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I am planning a baby shower for a friend within the next few weeks and I need some help. She is having a girl and while I want the shower to be special, I need help avoiding “cheesy” or canned themes. Do you have any tips for planning a sophisticated yet affordable baby shower at home?
~Becky, Wisconsin
Pick a Theme
Before you start planning the details of the baby shower, the most important thing to do is pick a theme. The party theme will set the tone for every other aspect of the baby shower including food, decorations and even games. Since the baby shower is in the next few weeks, I suggest picking a spring theme. Once you have selected the theme, everything else will easily fall into place.
Food
Whatever food you choose for the baby shower should be beautiful and delicious. Remember that people eat with their eyes first so, great presentation is key. You don’t have to make everything yourself either. Enlist other friends to chip in. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may even opt to cater or outsource certain dishes. A spring themed baby shower menu could look like this: spring salad, spring rolls along with selected meats or seafood of choice.
A baby shower with a spring tea party theme could include menu items like, finger sandwiches, scones, macaroons and hot tea. Whatever menu items you select, don’t forget the dessert! The dessert is always the star of the show. Cakes and cupcakes continue to be the mainstays of any party but if you want to do something a little different, serve cake pops or set up a novelty candy bar at your event.
Tip: If you really want to add some sophistication to your event then create a signature mocktail (non-alcoholic beverage) for the shower. Select a name for the drink by using the first or last name of the baby, followed by the flavor of the drink and then adding spritzer, drop or punch on the end. For example, the Smith Strawberry Spritzer or Williams Watermelon Punch. Let your imagination take over.
Ambiance
For a spring-themed baby shower, fresh flowers are always in style. Think about using spring flowers like tulips, daffodils or whatever is in season to add big impact while still keeping costs down. A big part of the decor is the color scheme. Don’t just assume that because your friend is having a girl that she wants everything in pink. Ask the the guest of honor what she likes. Colors like yellow, pale greens and lilac work really well for a spring party.
If the mom-to-be is willing…an enlarged maternity (mat-framed) photo of her at the entrance of the party will help set the tone of the party and is also a great keepsake. Have guests sign their well wishes on the matted portion of the photo upon entry.
Tip: Don’t forget the music for your baby shower. A simple Google search will reveal songs that have the word “baby” in it. Download several of those songs and make a baby shower playlist for the party to play between party games and when guests are eating.
Above all else have fun. Always keep the “mom-to-be” preferences in mind and don’t forget the party favors!
Come back on Thursday for another edition of “Ask The Domestic Life Stylist”.
You can also tweet a question to Dlifestylist on Twitter or email me at ask{at}thedomesticlifestylist{dot}com. I will select one question to answer every Thursday.
If you are a blogger, this is a great chance to have us feature and link to your blog.
Lisa is a pharmacist turned fine living/travel writer & founder of The Domestic Life Stylist, following her passion for all things food, family and travel. Read more of her lifestyle tips on her blog, learn effective fine living strategies, family travel tips and expand your culinary horizons.
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