I'm all about having a celebration for a baby. But I also am not living in the 1800's & sort of got over the whole ''women only getting together and having baby shower'' thing.
Although it's a cute idea, and I'm sure some women LOVE having a girly day with their nearest and dearest celebrating the soon-to-be motherhood side of things - I also think, I am not the only person who is about to have a baby & become a parent. My husband is too! Why should he miss out?
And more, why should the entire male side of the families & friends miss out?
Our plan is to go from playing ''what's inside the diaper'' to ''cheers - eat a whole heap of food, drink some alchohol & celebrate our tiny miracle with us''. I'm quite excited to celebrate on a Sunday with all of our family and all of our friends, have a nice relaxing afternoon and just spend some time together.
On the other hand, if you are really excited to have a baby shower or are the special friends organising one, here's my tips on the perfect shower!
When should I hold a baby shower?
Any time you want! You can even hold one after your baby arrives (keep in mind, you might be VERY tired). Get a feel for everyone's schedules first, the last thing you'd want is for the most important people (like mums, grandma's and besties) to miss out.
High Tea:
If you're feeling like a day out with the girls - my choice would be a lovely High Tea at one of our fabulous hotels in Melbourne. It's a nice, easy way to celebrate and not worry yourself too much over the planning of a full blown baby shower.
https://www.hotellindrum.com.au/promotions-deals/dining-offers-2/baby-shower-high-tea/
http://www.madamebrussels.com/
http://www.ariabar.com.au/
If you are having it at home and you don't have the energy to be cooking & cleaning for too many people - hire a caterer & put on finger food and drinks. There are plenty of companies who cater to baby showers, and this makes it really easy for decorating too!
Invitations:
We are living in an era where everything is via email & SMS. Invitations are really easy to create online and send out with the click of a button.
My favourite sites to try out:
http://myinvites.com.au/site/default.aspx
http://www.smilebox.com/invitations.html
http://www.zazzle.com.au/digital+invitations
https://www.etsy.com/market/digital_invitations
Remember to be as detailed as possible. If you are having a registry, provide the shop name and the registry number.
If you are doing your invites online, you will find that you will be provided with a PDF/Jpeg of your invite. Print a few off for the oldies who may not use email or SMS.
Decorating:
Decide on a theme that you like, whether it be classic, modern, black and white or fluro green! These are by far my favourites:
Classic White Baby Shower
The Vintage Baby Shower
The Yellow Baby Shower
Baby Boy Shower
Baby Girl Shower
Games:
Games are a great ice breaker if people are meeting for the first time. Gets a few laughs in, and gets people to mingle. My suggestion would be easy & less complicated games that everyone can enjoy!
I found this website has some great suggestions for baby shower games:
http://www.beau-coup.com/baby_shower_games.htm
http://www.beau-coup.com/baby_shower_games.htm
A perfect little gift for your attendees to take home & enjoy. It's a nice way to say thank you & show your appreciation (especially if you have been ''showered'' with gifts).
Put your feet up, relax & enjoy the time with family and friends before your bundle of joy comes along!