by Heidi Labron

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 10, 2009

Baby showers are not just about tiny clothes and rubber duckies anymore. They are hip and fun and take the baby theme to new levels. Try this great baby shower brunch theme for that new mommy-to-be and you'll have everyone going home happy!

We've all been to the same old baby shower featuring pass the present, a sticky white cake and oodles of gifts for the mommy-to-be. But what about something a little different? Baby shower brunches can save you lots of time and money as well, and they are easy to plan. But where do you begin?

#1. Start by making your own unique invitations. Buy card stock in pastel colors and little die-cut umbrellas a the dollar store or crafting store and glue to the front of each card. Decorate each umbrella with glitter or tiny jewels for sparkle! On the inside write: "It's a shower, It's a brunch, Mommy-to-be, Will thank you a bunch!" You can also suggest gift ideas on the invitation, including vouchers for babysitting or grocery shopping to help the new mommy. Give all of the details as to time and place and don't forget to enclose a map!

#2. Have guests address their own thank you card envelope. When the guests arrive, have a basket by the front door filled with envelopes. Have each person address their own envelope so that the new mommy will have one less thing to do later when sending her thank you notes. You can give this basket to her as a gift along with blank note cards.

#3. Save on expensive food by serving brunch. Make quiche in individual tart shells, and serve a lovely fruit cup. Have everything buffet style, with lots of muffins, breads, butter and jams. You should have a few hot dishes and several cold ones like a yummy pasta salad or cold meats. You can place all of the dishes on the table and scatter tiny baby things like colored diaper pins or tiny rattles on the table cloth.

#4. Decorate on a budget but make it fun! If you really want to save money and decorate the entire room for under $25, make your own tissue paper flowers in various sizes and hang them throughout the room at different heights. These look beautiful and whimsical and you can buy fantastic tissue paper in a variety of pastel shades at the dollar store to keep with the baby colors. For a whimsical look to your tables, place a large tissue paper flower in the center and sprinkle glitter all around.

#5. Make your own yummy favors. Make your own cookies in baby shapes such as rattles or just little baby faces and wrap a few in decorative cellophane bags tied

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