How to Throw a Modern Baby Shower

Gone are the days of the excruciating baby showers of old. There is no longer a need to blindfold your guests and force them to dig through a bowl of rice to find safety pins, nor should you ask them to scoop up cotton balls with a spoon. The modern baby shower can be charming, fun, and less than three painful hours long!

There are several keys to a successful baby shower: Simplicity, character, and, of course, the main ingredient: FUN!  Do you want to throw a baby shower that will leave your guests refreshed and full of joy for the mother to be? Then read on.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a theme for your Baby Shower. You might choose to go the easy route and simply decorate in pink or blue. Popular and modern baby shower themes include Cutesy Owls, Cupcakes, and Sweet Birds. Chances are, if you can think of a theme, there are supplies out there to create it.

Once you've chosen a theme, you'll need to purchase decorations. Tablecloths, and streamers will suffice, but if you want to go all out, try hanging flowers like these by Martha Stewart.  Clear glass vases, with ribbon tied 'round and filled with candy look stunning as a centerpiece.  Diaper cakes are sometimes used as a decoration, and they double as a gift for the mother to be.  They are quite simple to make and are adorable to look at.

Food is something else to keep in mind when hosting a baby shower. Light refreshments are usually served, such as meats and cheeses. Some hostesses choose to prepare a full spread of finger foods; mini sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays, and cookies. I have found that these two options work best.  Planning a full meal for your baby shower guests will prove to be a lot of work and might take the focus away from the reason for the party: the baby to be.  An exception to this rule would be if you have planned a small gathering of only a few close friends. A luncheon would be in perfect order for a party like this

Games are the most fun part of any baby shower (aside from watching mom to be open all the cute gifts!) so make sure yours are simple and enjoyable. One or two games is usually plenty.

Check out Fresh Linen for a printable "What's in Your Purse" game.

A hit at every baby shower is to create a Baby Mad Libs. Create a story about the mom and dad to be:  discovering they are pregnant, preparing for baby, and finally, giving birth. Leave room for the nouns, adjectives, and verbs in the story and have the baby shower guests shout out their suggestions as you write them into the story. Then read the Mad Libs out loud and watch your guests roar with laughter. 

A great idea which was played at my own baby shower recently is to separate guests into teams. Give them magazines, scissors, glue, and paper, and tell them to create a picture of what mom to be's baby will look like. Mom gets to pick the winner.

Throwing a baby shower is a blessing, both for the thrower and the mom to be. Make sure, above all, your mother and guests are comfortable and happy. With a little love and few hours preparation, you can help welcome that baby into the world with style and love.

Is baby's gender a surprise?  Check out Ucreate's Free Gender Neutral Baby Shower Printables.

Better Homes and Gardens shares how to create a Bubbly Ducky Theme Shower, also gender neutral.

The Creative Party Place shares Polka Dot Giraffe themed baby shower decor.