How to Throw a Memorable Baby Shower

After your close friend announces that she is pregnant, you might be eager to arrange a baby shower for her. Getting through pregnancy is challenging at times, and happy events such as this can help a pregnant friend leave some worries aside.

If you've never hosted a baby shower, make sure you don't miss anything, as this is supposed to be a truly memorable party. Here are the basics for throwing a perfect baby shower.

Ask others to chip in

Make a guest list, asking everyone how much they are willing to chip in. If it's not enough, try to find co-hosts who will be responsible for some activities/arrangements instead of you.

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Choose the date

As a rule, baby showers are arranged one or two months before the due date, but it's up to the mom-to-be. Ask her which dates will work best and determine which one will be OK for most guests. Check if there are any holidays that might steal the spotlight. If not everyone can come on the planned day, a separate party can be thrown for them. Multiple baby showers aren't a rare thing after all.

Pick a theme

Whatever you choose for a baby shower theme should reflect the expectant mother's personality. It could be anything, from outer space and magical theatre to Star Wars and sweets. Once chosen and approved by your friend, the theme can be used in decorations, the choice of food & drinks, and even gift ideas. If the mom-to-be doesn't want the baby shower to turn into a gender reveal party, make sure your way of using the theme won't make the guests figure out whether it's a boy or a girl.

Choose the right venue

Although baby showers are often held at the home of the expecting mom, you can get creative when picking a location for this joyous event. If you have a fancy place in mind, try to book it two or three months ahead of time as it might be in high demand. You might consider these location ideas for a baby shower:

• Cafe or tea room
• Spa salon
• Bowling alley
• Beach
• Art gallery
• Botanical garden
• Community center
• Local church

Make sure that the place of your choice is easily reachable by everyone involved. The more guests, the trickier it gets to choose the perfect location.

Brainstorm fun activities

Google baby shower games, and you'll be able to choose from a wide variety of thrilling activities. Be original or use good old games, just don't bring up politics or religion! Also, don't forget that you should select games with the chosen party theme in mind.

It would be great to set the mood with a few icebreakers, especially if guests don't know each other well. You can ask the guests to bring their baby photos and start the party with an insanely popular "Guess Who" game or tell the guests to smell melted chocolate from baby diapers to guess the brand.

Plan the menu

Firstly, remember that it's not a wedding and nobody expects you to splurge on food delights. Besides, the mom-to-be might be on a special diet, and Maine lobster burger, foie gras, or Rose Dom Perignon would be too much anyway.

Secondly, plan the menu once you decide whether you want it to be a formal sit-down party or a casual affair. Full-on meals or finger foods? The difference is enormous.

Baby showers are all about being excited about the bump that will arrive soon. Parties like these are thrown to spoil a mother-to-be with much-needed newborn baby essentials. As a host, try to make it as memorable as possible, enjoying each preparation.