A new baby is such an exciting time in one’s life. While nerve-wracking for the parents (especially if it is baby number one!), it is also a time where friends and family will spoil parents-to-be and help them get prepared for impending parenthood.
One exciting event leading up to the birth is the baby shower. But where do you begin when it comes to planning? You need to think about the location, guests, and of course, baby shower food and decorations!
Here’s what you need to know when planning a baby shower for your daughter, sister or friend.
First thing’s first
You need a location, a date and a host.
Normally, the hosting duty falls to the mother, sister or best friend, so as to leave the mother-to-be with as little to worry about (besides, you know, the imminent birth of her baby!)
The host’s home can also be the location, but, if the mother-to-be is happy to have it at her house, ensure she won’t have to lift a finger.
Baby shower theme ideas
If the mother-to-be has announced the gender of the baby, the two traditional directions might blue or pink themes. These themes are today sometimes seen as outdated; there’s nothing forcing you to stick to these themes! Don’t be afraid to choose any colour palette, irrespective of gender!
Decorations
You might like to aim for bright colours, highlighted with wall decorations, beautiful flowers, fun table centrepieces and yummy cakes (think a circus theme), or a more organic, rustic twist, with lovely textures, wood, paper, tablecloths, blankets and green foliage in vases and mason jars (think a jungle theme).
Additionally, you might like the following themes:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme
Great for an evening event, with gentle fairy lights and candles illuminating an indoor or outdoor space.
Gender Reveal baby shower
This is a really cute way for a mum-to-be to reveal some exciting news to her dearest friends. You can have fun guessing the gender and reveal it in an exciting way, like in the cake!
Noah’s Ark
Double of everything! Perfect if mum is expecting twins (or wants to thrill friends when she reveals it!)
Storybook
Traditional favourites like Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Cinderella will always be classics.
Nautical
This doesn’t need to be boy-specific; it can be gender neutral! Red, white and blue will dominate. Think of all the decorating possibilities!
The birds and the bees
A little tongue-in-cheek, while the dominance of the colour yellow can keep it gender-neutral.
Think about your guest of honour’s personality, and when it doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for her preferences!
Baby shower catering
Rather leave baby shower catering to the pros?
Let an expert catering team devise a beautiful and tasteful baby shower menu for your special event. Host the perfect baby shower, without doing any of the catering work yourself! We can also help you out with theming and decorations as well as linen and silverware hire.
Creative, informal and delicious are the three words that spring to mind when we think of baby shower catering.
Traditional menus
Generally, baby showers are an afternoon affair (so not a proper, full lunch), so you can spoil guests with delightful treats like sandwiches, tea, various sweets, and a cake.
Contemporary food
In recent years, traditional baby shower catering has been challenged by more contemporary and gourmet menus. You might even like to consider an early evening event, or a fun brunch.
Whatever mum-to-be fancies, baby shower catering is made easy thanks to Your Private Chef.
The best thing about choosing a caterer for a baby shower is that they will do all the preparing, serving, and cleaning up!
Baby shower planning: tips and tricks
Extra guests
Before you send out the invites, think about whether you want your guests’ kids to attend, too. If so, you’ll need to allocate extra snacks as well as kid-friendly activities, games, and colouring books to keep them occupied.
How long should a baby shower go for?
Baby showers are typically relatively short events. Mum-to-be is exhausted, after all!
It’s recommended to allocate two hours in your formal invitation, but keep in mind that it’s likely there will be a couple of close friends who might hang around afterwards.
Don’t forget the guestbook!
Ensure guests leave a message for the new bub (as well as mum and dad) in a guest book. It’s a highly valued tradition where messages are cherished for life.
Baby shower gift ideas
This list is essentially endless, as there are never too many things parents-to-be can receive! Some will set up a registry (which takes the stress out of choosing a gift), while others might be willing to provide a wish list.
Moreover, others may not provide any guidance, so here are some ideas…
Usual baby shower gifts
Typical gifts include:
- Booties
- Clothing and sleep gear
- Towels and bibs
All of these are practical and useful for the immediate arrival, while traditional norms of pink for a girl and blue for a boy have long been challenged. There are so many options available for newborns, regardless of whether you know the baby’s gender.
Additionally, feeding tools, travel bags, journals, furniture, bedding, blankets and cameras are all great gifts to help with baby’s care and growth.
Save gifts that baby cannot use immediately (like books and toys) for future birthday parties.
Why not choose a unique gift for new parents?
Perhaps the indulgence of a personal chef for a special 3 course dinner for two in the future, or help mum take care of herself with our New Mum’s Pantry gourmet meal pack.
Specifically designed for new mums, she’ll enjoy 12 nutritious and delicious meals PLUS 12 lactation cookies which will help boost milk supply. The perfect gift for a new mum! Order online here (also available in a vegetarian pack!)
Are you planning a baby shower?
Awaiting baby is an exciting time for all, and a baby shower is all about getting together with your closest friends and family, and spoiling a mum-to-be with love and well-wishes for upcoming birth.
Planning a baby shower needn’t be a testing task, especially with a little help from Your Private Chef! View a selection of canapes platters here, or call Ana now for a chat!
