Throwing a baby shower that will never be forgotten

Feb 4
09:18

2011

Liliana Landi

Liliana Landi

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One of the most memorable events an expecting mother looks forward to is celebrating her baby shower.Throwing a baby shower is a perfect way to celebrate the addition of a new member to a loved one's family.

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Who is deciding to throw a Baby Shower?            Baby showers are often thrown by a close friend or family member. Traditional baby showers dictates that someone other than a family member throws the baby shower,Throwing a baby shower that will never be forgotten Articles but this certainly does not have to be the case and many women go against this and welcome any offers from family willing to throw a party on their and baby’s behalf.Time to prepare ahead of Time: Important steps you need to know             Planning and throwing a shower can be an overwelming task if you go into it unprepared. It certainly does not have to be however, if you keep a few things in mind.One of the most important tasks is planning where and when the baby shower will occur. Baby showers are held before mom gives birth, but this is not always the case and certainly does not have to be. Some mothers are superstitious and prefer to have the baby shower after birth, to ensure the happy and healthy delivery of their newborn. There are so many baby shower party suppies to choose from. Be sure if you are planning the happy event to check in with mom to be to ensure you plan it at a time that is comfortable for her.Most showers are held in someone’s home other than that of the new mom. Typically the person throwing the baby shower hosts the party at their house or at an alternate location such as a restaurant or hall. Baby showers are a relatively recent tradition, generally credited as having their start in the US. A baby shower is usually a relatively casual event, held in the afternoon or early evening, often with refreshments provided and sometimes party games held as well. It is not uncommon to have a potluck shower, where guests each bring a food item along with a gift, although fully catered showers are also quite common.Invitations            The next step in planning a baby shower is figuring out who to invite. The guest list should be the responsibility of the guest of honor. Letting mom create the baby shower invitation list will ensure that no one gets left out.Most showers held are women-only parties, though this trend is rapidly changing. As fathers continue to become more involved in the planning for new babies, many couples are starting to hold co-ed shower that invite couples. Be sure to check in again with the guest of honor to ensure that the theme of the party matches her preferences.One last tip to consider prior to throwing the party is finding out where an expectant mom is registered. Including this information on the invitation or having it available to give out to guests will truly help mom receive special gifts that will match her preferences for baby’s first year. One of the reasons for throwing a shower is to help new parents collect much needed items for baby’s first year such as layette items, baby toys and clothes, and often gift certificates for useful things. It is not untoward for the expectant parents to draw up a "wish list" of items they especially need but may be having difficulty affording.Themes           Deciding on a baby shower theme can add fun and excitement to the party. Be sure to decorate with a variety of baby shower party decorations. The theme of the party for an expectant parent who is having a boy baby might be something as simple as a color, such as "blue". Guests might be encouraged to bring gifts that correspond with the nursery room theme as well. Many parents for example, design baby’s room with a certain theme in mind such as ducks. Guests might consider bringing items that match this idea. Even the cake and decorations can be designed to incorporate a selected topic or idea.Games            No baby shower would be complete without playing a few fun games. One popular and traditional baby shower party game involves having everyone get together in a circle and write down one piece of advice for the mom to be. Another one might have everyone right down one prediction for the new baby’s future. These cards can be collected at the end of the party and stored in baby’s memory book for review at a later date, providing a wonderful memento for mommy to be and baby. Though it is not required, some hosts provide gag gifts for anyone participating in a game. This can be a fun way to allow mom and guests enjoy the gift giving bonanza. Note             While many parents-to-be look forward to having a baby shower, some social groups feel such celebrations are best left as family affairs, or believe that it is bad luck to celebrate a birth before it happens. If you offer to host a shower for an expectant friend, don't be hurt if she politely declines. In other cases, the mother-to-be may have multiple showers! Perhaps one for co-workers and casual friends, and one for close friends and family. Some women have a baby shower only for their first child, while others may choose to have one for every pregnancy. Baby showers are not bound by rigid traditions to the same extent as weddings and other life events, so don't be surprised if a new friend's baby shower is nothing like the last one you attended. There is really no "wrong" way to throw a baby shower, so if you have been charged with hosting a shower for a friend or relative, it's an "anything goes" affair (so long as you have the guest of honor's stamp of approval for your plans!).