by Dacia Dumdai

Created on: April 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Hosting a baby shower can be a daunting task and coming up with a succesful idea can be even more time consuming. The traditional theme is baby (what else right?). From baby food, to baby name games, and baby pictures. Does anybody to stop and wonder if they are over doing it a bit? Yes, we are celebrating the miracle of life and the party is about the new mommy, but think also about the attendees. How many of them have children? No matter the answer, the child free women are going to be overwhelmed and those with probably want a day away from baby everything. Here's a radical thought- instead of a shower totally focused on the new baby, why not create a party that reminds the guests of how much fun it was to be a carefree kid.

Use that idea as the basic theme of your shower. No matter what, they will bring presents but the new mom wont feel like her party is a cliche or boring.

So as far as the menu goes, ditch the baby carrots and tiny sandwiches and go for those old time favorites. I recommend sloppy Joe's (if you are prepared for the mess) but if the hassle is too much try pizza. Side dishes could be anything from chips to jell-O. For dessert, instead of a coffee cake do a couple of classic ice cream flavors but have dishes full of the sweetest toppings- sprinkles, gummie bears, Oreo cookies, syrups. The drinks can be virgin mixers (or juicies), which works perfectly for the pregnant guest of honor. I guarantee the women (or men) at the shower will be pleasantly surprised. If you weren't planning on a full menu, just go with the bite size versions and forget worrying about presentation- its all about fun.

And what is a shower without games! A baby shower typically does the name game or remember as many baby items on this tray. Instead, spice up the party with some childhood favorites. Try pin the diaper on the baby, balloon animals, finger painting (have some old shirts to avoid stains), or have them hit the pinata. Bring out some classic board games like Candy land, Trouble, or Snakes and Ladders. It may be awkward at first because its so unexpected, but with the right music everybody will soon be laughing and enjoying themselves.

A good host will also make sure enough attention is focused on the expectant mom. Get in touch with her mother and get her to bring some baby memorabilia. Or, copy some photos from the mom's childhood to present and make a photo album.

A perfect time to segue into opening those presents would be right after your last planned activity. Bring out that ice cream and make a statement like while everybody's settling down I think we'll have "Layla" tackle her gifts. It is also a queue to the guests that your shower is winding down and they should get ready to depart.

Once the goodbyes are being said, bring out a cute party favor. Spencer Gifts (a gift shop) or even candy stores usually stock board game key chains, so toss in one of those with some Bubbalicious gum or one of those jumbo suckers. For the mother to be, you can do something more serious with a engraved baby frame or silver rattle.

This is one baby shower that is sure to impress and be a success. The theme is more creative while centering on children, which was the original intention.

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