by Jennifer Wells

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

A baby shower is not only a chance to celebrate the coming baby, but also a chance to pamper the mother. Consideration of her should enter all aspects of party-planning.

Choosing the Theme. Find out the theme/colors she has chosen for the baby's room. This makes her party personal in a way choosing your own random theme never would. If she has not chosen one, stick to her known favorites. For example, if she loves a certain flower or has a favorite hobby, make that your theme.

Invites, Favors and Reminders Following the theme, create or purchase invites. The current 'in' thing to do is to scrap the invites with a lot of layers. You can also make matching party favors of a favorite poem or memory. Send the invites out six weeks early to allow for scheduling and RSVP time. If you fear that is too far ahead and people will forget, send out small, well-timed reminders a week early.

Also, if you specifically do not want men or children under X age present, make it clear on the invitation! On the same token, if it is meant to be a dad's-included party, specify that as well. Every invite should include the name of the mother, location, date of event, RSVP info, time and intended length of the party, mother's chosen nursery theme/colors, sex of the baby if known, and a small list of items the mother most needs for the new arrival.

Games Baby shower games are fun and easy to customize. All games should be easily played in a relaxed, seated setting with perhaps one more lively exception. Easy games include freezing small plastic babies in ice cubes (who's drink 'gives birth' first?), passing out a penny to each arrival to be gathered later as they share a nice thought or favorite memory about the mother, and so on.

Another fun game is the laundry game. You will need a decent amount of baby clothes ina basket, phone and a baby doll. Each participant will be given 30 seconds or 1 minute to hang as much laundry they can on a previously (and carefully) placed line while holding the doll in one arm and having the phone tucked between a shoulder and ear. This game is especially fun for "tween" girls attending the party who might otherwise get restless.

Location and Atmosphere Choose a location where the mother will be comfortable. You may want a fancy dinner at a restaurant, but for the mother who is swollen, tired and self-conscious this may be somewhat embarrassing and uncomfortable. Never hold an outdoor party in the heat of the day in July or August!

Choose a location that is

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>