How To Plan An Awesome Baby Shower

I'm excited to have the all-boy party blog Spaceships and Laser Beams over on The Adventures of Miss Party Mom today- sharing some easy steps for how to plan a baby shower- something all of us are probably going to be in charge of at some point in our lives!

Enjoy! I'll be back this week... I promise.

xo Party or Die xo

kenna

A new baby is on the way—and you get to host the baby shower! How do you get started? Assuming you already know where the party will be held, there are five main components to planning it: invitations; decorations; menu; activities; and favors. Considering these areas will help you organize your thoughts; make a list and you’ll remember details…and you won’t feel overwhelmed!

Baby Shower Theme

Decide on a theme to give your party a focal point. There are tons of theme options, so decide: do you want the shower focus to be on new baby and childhood joys or on mama-to-be and her hobbies/interests? Thinking of the mood you want to create can help you decide, too.

Baby Shower Invitations

With all of the electronic devices used today, lots of invitations are extended via e-mail, but if it’s possible, use the postal service to deliver an invite. “Real” mail is fun to receive, and it ramps up anticipation for the party.

Baby Shower Decorations

Baby shower decorations don’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but they make a huge difference. A visual welcome can pull guests into the party as soon as they arrive when you use a wreath, banners or something that relates to your theme. Focus decorations on the main food/dessert table and gift table. If your venue is large enough that guests will be seated at tables to eat, then don’t forget centerpieces that relate to the main table. At a more casual gathering, guests are likely to be finding seats in a living room; two or three small decorative elements can be arranged within the room.

Baby Shower Menu

A theme for a shower will help you with menu choices, if you tie the two together. For example, if your theme is an elegant afternoon tea for new mama, you might include croissants and macarons vs. a cowboy theme that celebrates new baby and offers grilled burgers and chocolate chunk cookies. Whatever direction you decide on, finger foods and easy to eat choices are always popular at showers.

Baby Shower Games

There is much game potential for showers! Whether or not you opt to include games, plan some type of activity to encourage guest interaction. Craft tables have become popular options. Decorating onesies and bibs are two of the current favored choices, but there are lots more ideas. Just be sure you can readily demonstrate the craft how-to and have enough materials for everyone to participate.

Don't Forget... Baby Shower Favors

After a fun time together, send guests home with a favor. It doesn’t have to be something huge to say “thanks for coming”. A special sweet, bath bombs or nail polish are current favorites; cute hang tags or pretty bows add some “wow”. Hosting a baby shower does take preparation, but it’s a special occasion that will always be remembered. Organizing the details will help you plan a terrific celebration! Be sure to check my blog for my inspiration!

What theme would you love to see at a baby shower?

Stephanie Keeping is mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter and on Etsy.