Throwing a Baby Shower
A few years back, a baby shower was a strictly American event – not something celebrated, or even heard of in the UK. But, what's popular over there, soon makes its mark over here too – and the baby shower is now no exception!
Planning
If you want to either throw a party to celebrate a friend's pregnancy (and of course, shower her with gifts!) or if you are expecting yourself and wish to mark your last few 'baby free' days with a girls-only event, then a baby shower is the way to go!Invite your (or your friends) closest female friends and family – baby showers are quite intimate affairs, and are best kept to a small, close group rather than becoming a free for all!
Women Only?
Baby showers are a bit like hen parties (only without the alcohol!) and as such are most definitely women only! All the gifts are mother and baby focussed, and there should be lovely, luxurious but healthy food and drink, like lots of fresh fruit, flavoured mineral waters, alcohol free cocktails on offer. Pampering, relaxing, luxe, and indulgent should be your key words!Where to Hold?
Most people host their baby showers at home, but if you really wanted to push the boat out, holding it in a hotel lounge and combining it with lunch or afternoon tea would be a lovely treat for the mum-to-be.Perfect Presents
The baby shower gifts are important – many people will concentrate on a fab present for mummy at this stage, and buy another present for the baby once it is born. However, things like diaper or nappy cakes – huge piles of nappies artistically arrange into a 'cake' shape – are always popular gifts before or after the birth, as are baby hampers or layettes. For mum, concentrate on lovely indulgent skincare, scented candles, or massage oil – anything that's relaxing, nourishing and perfect for a bit of pre-natal 'me time'.You could also come up with some unique gift ideas that are particularly relevant to the mum to be, or, all club together for one large item, or gift tokens that you know she would like. There are some presents to avoid: an abundance of frilly, dressy, newborn baby clothes – most babies spend their first six months in sleep suits or babygros – (of which no new mum can have enough) – and baby toiletries, again, many mums will have their own ideas as to which lotions and potions they wish to use on their baby, and such gifts often end up going unused. Large cuddly toys and shawls are also popular pressies, and ones that end up a bit like the ubiquitous toaster on the wedding gift table – not wanted, often duplicated and therefore, best avoided!
