This weekend is going to be an exciting one as it is my baby shower. Baby showers are becomming more and more common and, when my mum mentioned hosting one, well who am I to turn down a day of lovely food, cakes, company and presents!
In some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts. Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, and only women were invited. The original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother.
My mum was keen to host and plan my baby shower as she didn't want to put any extra stress on me in the last few weeks of my pregnancy however, as a self-confessed control freak, I couldn't resist sticking my two penneth' in and taking care of some of the preperations! I've never even attended a baby shower so didn't really know what the event consisted of however, the website, www.theultimatebabyshower.co.uk proved a valuable tool and allowed the organisation to go without a hitch!
When should you have a baby shower?
There isn't a set rule as to when you should hold a shower however most take place between 30 and 38 weeks pregnant, with the majority at 35 weeks. Most women feel that they still have enough energy to enjoy it at this point. I'm 36 weeks pregnant although I still feel that I will be able to relax and make the most of being 'showered.'
If you are unsure or superstitious, it is fine to wait until after baby arrives and have a 'Welcome to the World' party. It gives everyone the chance to meet and greet the new arrival. This is something that we will possibly do once baby C arrives however I am going to make the most of having lots of attention lavished on me before baby arrives!
Where should I hold it?
The question of where to have the baby shower is often the trickiest and the one that can potentially put people off before they even start. It needn’t be complicated, this is where you really need to consider mummy-to-be and what her preferences would be.If it isn’t a surprise event then ask her what she would like. The majority of requests we receive are for relaxed, informal and cosy surroundings – think comfy sofas and mini tables in a library rather than a large chandelier clad ballroom!If the host or a close friend or family member has a large enough living room then job done! Baby showers at home are the most popular but don’t allow mummy-to-be to do any clearing up.If you would like a venue then the possibilities are endless. Venues can cater for afternoon teas, lunches, evening meals, buffets or cocktail parties – too much choice we know! Consider how formal you’d like to make it and go from there.
Themes
Baby shower themes are all well and good if you have the time and inclination to think of one and can handle putting this in to practice from invitations through to decorations etc. It can look beautiful if done properly or it can look terribly tacky if not executed with some sense of proportion!
If you would like a specific theme to carry through from invitations to thank you cards then these need not be too taxing. A teddy bears picnic theme is always a winner - red gingham table cloths, picnic baskets filled with scrummy teddy bear cookies, vases or jugs of wild flowers, not to mention the all important favourite teddy bears to accompany each guest. The teddy bears picnic theme always evokes those childhood memories and can look utterly charming.
The classic baby boy or girl themes can look lovely and will leave guests in no doubt as to what is cooking in mummy’s oven so to speak! Or a simple flower theme or cupcake theme can look very pretty.
Do I have to provide food?
Catering for a baby shower doesn't need to be a headache. The dishes you serve will depend on what you are trying to achieve.The most popular baby shower events we organise are afternoon teas. These usually last 2 to 3 hours with chatting and games being the main focus. The food usually consists of a variety of finger foods with some eye-catching desserts thrown in.
Games to play...
Some people cringe at the very idea of playing games at a baby shower whereas others think that games are what the baby shower is all about. Not a fan of the 'what poo (chocolate) is in the nappy?' game (Google it, Yak!), we have decided to play Baby Bingo, Baby Charades and a couple of quiz games. These were all printed for free from Google quickly and easily.
More information can be found on www.theultimatebabyshower.co.uk.
This is NOT a sponsored post. I simply found the website VERY useful and thought that anyone planning their baby shower could eliminate lots of headache by using it! I will post pictures and let you know how the day goes.
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