It's official – baby showers are a cultural phenomenon that is taking over the UK
It's official – baby showers are a cultural phenomenon that is taking over the UK, and we for one couldn't be more thrilled. Exported from the U S of A, they are one of the last chances a mum-to-be will have to relax with her friends before you-know-who arrives, and at 35 weeks they'll be feeling the excitement almost as much as you. A day of gift and advice giving, baby showers also offer us a chance to get creative with the activities and decor, so we've rounded up some of our favourite ideas to make hosting them a doddle.
Traditionally thrown by a close friend rather than a relative, the shower should be tailored to the expectant mum's interests and personality to ensure it goes down well. Some would rather have a small, close knit gathering for sharing baby tips and anecdotes, whilst others prefer a larger party to which many more guests are invited for a last-chance blowout. (Do bear in mind the inflated costs should you opt for the latter.)
Of course once the guests have arrived, at either your house or a hired venue, you need to keep them entertained! You needn't just stick to conventional party games like Guess the Baby's Weight or Pass the Pacifier – women nowadays are indulging in spa treatments, live music and even comedy performances, which are perfect for taking one's mind off things during the stressful third trimester. We also love the idea of guests sitting down and decorating plain babygrows with a selection of fabric paints, which make a perfectly unique gift from your closest friends and family that will undoubtedly come in handy once the baby arrives.
The host doesn't have to go all out in order to throw a successful shower though – sometimes the smaller details can be just as important. You can use baby bottles to make miniature flower arrangements, bake cookies shaped like prams and little cherubs, and even make bunting using disposable nappies. If live music isn't appropriate, then a playlist featuring some of the mum's favourite songs will show how much you care about her.
One thing the guests will be desperate to find out is the incoming tot's gender, and showers are the perfect occasion on which to reveal it. Collude with mum beforehand to bake either a blue or pink cake which you can then cover in white icing, then ask the gathered ladies to guess whether they think it's a boy or a girl. The cake can then be sliced to reveal the correct answer, leaving you free to enjoy a delicious treat and watch everyone get even more excited as they discuss potential baby names!
Learn even more about baby showers and where they come from on our blog.
http://www.my1styears.com/blog/BabyShower/
Traditionally thrown by a close friend rather than a relative, the shower should be tailored to the expectant mum's interests and personality to ensure it goes down well. Some would rather have a small, close knit gathering for sharing baby tips and anecdotes, whilst others prefer a larger party to which many more guests are invited for a last-chance blowout. (Do bear in mind the inflated costs should you opt for the latter.)
Of course once the guests have arrived, at either your house or a hired venue, you need to keep them entertained! You needn't just stick to conventional party games like Guess the Baby's Weight or Pass the Pacifier – women nowadays are indulging in spa treatments, live music and even comedy performances, which are perfect for taking one's mind off things during the stressful third trimester. We also love the idea of guests sitting down and decorating plain babygrows with a selection of fabric paints, which make a perfectly unique gift from your closest friends and family that will undoubtedly come in handy once the baby arrives.
The host doesn't have to go all out in order to throw a successful shower though – sometimes the smaller details can be just as important. You can use baby bottles to make miniature flower arrangements, bake cookies shaped like prams and little cherubs, and even make bunting using disposable nappies. If live music isn't appropriate, then a playlist featuring some of the mum's favourite songs will show how much you care about her.
One thing the guests will be desperate to find out is the incoming tot's gender, and showers are the perfect occasion on which to reveal it. Collude with mum beforehand to bake either a blue or pink cake which you can then cover in white icing, then ask the gathered ladies to guess whether they think it's a boy or a girl. The cake can then be sliced to reveal the correct answer, leaving you free to enjoy a delicious treat and watch everyone get even more excited as they discuss potential baby names!
Learn even more about baby showers and where they come from on our blog.
http://www.my1styears.com/blog/BabyShower/
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