| What comes to mind after hearing the four magical | | | | future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be |
| words, "We're having a baby?" A baby shower, of | | | | considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colors, |
| course. Organizing a party with the expectant | | | | and other designs depending on the baby's gender. |
| parents' closest friends and family members is the | | | | 3) Finalize the menu. |
| perfect way of expressing "Congratulations," or | | | | The party's menu will depend upon the time of the |
| "We're happy for you," or "Best wishes." | | | | event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger |
| Aimed at further boosting the parents-to-be's | | | | food, pastries and other baked goods for |
| excitement for the future member of their family, | | | | convenience. However, if the event will be held during |
| the baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend | | | | lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be |
| or relative, at any time during the last months of the | | | | served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, |
| pregnancy. | | | | depending on the guests' preference. |
| Just like any other party, a baby shower requires | | | | 4) Design a fun program. |
| careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly | | | | Contrary to what most people believe, a baby |
| as possible, and be memorable for everyone. | | | | shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift |
| Although there are no rules cast in stone in preparing | | | | giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be |
| for a baby shower, there are some helpful tips to | | | | included, such as charades, or those which will bring |
| follow to help the host organize every aspect of the | | | | back the guests' childhood memories. Remember that |
| event. | | | | the main point is to make sure everyone will have a |
| 1) Decide on the location. | | | | good time, and various games will surely liven up the |
| Most baby showers are held at the parent-to-be's | | | | event. |
| house, since the expectant mother's health needs to | | | | 5) Create the guest list and send out invitations. |
| be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate | | | | Prepare a list of the expectant parents' closest |
| parties, with only the closest friends and family | | | | friends and family members. Make sure to seek their |
| members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable | | | | approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any |
| if the party's setting is at home. | | | | embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it's the |
| If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a | | | | parents' event, and not the host's, so their choice of |
| barbecue party at their garden, or a local park may | | | | people should matter the most. |
| also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be | | | | Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily |
| considered - baby shower does not literally mean | | | | available in gift shops and craft stores. However, |
| soaking the guests in the rain. | | | | homemade invitations may also be used to provide |
| For less complications, the host may reserve a | | | | the host's personal touch. |
| secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more | | | | Send out invitations out two to four weeks before |
| costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, | | | | the party to give time for the guests to fix their |
| as well as the post-party cleanup will already be | | | | schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same |
| taken care of. | | | | format as any other invitation - it indicates the date, |
| 2) Choose the party's theme. | | | | time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the |
| For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided | | | | host's contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be |
| upon. Consider the expectant parents' favorite | | | | organized, prepare a final list of attendees a few |
| movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate | | | | days before the baby shower. |
| the party site by re-creating the place where they | | | | For more information please refer to my Baby |
| had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or | | | | Shower Guide at: |
| Paris-inspired café. | | | | The Bruised Onion Guide - Your Ultimate Online |
| Since the party will also be a celebration of the | | | | Reference Guide. Life's Little Questions Answered. |