Things You'll Need:
- Baby shower decorations
- Refreshments
- Gifts
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Step 1
Make a guest list. Women-only baby showers are out; co-ed showers are in. However, you don't want the dad-to-be to be the only guy present, so invite other husbands, boyfriends and fathers. If you're going to invite the men, think about inviting the kids as well. It's a great way for the parents-to-be to see up close and personal what they're getting themselves into.
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Step 2
Kid-proof the house. If you're going to have a dozen or so couples and their children in your home, make sure all the breakable knickknacks and potentially dangerous items such as countertop knife blocks are tucked away in a safe place before your guests arrive.
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Step 3
Have a potluck. The guests will need to be fed, especially if the shower takes place near lunch or dinnertime. Keep in mind that pregnant women are nearly always hungry. If the couple has other children and doesn't need large items (crib, car seat, changing table), suggest that guests bring a toy or an outfit for the baby in lieu of a large gift, as well as a side dish, salad or dessert for the potluck. If it's the couple's first child and they do need larger items, arrange for more than one family to contribute to the item in addition to their potluck dish.
If weather permits, consider firing up the backyard grill--it will give all the husbands and boyfriends something fun to do. -
Step 4
Decorate for the theme. If you know the gender of the baby in advance, the color of your decorations (including sheet cake wording) will be obvious. If the parents have opted to be surprised, consider a rainbow of pastel colors rather than just pink and blue. Ask if the nursery has a theme--ducks, circus, teddy bears--and let your decorations copy nursery decor. Tell your guests about any nursery theme, too; they may want to tailor their gifts to match. Decorations can be as simple as a balloon bouquet (to be divided up between all children in attendance at the end) out front to designate the "party house," a few banners and crepe paper streamers inside. The gift table and the full food table will also add to the festive atmosphere.
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Step 5
Avoid games. If men are present, bypass the silly party games--the guys will have a better time if you do. Instead, have some kid-appropriate DVDs available for the kids to watch. The parents-to-be will appreciate the chance to spend quality time with their family and friends without interruption for another round of "make all the words you can out of the letters in the baby's name."
