Throwing a baby shower is one of the most exciting and heartwarming things you can do for an expecting mother.
It’s a special way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a precious new life, and to show the mom-to-be just how much she and her baby are loved and appreciated.
If you’re considering throwing a baby shower, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make it an unforgettable experience. From the invitations to the decorations to the games and activities, every detail should be carefully planned to create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.
First and foremost, choose a date and time that works well for the mom-to-be and her guests. Typically, baby showers are held a few weeks before the due date, but this can vary depending on the mom’s preferences and schedule. Once you have a date in mind, start sending out invitations at least a month in advance, giving guests enough time to plan and RSVP.
Next, decide on a theme or color scheme for the shower. This can be anything from classic pastels to bold and bright patterns, or even a fun and quirky theme like “Jungle Safari” or “Under the Sea”. Choose decorations that fit the theme, such as balloons, banners, tablecloths, and centerpieces.
When it comes to food and drinks, keep things simple and crowd-pleasing. Finger foods like sandwiches, fruit platters, and mini quiches are always a hit, as are sweet treats like cupcakes and cookies. For drinks, consider serving up a signature mocktail or two, along with plenty of water, tea, and coffee. And you know me… got to have a mimosa bar! For the rest of us who aren’t pregnant.
No baby shower is complete without some fun and games! Plan a few activities that will keep guests entertained and engaged, such as guessing the baby’s gender, playing baby shower bingo, or creating a scrapbook page for the mom-to-be. You can also set up a photo booth area with props and backdrops for guests to take silly pictures.
Finally, don’t forget to shower the mom-to-be with love and gifts! Ask guests to bring a small present for the baby, such as clothes, toys, or books, and set up a designated area for the gifts to be displayed. You can also surprise the mom-to-be with a special gift or two, like a personalized diaper bag or a spa day voucher.
Throwing a baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate new life and the joy of motherhood. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and meaningful event that will be cherished for years to come. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to shower the mom-to-be with love and blessings!
Diaper Raffle Game
A fun baby shower game is the “Diaper Raffle”.
Here’s how it works:
Include a diaper raffle ticket with each invitation. Guests will bring a package of diapers (any size) and the raffle ticket to the shower.
When guests arrive, collect their raffle tickets and place them in a bowl or container.
During the shower, draw a few raffle tickets and award prizes to the winners.
This game is both fun and practical, as the new parents will have plenty of diapers for their little one. Plus, guests get a chance to win a prize for participating.
Diaper Cake
A diaper cake is a fun and creative way to incorporate diapers into the baby shower decor, while also providing a practical gift for the mom-to-be. Here’s how to build a basic three-tiered diaper cake:
Materials:
60-70 diapers (size 1 or 2)
Large rubber bands (3)
Cardboard cake round (12-14 inches)
Decorative ribbon or twine
Scissors
Optional: small baby items (such as pacifiers, onesies, or toys) to decorate the cake
Instructions:
Begin by rolling up each diaper tightly and securing it with a rubber band. You’ll need about 20-25 diapers for each tier.
Take one of the rubber bands and wrap it around a small stack of 7-8 diapers to form the base of the bottom tier. Repeat with two more stacks of diapers, stacking them on top of each other to create a three-tiered cake.
Place the cardboard cake round on top of the bottom tier of diapers.
Use ribbon or twine to wrap around the base of each tier to cover the rubber bands.
To add some decorative elements, you can tuck small baby items (such as pacifiers or onesies) into the ribbon or tie them onto the outside of the cake with ribbon.
Finish the cake by tying a bow or adding a small topper.
Variations:
Add additional tiers to make a larger cake, or make mini diaper cakes for individual table centerpieces.
Use different types of ribbon or twine to match the theme or colors of the baby shower.
Personalize the cake by adding the baby’s name or monogram with letter stickers or cutouts.
Building a diaper cake is a fun and easy DIY project that is sure to impress the guests at the baby shower, while also providing a practical and thoughtful gift for the mom-to-be.
Tea sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are a classic and elegant addition to any baby shower menu. Here is a simple recipe for classic cucumber tea sandwiches:
Ingredients:
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
16 slices of white bread, crusts removed
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Lay out the slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice.
Top half of the slices with a layer of cucumber slices.
Cover with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down.
Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into triangles or other desired shapes.
Serve the tea sandwiches immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations:
Swap out the cucumber for thinly sliced radishes, roasted red peppers, or smoked salmon.
Use different breads, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or pumpernickel.
Experiment with different cream cheese mix-ins, such as chives, basil, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Enjoy these delicate and delicious tea sandwiches as a light and refreshing addition to your baby shower menu!
Vegetable spring rolls
Vegetable spring rolls are a tasty and healthy option for a baby shower appetizer. Here is a recipe for vegetable spring rolls that is easy to make:
Ingredients:
8-10 spring roll wrappers
1 large carrot, julienned
½ red bell pepper, julienned
½ yellow bell pepper, julienned
½ cucumber, julienned
½ cup thinly sliced cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the carrot, bell peppers, cucumber, cabbage, cilantro, mint, and basil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper to make the dipping sauce.
Fill a shallow dish with warm water.
Dip one spring roll wrapper into the water for a few seconds until softened.
Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface and place a small amount of the vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper.
Roll the wrapper around the vegetables, tucking in the sides, and continue rolling until you have a tight cylinder.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Serve the vegetable spring rolls with the dipping sauce on the side.
Variations:
Add cooked and shredded chicken or shrimp to the vegetable mixture for a protein boost.
Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Substitute or add other vegetables, such as bean sprouts, snow peas, or jicama.
These vegetable spring rolls are a flavorful and healthy option that are sure to be a hit at any baby shower.