Hosting Series: Baby Shower

I’m getting to the point in life where I’m getting invited to way more baby showers than bridal showers. Which is exciting, I suppose, to welcome all these wonderful bundles of joy into the world, but as a newlywed, I still definitely relate to bridal showers a bit more. But I’m starting to think it’s time to give up and just start stocking up on Buy Buy Baby coupons. I do love hosting, though, so when a classmate shared the exciting news of her pregnancy, I offered to host a shower at the Bungalow!

This is not the first shower that the Bungalow has hosted (I hosted a rainbow themed shower for my friend, Jessica, in 2014) and will probably not be the last, but it was a good one! I think maybe I’m getting pretty good at it, by this point, and thought I would pass along a couple quick tips for your future showers. This one had a special element since it was surprise (we told our classmate that it was an “end-of-the-year” party). I am very detail oriented, so being surprised has always sounded stressful to me, but thankfully, our friend took it very well. 🙂

Here’s what I did:

1. I sent e-vites. I love printed, arrive-in-the-mail invitations just as much as the next person, but I hate knowing that they will eventually land in someone’s trashcan, so I try to reduce my carbon footprint, at least a little. Paperless Post has really upped their game with so many adorable styles that I find it hard to choose.
2. I cleaned my house (with help from Husband).
3. I ordered favors. Local Indiana business, Poptique, has really come through for me in the past for adorable shower favors. They have great customer service, affordable products, and fast turnaround times. And they ship! Everywhere! So definitely give them a try. (No, they are not paying me in popcorn to give them a shout-out. Sadly…)
4. I decided on a theme. Since we are all psychology students, I went with a child development theme, so I planned games that included a baby milestones quiz and a memory test. We also gave books as gifts to encourage early reading.
5. I delegated. I asked a friend to pick up my gift along with hers. I asked several friends from class to bring a dish to share. I asked my art teacher friend to create a banner. I asked another friend to help with driving the guest of honor. Nothing is better for busy schedules and stress reduction than teamwork!
6. I prepped food. I always try for a mix of things that can be made ahead combined with things I don’t have to make, so for this brunch, I prepped a casserole the night before, I set out cream puffs from the refrigerator an hour in advance, and I popped mini quiches in the oven just as guests were arriving.
7. I hosted the party! We had a drink station and stacks of party plates and hours of surprises and laughter and great fun.

Yay for parties and group work and babies!

Anyone else have tips for hosting a baby shower?