How to throw a baby shower

By Rozie Juma

Having discussed, last week, on who can host a baby shower, today we look at the preparation for the event. So you have come up with the guest list, discussed with the expectant parents, and all the invitations are out. Your event will be successful as long as everything is done well in advance.

Ensure you have ordered for all the items you need a day before the event, and that you have them with you. This will ensure you are at peace once the guests arrive.

Some of the things you will need for the event may include:

Food and drinks: What you serve the guests with, will depend on the time of the baby shower. If it is lunch hour, you may have to serve a proper meal and maybe some juice and soda. If it is evening, you may serve some tea and snacks.

Cake: A cake that looks ‘babyish’ is great for this occasion. If the parents-to-be know the sex of the child, then the same will dictate the colour of the cake.

Decorations: You may have just a few, though they are not a must. A bouquet of flowers and a few balloons will do. Don’t make it too fancy.

Games: These must take place. They don’t have to be games that involve physical movements like running around, but name games where, surprisingly, the parents-to-be may just get their baby’s name; it could be cards or any other light game on safety pins or diapers.

Armed with the above, you can now plan for the day. Ensure the venue of the shower is clean. The floors and bathroom are dusted and thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the many women who are visiting.

Set aside an area where the gifts and the cake will be placed; so that as the guests come in, they drop their gifts first before they settle down. You could also get a memory book where the guests will write their thoughts and well wishes. The book should also be placed strategically so that the guests sign it as they come in. The table that has the cake should also have the drinks placed on it. Some alcoholic beverage for those who indulge is also not a bad idea. 

Decide the order of the games to be played well in advance. Since you are the host, this decision is squarely yours. Putting up a baby shower is not an easy task. Once you host one, you will always appreciate the people who have hosted you before.  It is a day you work so hard to make someone feel special; feel free to ask for financial and moral assistance from your friends and family. This will ease your workload and finances.

You have pulled it through? The parents-to–be will forever be grateful to you.