by Shelia West

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2008

Baby showers can be a 'bundle of joy' with just a little effort. Many people try to make them into an elaborate occasion when in reality they should be fun and relaxing. It is after all, a celebration of a new little life. It helps to give the Mama-to-be a chance to receive gifts that she probably would never buy if she had to on her own. It is a chance to oh and ah over tiny little things like booties and bibs. So keep your baby showers light and fun.

Pick a theme you can follow all through the process. You can buy many theme related items today. Matching invitations, plates, napkins, banners, and other things are everywhere. Or you can create your own theme. Either way, by choosing one theme, it helps to unify the shower. That doesn't mean everything you buy has to have ducks or teddy bears on it. You can mix solid color items in with your theme. This is a great way to save money. Buy plain white plates and cups and add your own little piece of artwork. Or make your own invitations and banners on the computer. Just make sure your invitations include all the information necessary, like the date and time, location, places the mother has registered, and a phone number where one of the hostesses can be reached. Notice I said 'one of the hostesses'. Since a baby shower can involve some planning and work, it is a fantastic idea to have several hostesses. Often these hostesses will go in together and buy the decorations, food, and a gift for the mama. By combining the cost and dividing the work associated with putting a shower together, it will be a lot more enjoyable and relaxing event for everyone involved. It also makes the cost a lot easier to deal with than if one person tries to pay for it all.

I've already mentioned most of your basic supplies. Send the invitations out at least a week in advance to allow people time to choose gifts. When buying supplies, you will need plates, cups, forks, spoons, napkins, tablecloths (unless you can borrow some from a church or restaurant), perhaps a banner welcoming the baby, and some decorations. Most people incorporate balloons into their baby showers. Balloons are a cheap, but colorful and fun decoration. Check out your dollar mart stores for cheap items such as ceramic booties to hold nuts and mints. Buy necessary items such as baby lotion, baby powder, q-tips, baby oil, pacifiers, etc. and fill small baskets to put in the center of tables. You can tie balloons to the handles. These are not only pretty, but the new

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