shower games are a fun way for both children and adults to celebrate.
3) Where and when should the shower occur?
The party should be held at a location that is comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the
most common place to host a party is at a friend's or family member's home. In this case, the
mother will not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.
Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother's place. This can be convenient as well because
the mother doesn't have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother can help with the clean up
afterwards.
For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other locations can be rented. Other places include
parks, restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else that might be appropriate. It is
okay to plan things differently as long as the mother and everyone else has a good time.
Most baby showers occur several weeks before the baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the
baby is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. When to have the baby shower is
entirely based on the preferences of the host and the mother.
Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a popular day for these parties. They can occur
in the afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like people's schedules and how much
you want to spend. Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than hosting lunch.
4) What activites should be planned?
There are many games and activities that can be planned in advance to make a baby shower
memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search
for "baby shower games" on the internet and you will find many games, some of which you can
purchase and some that are free.
A short speech of congratulations is also a nice surprise for the new mother. If such a speech
occurs, it is usually from a close friend or family member. A good time for congratulations is
before eating lunch or dinner.
Finally, make some time before, between, and after events for everyone to mingle with the new
or expecting mom.
5) What kind of food is appropriate?
The food at the party does not necessarily have to be baby-themed, although that can be a nice
touch. The most common baby-themed food is baby shower diaper cake. Your local bakery can also
make other items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby blocks, pacifiers, rubber
ducks, and other baby items. Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, make sure to pick
food that everyone will enjoy.
If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them about their ideas and experiences with
baby showers. They may have some creative ideas that you may not have thought about.
6) Decorations and party favors.
Your local party supply store will probably have plenty of decorations for your baby shower.
Specifically themed decorations can also be purchased online.
Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice way to say thank you for coming. These
gifts for your guests can range from themed candies to more expensive keepsakes, including
personalized items. Special prizes can also be given out for game winners or other people who
have been important in the mother's life and during the pregnancy.
7) During the party.
Greet the guests when they arrive and have others help out if necessary to make sure everything
runs smoothly. And finally, don't forget to have fun after all the planning and
preparation.
About the author:
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy
websites. For more articles on baby showers, check out our Baby Shower Ideas
(http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/articles) and more baby articles at Baby Lullaby (http://babylullaby.bravehost.com). Note:
If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your
newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay
active.
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