A Piece of Cake Baby ShowerThe scenario is playing out in front of your eyes like an out of body experience. Your girlfriend from work or sister-in-law has called dropping hints of “needing things”, the due date “getting near” and, by the way, she’s having cravings for “Italian Crème Cake”. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it’s time to step up to the plate and offer to hostess the fabulous tulle-festooned and silly game baby shower of her dreams. Don’t worry; arranging a baby shower of epic proportions will be a piece of cake with if you follow a few simple steps.
First, plan the guests list with the lucky mom-to-be, unless it’s a surprise, and decided exactly who must be there such as the grandmothers, aunts, and dearest friends. Depending on the number of non-negotiable guests and your budget, expand the list to satisfy the whims of the expectant mom to include everyone from her yoga instructor to a step cousin twice removed. Also, in these progressive times be prepared to hostess a co-ed baby shower if that is requested. While the men folk may not get as much satisfaction ogling little booties and smocked rompers, it is fun to make them the source of cheap entertainment with diaper rodeos and other crazy games.
Second, get the invitations ready to send out so that they arrive at least two weeks in advance. This insures that everyone has time to clear their calendars for what is obviously destined to be the social event of the season. If you have an artistic bent, consider making invitations with cute scrapbooking supplies otherwise go for pre-made cardstock that can be printed to your exact specifications – or better yet, use one of the free online party planning web sites to send out virtual invitations. When arranging a baby shower, you must remember to include a R.S.V.P request on the invitation so that you can properly track the number of guests for the big day.
Third, now is the time to prepare the menu by flipping through all those cookbooks and cooking magazines you like to collect but never use! For dishes that you’ve never made before, we suggest staging a menu “trial” run on your husband or boyfriend the week before so that you have time to correct any items that aren’t up to par. If using an off-site location for your baby shower, you may be lucky enough to order off their menu or use special catering options. Of course, a sweet ending is imperative to arranging a baby shower so order a themed cake or assortment of polka-dot and rosette topped cupcakes.
Fourth, put your gathering instinct into high gear to hunt down and pick up decorations to make this event a fantasy come true for the guest of honor. Take her personality and interests into consideration when deciding on a theme or color scheme – is she a discriminating high-fashion diva; old-fashioned and nostalgic; or an eco-friendly outdoorsy type? A gorgeous centerpiece and some cleverly incorporated baby shower favors, such as frame place cards or take home floral posies, make arranging a baby shower easy as pie. Check out So-Cute-Baby-Gifts.com for some darling baby shower favors and other clever ideas.
Fifth and lastly, check over the all the details for the party a day or two ahead. Call in confirmations for any florist or bakery deliveries and put the finishing touches on decorations and baby shower favors you are putting together. As a great ice breaker, tell guests ahead of time to bring a baby photo of themselves for a fun game where everyone guesses who’s who. When arranging a baby shower it is also a thoughtful idea to purchase an inexpensive, embellished journal that guests can write notes of congratulations and words of wisdom for the mom-to-be read after the event.
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