“…frogs and snails and puppy dogs tails, that’s what little boys are made of.”
YIKES!! Definitely NOT a good theme for a baby shower, but what came to mind as I set to host a baby shower celebrating the recent arrival of a friends baby boy. Being a mom of 2 boys, a (ahem) great party planner, and never needing an excuse to get the ladies together, I was perfectly qualified. So we welcomed adorable wee Jack with a rattles and rubber ducky themed baby shower.
{photo credit} Dog and Baby
So, I set off to plan…
First up – decide where to hold the party and confirm the guest list. The neighborhood community hall would provide the space needed for guests and it required minimal clean-up post-party (bonus!). Ask your guest of honor for a list of friends, family and colleagues she would like to invite. Create a personalized invitation using printables or send an evite… there are so many cute designs to choose from. Ask guests to RSVP so you know how many to prepare for and with your guest of honor’s permission, let them know they are welcome to bring toddlers too.
Next – menu planning and activities. Finger foods for our lovely ladies work best in a social and informal environment. Our menu included Apple Brie Wonton Cups -a baked wonton wrapper filled with diced apple, red pepper jelly and brie.
{photo credit}uncooked wrappers, cooked wrappers and insert filling…
Skewers (aka Adult Food Rattles) are an easy and tasty snack… we created two types: Fruit and Cake, and 5 types of Meat and cheese (hey, us ladies need our protein, and I have to say these were very popular). They were presented by poking them into the rind of a halved mini watermelon.
Oh – lets not forget the baby blue punch with the rubber duck floating on top. This looks great and is dead simple – take a look at the recipe here.
Mini cupcakes were iced to resemble baby rattles and displayed to spell out a welcome message to the new baby. Welcome each guest with a candy bracelet when they arrive – a nifty idea for grown-ups AND toddlers! Make a game out of it… see who has the most candy left on her bracelet at the end of the party! For activities, there are pages of baby shower games online (check out babyshower101.com) pick 2 or 3 that you think will go over well with your crowd. Have a few small prizes on hand for your winners; a bottle of wine, scented candles or a manicure set are good choices.
{photo credit} candy bracelet, yellow rattle cupcakes
For toddlers activities, a giant floor puzzle and coloring books/crayons keep them occupied all afternoon. The toy cars randomly set on the tables as part of the decorations were also entertaining.
Other thoughtful ideas for the new mommy – have each guest write words of advice or a poem in a journal as a keepsake. Consider purchasing thank you cards and have just the envelopes on hand at the party -ask each guest to address one to themselves – this will make sending thank you cards a breeze.
Whatever you decide on, the new mom will appreciate your efforts – and be extra thankful for the opportunity to get out and socialize with her friends!