How to Host a Co-Ed Baby Shower

Traditional baby showers have something missing, primarily...dads. As men take a more active role in the pregnancy process (unlike several decades ago)--including going to doctors appointments and birthing classes--there is an increasing trend in redefining the baby shower tradition into a co-ed/couples event. Translation: It’s time to ditch the pin-the-diaper-on-the-baby games. With that said, here are some tips on throwing a couples' shower that’s fun for the expectant mom, dad and their friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Glass containers, sand, sea shells, mini rakes, mini palms, ribbon and faux Limoge boxes
• Small squares of fabric, puff paint, sewing materials, fabric pens, scissors, ribbon
• Flowers, Oasis, pillar candle stick holders.
• Birds and Bees piñata and stuffers

Decor

1. Bring in color by accenting the room with round floral spheres displayed on pillar candle holders. Just soak balls of Oasis (florist foam) in varying sizes, clip flowers just under the head of the flower (leave about a ¾” stem) and insert flowers (carnations, peonies and daisies work well) until the Oasis is completely covered.

Activities

2. Birds and Bees piñata. Stuff them with naughty toys, the kind of stuff that helps us make babies (toys, oils, ticklers, etc)! The piñatas can be made with pull strings instead of having to use the blindfold and bat system (see link below).
3. Quilt making station. Okay, it might be hard to get the guys into this one, but give it a try anyway. Grab squares of fabric for each guest and the supplies to decorate (or just sign and date) them. Use fabric pens, buttons, appliqués, etc. After the party have all the squares sewn together and finished as a quilt for the baby’s room.

Centerpieces

4. Help guests interact by making centerpieces that cause them to do something, like a treasure hunt.
5. Start with clear glass bowls (wide mouth and at least 3 inches deep) and fill them with sand.
6. Bury small faux Limoge boxes in the sand, then cover the top with sea shells, add a mini palm tree for authenticity.
7. Provide mini Zen garden rakes for guests to use to find their treasure.

Tips & Warnings

• Bar: The rule is to serve beer, wine, water, soft drinks and a specialty cocktail. Go for a Flavored Mojito Bar as your specialty. It’s always a huge hit, trust me! The minty concoction tastes great as a nonalcoholic drink as well.