How to Plan a Baby Shower

Get together with the new mom to be and find out the gender of the baby, and what type of themes or
colors she might like. If she has no preference, then it's up to you. You can surprise her, but it is
always nice to ask. Select a date and time that is best for her, and find out if she is registered at
any stores.

Let her give you a list of guests that might want to attend and their addresses. This may take her a
while, so while you are doing your other planning, she can be doing this, but you will need an
approximate count as soon as possible, so you will know how much to buy.

Try to enlist the help of family or friends to help you - two hands are always better than one.

Next, decide on a baby shower idea or theme. Not sure? Then that just happens to be why we're here.
You might want to take a look at our "baby shower ideas" page to get you started. If you don't use
everything, at least it will complement your imagination.

Once you have chosen a theme, call or meet with the expectant mom, and get her list and number of
guests. Go over it with her, and make sure that no one has been left out.

Now that you have your number of guests....purchase your party supplies and decorations:

Baby shower tableware - plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, tablecovers to match (One note: tablecovers
are optional, but you can also use fabrics by the yard to dress up a table, or just leave them plain -
it's solely up to you) Many of our partyware ensembles have tablecloths to match their themes.

Baby shower invitations - purchase these to match all one theme, or just go with everything "baby"

Baby shower centerpiece - You will need something to dress up the main table. A large centerpiece or
several small ones - which ever you prefer. Take a look at our "Celebration Diaper Cakes" - They are
beautiful and very festive!

Baby shower favors - Your baby shower guests will leave with a smile, when you hand them a small
token, to say "thank you" for coming. Our baby shower favors come in all shapes and sizes - choose
something to complement your theme or particular color scheme. Favors can also be given out as game
prizes.

Plan your menu - As far as a menu goes - the sky's the limit! Just serve cake and punch, or add as
many food items as you wish. Tea sandwiches, dips, chips, veggies, and hot appetizers are always good
finger foods. Your guests would surely enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries or beautifully decorated
baby shower cookies too!

Of course coffee, punch, and hot or iced teas. Take a peek at our baby shower punch page for some
recipes. For cute cupcakes, try topping homemade or store-bought ones with our baby shower cake
decorations that are in shapes such as booties and bottles.

Plan your games - Most showers have games, but if you would prefer not to play games, then do
whatever is most comfortable for all involved. Games are fun, and seem to add something to the
party. Check out our free printable baby shower games pages for some cute ideas! Oh, and don't
forget to buy game prizes, if you haven't already.

Send out your invitations - around 3 weeks before the shower. If you think people need more time,
then you could send them earlier, but that should be sufficient.

Catering - if you are having the party catered, then you will want to do this several weeks ahead, or if
you are having your baby shower at a restaurant, then make your reservations.

Order cake - no less that one week before the date. Purchase ingredients for baking, punch, etc. Also
keep in touch with everyone who is helping you, and what they need to do for last minute decorating -
cooking etc.

Day of Shower - Time to decorate! Pick up your cake if you've ordered one. Cover tables, arrange
fresh flowers, get games ready, purchase helium balloons (if wanted). Right before, prepare your
punch and other drinks. Don't forget to have fun!