Baby Shower – Page 8 – Marisa Meidle's Baby Showers

Halloween Themed Baby Shower

Almost every baby shower follow the same formula: pink and glitter for baby girl and blue and cowboy hats for baby boy, cakes and fruity mocktails, and lots of fun and exciting baby shower games like diaper challenge or guessing games.

What if the mom-to-be is expecting her bundle of joy around October 31 or November 1? Why not try for once to stray away from the tradition and try the halloween theme for your baby shower. I bet it will be spooky and exciting, and a totally unique experience.

If you decide to explore this theme, consult the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be if they are comfortable to have one of her baby showers following a holloween theme.

GUEST LIST
Once decided, the first thing to do is to list down the interesting and fun holloween or spooky characters like ghosts, goblins, ghouls, among many others. These characters will be a.k.a your guest list.

HAUNTED DECORATIONS
Next up is to create an environment that gives you and the guests the spooky feel. Make your venue and the celebration fun and memorable by putting decorations and backdrops that look like the haunted mansion.

SCARY PARTY FAVORS
Regardless of the theme, it ain’t a party without food and sweet favors. You can be creative on this and have something like boozy beverages and scary delicious desserts. You can have something like bloody drinks, and cupcakes or cookies designed with frightful figures.

SOUND EFFECT
For added fun and holloween feel, it’s best to have sound playing in the background like the scary laughter or sound of a squeking door or scary birds or forrest wolves.

And ofcourse, you don’t want to give your guests the creeps, so try to include some cherry side of the holloween. You can have some cake toppers that says something like “a baby is brewing” or give-away little pumpkin soaps or scented candles.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the scary games and ask guests if they are cool with wearing scary or holloween costumes. And then set-up a holloween photo booth for mementos.

Now, don’t get it wrong. It does not mean when you say holloween theme, that it has to look and feel so freaking scary to the core. I mean you don’t want to stress out the mom-to-be and the guests, and give them nightmares. What you want to achieve is to have a mix of scary and scary cute. There is a cute side to halloween, and that is what you want to embrace.

Predict the Baby’s Gender on a Baby Shower

There are a lot of fun activities you can do during a baby shower. There are so many games from paired to group games that everyone can surely enjoy.

Some parents-to-be opt to find out their baby’s gender during pregnancy, because they want the baby shower theme to be gender focused. So, they wait until the ultrasound can already identify the baby’s gender.

For some, they prefer to be surprised and go for unisex theme for their baby shower.

Actually there are many fun ways to predict whether the mom-to-be is expecting a baby boy or girl. There are no scientific truth to these activities, but often they turn out right. Although they are not rooted in fact, but it can actually be real fun to play with friends and family at a baby shower.

Here are some fun ways or methods in predicting the baby’s gender. You might find them interesting to include as one your baby shower activities.

1. NUMBER METHOD
This is an ancient chinese method of guessing the baby’s gender, using some mathematics. This has been used six centuries before the ultrasound came out. It uses calendar cross reference of the mom-to-be’s age and the month of conception. Centuries ago, women also use this method in determining if it’s the best month to get pregnant with a boy or girl. It may not have scientific proof, but it does predict the baby’s gender quite well.

2. APPEARANCE METHOD
It’s another old method of predicting baby’s gender by looking at the mom-to-be’s belly. If the mom-to-be’s belly is carrying it low and the bump looks like a basketball, then she is pregnant with a baby girl. If she is carrying her belly high and her bump resembles that of a watermelon shape, then she is expecting a baby boy.

3. DIRECTION TESTS
This one is really fun. Place a ring on a thread and then dangle it over the mom-to-be’s belly. If it swings back and forth, then she is expecting a baby boy. But, if it swings in a circular motion, then is more likely to have baby girl. Everyone can actually watch closely, that’s why it’s exciting and fun.

You can actually do all these on baby shower. You can gather all the mom-to-be’s guests to watch or participate, and you’ll have lots of laughters and excitement.

Finally, there is the so-called “intuition” of the mom-to-be, and her feeling whether she is pregnant with a boy or girl is correct 70 to 75 percent of the time. And the percentage of getting it right increases with her second, third or so pregnancy. So, mom-to-be should trust themeselves in preparing for her impending bundle of joy, because chances are she is correct.

Planning a Baby Shower – WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?

In my previous posts I have shared with you the ultimate guide in planning a baby shower. I assume now you have decided on the location and have already outlined your plan on the theme, guest list, decors, food and activities.

Now, the next thing and one of the significant thing to consider in planning a baby shower is the TIME and DATE. We know for a fact that few months before the childbirth can be pretty hectic for the mom-to-be. On the other hand, early weeks or months of pregnancy is also tough and challenging especially for first time mom-to-be. So when is the best time to have the baby shower?

The date and time must be decided with the mom-to-be or parents-to-be. After all, you don’t want the shower to cause her stress, but for her to feel pure joy and love.

Baby showers are best held on the fifth to sixth month pregnancy of the mom-to-be. It is believed and observed that during these times they have already recovered from the early pregnancy discomforts and have adjusted well and are safe to have a bit of fun with some family and friends.

Regardless of the season, the best and most popular days for a baby shower is on the weekends – Saturday or Sunday and in the afternoons just after lunch time. Because most guests are believed to be free from work. Weekdays are fine too, especially dinner time. It is ideal also when your location for the shower is in the office or for local coffee baby showers.

Ideally, baby showers are held before the child birth. But, you can actually throw one even after the baby is born. In fact, it makes the baby shower extra special and fun to see the baby in person. If you haven’t decided yet whether to do it before or after birth, here are some reasons that might help you with your decision.

BEFORE BIRTH
1.   The mom-to-be can set a gift registry to help her prepare for all the essentials and sort through her presents and purchase some essentials that are still missing;
2.   She will have enough time to prepare and set-up the nursery;
3.   She will be able to relax and enjoy the party instead of take time feeding the baby or changing nappies; and
4.   The baby shower will provide her the much needed love and support, and feel her family and friends’ love and companionship as she journey towards mommyhood.

AFTER BIRTH
1.   It is easier for the guests to get the gifts that would really suit the baby, now that they know the baby’s gender, size and name;
2.   The baby shower can be a meet-the-party as well, making it extra especial;
3.   The mom-to-be is more comfortable now that she’s free from all the pregnancy discomforts; and
4.   Now that the baby is born, healthy and safe, other close family members of the new mom, especially the new dad are all relaxed and can really enjoy the party.

Finally, whatever you choice for the date and time, you must check on the calendar for holidays and events just to make sure that it will not conflict with your date.

And if your date falls on holiday season for instance, it mustn’t change your reason for getting everyone together. And that is to celebrate the mom-to-be and her impending bundle of joy.

Simple Guide in Planning a Baby Shower

Organizing for a fun-filled and memorable baby shower ain’t that tough once you plan it well. And planning is easy once you know the essential details to look into.

If it is your first time to host a baby shower, then you have come to the right place. Here is a simple guide to help you with your planning. Let’s get down to it.

In my previous post, I have shared about looking at possible location for the baby shower. Now, the location or “where” the baby shower will be held is the first thing you have to decide on. And in deciding, you have to consider the mom-to-be’s preferences: is she a home-buddy or someone who loves to eat out with friends or maybe loves outdoor activities and hanging out with friends and family.

Once you have decided on the location, then these following essential details come next:

1. Theme
Every fun and exciting party always has a theme, and baby shower is no exemption. Infact, it is the main thing in a baby shower.

All the other details of the baby shower from decorations to invitations to food and games, works around a theme. Hence, you have to have a theme before you can decide on the decorations or design the invitation and stuff.

Now remember, just like in choosing for the location, the theme must reflect the mom-to-be’s personality and preferences. Why? Because it’s her day and what matters most is what will make her the happiest.

On the one hand, theme may also center around the baby. There are so many themes to choose from. I have shared in my previous posts various baby shower theme ideas. For instance, if you know it’s a girl, then you can have a barbie theme or fairy princess or pinks and glitters. If it’s a boy, then you can go for a cowboy or superhero them. And if you don’t know the baby’s gender, then you can have unisex theme like safari theme or butterflies.

2. Invitation
Next is sending out invites. Consider the theme and the mom-to-be’s preferences in designing for the invitation, especially “who” to invite.

The number of guests depends on your location or venue and the theme: whether it’s an intimate one or a huge party.

If you are not sure of the invitees, then it helps to asks some of your friends, if not the mom-to-be herself.

3. Food and Drinks
A party is not a party without food and drinks. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or luxurious, but it must center around the theme. Something simple, but the group will enjoy eating.

It is also important to learn about your guests’ special dietary needs and or food allergies, just in case.

4. Activities and Games
Just like in every other party, you want your guests to have fun, and above all make it extra special and memorable for the mom-to-be. To get fun going, you need to have ice breakers that will make everyone feel comfortable.

There are so many games and activities that you can play, but make sure you consider your location and your guests in coming up with your games. Go for physical and mental activities that allow your guests to work in groups rather than individually. You can play guessing games or charades or relay among others.

I have shared various baby shower games in my previous posts. You may check them out for more game ideas.

Finally, baby showers usually only run around three to five hours, but the memory its creates lasts for years and years. That is why it’s very special for the mom-to-be. Ofcourse you would want that memory to be worth cherising, right? And the best way to ensure that it’s going to be that, is to have a good plan.

So with that in mind, just follow these simple guide while planning for your first or next baby shower, and everything will be good.

Planning a Baby Shower – Location

If you are the type of person who is organized, flexible, good conversationalist and communicates very well information and all, then organizing baby shower will be easy for you.

Whether it is your first time to host or you’re a pro at putting together baby showers, planning is really essential to ensure you get things done just the way you and the mom-to-be or parents-to-be want.

In planning for baby shower, the very first thing to consider is the location – where will you hold the party? Now, in choosing for the location or venue, it is best to consider what the mom-to-be would love the most, after all it’s really her we’re celebrating. You have to consider whether she is a home-body or does she love to go out with friends for dine-outs, walk on park, picnics. Her preferences will tell you what location or venue she would be most comfortable with, and whether she’d love a huge crowd or just an intimate and small group.

Here are some location ideas to match with the type of mom-to-be.

1. HOME
They say “there is no place like home.” There is indeed no better place to hold a baby shower than in mom-to-be’s home. If not her home, it can be held in one of her bestfriend or family’s home.

If the mom-to-be is a home-buddy, tben at home is the best location for the baby shower. It is also ideal for a more private and intimate shower. Meaning inviting friends and family who are closest to the mom-to-be or parents-to-be.

Home is also a very comfortable and most practical venue for the shower, because you can reign free in the kitchen and you don’t need to worry about the dishes and cutlery and other stuff. It makes it easy to decorate, whether you plan to have it in the garden or backyard or in the dining. And the best part is that everyone knows where the toilet is.

2. RESTAURANT
This is a cozy place to hold a party and that includes baby shower. If the mom-to-be enjoys dining out with friends or family, then she will love to have her baby shower at one of her favorite restaurants. Doing it in a restaurant would also mean she prefer a smaller group and for a more intimate party with just her closest family and friends.

So the first thing to do is to find out what are her favorite restaurants (although as her bestie you must already know). Once you’ve picked the best one, make sure to call and book ahead with the number guests.

Plan whether to have a lunch or dinner. If the mom-to-be prefers a formal party then go for dinner, but if she prefer a cozy and more relaxed one, then lunch will be the best. In choosing the menu, make sure that you choose food that everyone will enjoy, but putting the mom-to-be’s favorite cuisine as the top most priority.

3. OFFICE
Maybe the mom-to-be spends most of her time at the office and almost all of the guest list are her co-workers. If so, then what better place to hold the baby shower than right in the office.

This is going to be practical for you as the host and the guests. The mom-to-be’s co-workers must be super busy, so doing the shower right in the office means that they don’t need to ask for a leave. They only hsve to carve an hour or two for break, her boss included. Plus, you can have extra pair of hands to help you with the decorations, food preparations and all. Her colleagues will be more than glad to help.

It is super comfy too for the guests because they know the whole place.

4. DESTINATION
If the mom-to-be love to go outing with friends and family, then she’ll definitely love to have her baby shower outdoors.

This one can be a bit tough because you need to book a place in advance, arrange for food caterings and decorations. But, first you have to decide for the specific venue: beach, park, garden, by the boat, fancy hotel, poolside, etc.

This may also mean that the guest list for the shower will be bigger than when doing it at home. Because you have the space and it is outdoors, you can do a lot of activities and games, and this is the type of baby shower that is going to be super fun and exciting.

And although outdoor venue can be a bit challenging to decorate, it allows you to be your most creative. So many stuff you can put here and there, and you can set-up photo booths and different corners.

Finally, wherever you have the baby shower, it’s really the moments you share that makes it special. The small and sincere conversations, the smiles, and the love and support are the things that will make the mom-to-be feel special and loved. And that is what matters the most.