ABC's of Baby Shower Themes

There are some people out there that plan a baby shower and never even consider a theme. Often they will say it is much easier to not worry about the theme. However, the end result of planning a baby shower without a theme is a big mismatch of unorganized stuff. The person without a theme simply goes out and buys whatever catches their interest. They buy the cake flavor they like, the decorations that caught their eye, and the baby shower centerpiece that looked fun. This will often lead to a disorganized feel for the event.

By taking a little time and planning a theme before starting anything else on the baby shower planning you will start way ahead of the game. It will ensure that the baby shower is a wonderful, well planned and thought out event that everyone will really enjoy. Besides it can be a lot of fun to create a theme.

Some simple tips before taking on any of these themes:

* Enlist the help of other friends. More minds = more ideas = more helping hands

* Take the time and plan ahead

* Loosen up a bit and have fun with the theme.

So now let's continue on to the good stuff. Here are a list of possible themes for your next baby shower.

Stars - Everyone know that the new born baby will for sure be the star of the family. Why not put together a baby shower with a star theme? You can purchase fun confetti stars from a local party store to spread out on the table and cut out some larger stars to adorn the walls.

The Stork - You can always have a fun theme using a stork that brings in a newborn baby. Again, you can find things at a local party store and on the Internet for this theme.

Storybook/Movie Characters - If you have a favorite character from a movie or children's storybook this can make a great theme also. For example, a classic Winnie the Pooh can make great decorations and a fun theme. Have your baby shower in the 100-acre forest and make some fun pots of honey to decorate the walls or the tables with.

Stuffed Animals - Since one of the first toys that a baby will often lay with is a stuffed animal these can make very practical and fun decorations. You do not even have to buy all new stuffed animals or teddy bears. Simply borrow some from friends. Also your local craft or party store will most likely have some small teddy bear party favors that can be used. For a fun centerpiece put the stuffed animals in a small circle facing out and tie balloons to each one.

Prince/Princess - It seems like every new baby loves attention and being the little prince or princess of the house. Why not build on this and have a prince or princess theme for the baby shower? Some fun decorations like small castle walls, and a crown would fit well with purple (royal color) tablecloths and balloons.

While these are just a few of the ideas that you can use and you might not find exactly what you are looking for the idea is to start your own imagination rolling. You want to be creative and have fun with the theme. By thinking about it and choosing something you like the theme will come together faster. Remember to relax, leave yourself enough time to complete the task and plan with friends. If you follow these simple steps and read the suggestions above you are sure to have a wonderful baby shower.

Looking for help? The best Baby Shower themes and secrets? You can also find more baby shower, tips, ideas, themes,and decorations here.

Ryerson, Chris. (2007, December 13). The ABC of Baby Shower Themes The Free Library. (2007). Retrieved August 28, 2008 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The ABC of Baby Shower Themes-a01073760927

Baby Shower Etiquette

by Virginia Coles

Hosting your first baby shower can often be a scary prospect, but it doesn't have to be. All you need to do is follow the advice below and read our planning guide, and you should be able to host a worry-free baby shower.

The following questions are those that most first-time baby shower planners ask, so they should help you along the way.

Who should host the baby shower?
Tradition, as well as Emily Post, has said that a family member does not host the shower. However, like most things, this has changed. It is very common for a mother or sister to plan and host the shower for a family member.

Who pays for the shower?
The hostess provides the shower as a gift for her friend or family member. She will absorb all the costs, but could organize a pot luck buffet to minimize the expenses.

Do I have to give the expectant mother a gift?
As mentioned above, the shower is your gift to the mother-to-be, so it isn't necessary for you to provide a gift. However, if you would like to give her something, it is entirely up to you but it isn't expected.

Where should the shower be held?
Showers are usually held at the house of the hostess. However, if the mother-to-be has requested otherwise, there is no harm in following her wishes. Remember that the baby shower is a celebration for her and she is the priority.

When is the best time to host the shower?
It is best to host the shower about one to two months before delivery, but check with the mother-to-be to see what works best for her.

How should the invitations be sent?
Invitations can be sent by mail or email. It is often common for guests to be invited by phone. If you are sending email invitations, make sure the recipient checks her messages often. Invitations should be sent with enough notice for guests to RSVP.

Who should be invited?
The baby shower you're planning is probably not going to be a surprise, so you can go over the guest list with the mother-to-be. Usually anyone from family, friends, and co-workers are invited. It is possible to host showers for friends only or family only.

Should a friend who has miscarried be invited?
This is a sensitive area and it is best to speak directly with the guest. Be considerate and kind when you ask her if she is up to socializing and would like to attend the shower. It is always difficult to predict how someone may react, so be as gentle as possible.

For more baby shower planning information, take a look at our baby shower guide. You will find everything you need to plan and host a wonderful shower.

About the Author

Visit 1st Baby Shower.com for help in planning your first baby shower, including FREE clipart, games, planning guide and recipes. You'll find everything you need to host a wonderful baby shower. Visit our new online store for great gift ideas!

Free Baby Shower Game Ideas

By Amy Cordray

Baby showers are a great way to show your expectant friend or family member how excited you are about their new arrival.

Unfortunately, these parties can sometimes get a little expensive! However, you can stay within your baby shower budget by trying some of these free baby shower games.

These unique baby shower games cost little or no money and are lots of fun! One game that is always popular and inexpensive is the clothes pin game. This game is played during the entire baby shower. As each guest arrives, they receive a clothes pin that they must clip to some part of their outfit. Once everyone arrives, the hostess explains the rules of the game. No one may cross their legs during the shower. If they do and someone catches them, the person who crossed their legs must give their clothes pin to the person who caught them. At the end of the shower, the guest with the most clothes pins wins and receives a small gift. There are many variations to this game. Instead of clothes pins, you can use safety pins or buttons. Also, crossing legs can be replaced with not being able to say the word "baby" or even the expectant mother's name. The possibilities are endless!

Another unique baby shower game idea is the "Guess that Baby" game. This game is basically free except for the cost of the prize. In the baby shower invitation, ask each guest to bring a baby photo of themselves. When each guest arrives, tape each baby picture to a piece of cardboard, poster board, or other sturdy paper. Each picture needs to be numbered. Pass paper and pens out to each guest. Then, ask the baby shower guests to match each baby picture with the appropriate person. Give them about ten to fifteen minutes to complete the task. Whoever matches the most pictures correctly wins. This truly is a great icebreaker game! If you do not want to ask your guests to bring baby pictures, another variation to this game is to find baby pictures of celebrities online and see if they can match the picture to the celebrity. Either way, the guests are sure to be laughing by the end of this baby shower game!

"The Toilet Paper Game" is a new baby shower game that will definitely be fun for everyone. The basic premise of this game is to get a roll of toilet paper and pass it around to each guest. Do not tell the baby shower guests what the toilet paper will be used for. As it is passed around, have each guest tear off a piece. They can choose how much toilet paper they wish to tear off. After each guest has their piece of toilet paper, ash the expectant mother to stand up. Each guest then takes turns trying to wrap their piece of toilet paper around the expectant mother's belly! This is always a lot of fun because some people have only one or two sheets! Whoever gets closest to her actual girth wins. Of course, toilet paper is not the only item that could be used for this free baby shower game. String, blue or pink ribbon, and rope can all be substituted.

You really don't have to spend a lot of money on baby shower games to have a great party. In fact, these free baby shower games are just as entertaining as their more expensive counterparts. The next time you are planning a baby shower, remember that unique baby shower games don't have to break the bank!

Amy Cordray runs a website full of cute baby shower ideas! She lives in WA state with her husband and 2 little girls.

For tons of free baby shower games and ideas visit http://www.cutest-baby-shower-ideas.com/baby-shower-game-ideas.html

Article Source: Amy Cordray - Free Baby Shower Game Ideas