Provided by: Tice Swackhamer - babydraw.com
If you're reluctant to host a baby shower because you think they're corny or hokey, think again. Baby showers make great memories and can be celebrated in many different ways. If you're not into the traditional all-women's event on a Sunday afternoon, there are plenty of other options you might consider.
Host a couple's shower on a Saturday night. This could be a small sit down dinner or a full-blown party with a laundry list of friends. There's no rule that baby showers need to "look" a certain way. The idea is to celebrate the upcoming new arrival and let the future mom and dad know you care. Decorate, serve food, "oh" and "ah" over presents and play a few rounds of Baby Draw. You'll have your guests in stitches and wanting more.
Have a themed party. For example, if the mother-to-be is from France, have a Parisian party, complete with fine pastries, cheeses, cafe-au-laits and music by Edith Piaf. In warmer weather you can even play a round of Petanque (lawn bowling) in the backyard. Other themes might include a Hollywood party, a 50s, 60s or 70s party, or an old-fashioned rodeo (a good time to present the child's first rocking horse!).
Have a craft party. This can take many shapes, from making the baby's birth announcement cards to creating a quilt to decorating the nursery. Imagine how appreciative the guest of honor would be to have furniture painted to match the baby's room or a plaque mounted with her infant's name. Or, with everyone pitching in, your guests could paint a unique wall mural design with a kit from http://www.wallnutz.com/ for a spectacular and memorable event.
If your friend is a collector, ask each guest to bring a gift that complements her existing set. This could include anything from Beanie Babies to silver spoons to Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. You may even want to start a new type of collection for the baby, perhaps something meaningful from the year she was born.
Or -- have a traditional party! Getting together with all of her female friends and relatives may end up being the most meaningful event of all. Laugh, play games, trade pregnancy stories and spend an afternoon bonding. Having a baby is a monumental event that should be celebrated. So, don't be shy. Pamper the mother-to-be -- she deserves it!
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Baby Draw
Ready, Set, Draw! This picture-charades game is a perfect icebreaker at a baby shower. Includes more than 100 playing cards, a one-minute timer and complete instructions.