"Keeping a Baby Shower Simple is Fun For Everyone"

It's an exciting time in a new mother's life to be having a baby. You are so honored to be throwing her a baby shower with many friends and family. Since it's such a momentous occasion, there's a lot of pressure to make everything perfect. However, to make the experience as enjoyable for you as it is for mom and her guests, try to keep things simple and lighthearted.

Start your planning by getting the new mom to give you her guest list. Send out invitations by mail or you can use one of the internet invitation services available today. One requires physical addresses and the other requires email addresses. Pick a time for the party that is convenient for the new mother and as many of her guests as possible.

The next thing to decide is your theme. If you know the baby's gender, you can stick to a color theme such as traditional blue or pink, or you can use a neutral color that the new mother chooses. Many times decorating around a color rather than a subject will allow you to find more parties items and for less expense. For the centerpiece, it's always fun and clever to have a diaper cake that will be given to the new mother at the end of the baby shower. These "cakes" are actually diapers stacked in such a way to resemble a tiered cake and they often come with useful items tucked in for the care and entertainment of baby. They come in a variety of themes, sizes, and layers. They make a wonderful group gift too if there are several of you putting the shower on.

There are several choices when it comes to the food at the baby shower. You can serve something simple that you make yourself and present it buffet fashion. You can design the party as a potluck where the guests bring something, and again, serve buffet style. There's the option of making it a sit down luncheon and perhaps the food is catered or a combination of homemade and purchased food selections. For dessert, a personalized sheet cake or an assortment of finger desserts is always appreciated.

You will also want to decide if you will play baby shower games, create some other activity special to the new mom, or simply leave the guests to mingle and visit. There are many resources on the internet for ideas on this subject. What ever you decide, keep it uncomplicated and playful so that everyone, including you, is having fun!

And, of course, the baby shower is all about the presents. New moms can sign up for gift registries so the guests know what she wants and they can choose something in their price range. Sometimes it's nice to give a baby gift basket filled with a variety of goodies for the little one that are practical and useful. It's like having many gifts within one gift. Later, the basket can be used to transport diapers from room to room after the baby is born. For the large or expensive gifts that the baby and mom need, consider getting several people together to present it as a group gift. And finally, if the baby's gender and name is known, there is nothing better than a personalized baby gift that will be a keepsake forever. No matter what is given, small or large, economical or expensive, the new mother will appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness.

By keeping things simple and lighthearted, you'll be able to give the new mother and her guests a baby shower that is enjoyable to you and everyone involved.