Senin, 24 Juli 2017

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise shower doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it can be fun for all involved. All it takes is a little patience, a few basic steps, and the cooperation of friends and family.

A surprise shower does involve some secrets, so remember to be stealthy. But you will want to make sure that the mom-to-be will be up for a surprise. Early on in her pregnancy, try to ascertain if she is up for a surprise shower or if she would rather know in advance. This could eliminate surprising mom-to-be when she is not feeling up to it. (If mom-to-be knows she has a surprise shower coming up, she will be more likely to be dressed appropriately when the time comes.)

Once you have determined whether the shower will be a surprise or not, make sure that mom-to-be has registered for baby gifts. Even if you are having a non-surprise shower, it is never appropriate to ask the mom-to-be what she wants for the baby. Let the registry do the talking so guests can feel free to choose gifts within their own individual budgets.

You will need to enlist the help of those closest to mom-to-be, particularly the dad-to-be. He will be able to help determine a date and time for the surprise shower. As well as help to get her there with the least amount of suspicion. He can also make sure she doesn't head out in a baseball cap and no makeup.

Perhaps thinking she is just coming over for coffee! Close family will need to help with the preparation of a guest list. Since you won't be able to ask mom-to-be directly. You will have to rely on her mother or mother-in-law and maybe a sister to get this information. Be careful when sending the surprise shower invitations. You will need to mention that this is a surprise shower! You don't want anyone accidentally spilling the beans!

You can keep in the theme of surprising mom-to-be by going the extra mile. By ensuring that an unexpected baby shower guest is able to make it. Ask close friends of this baby shower guest to help with the cost of travel. If this is necessary as part of mom-to-be's gift. She will probably love that more than a baby shower gift!

You can also play baby shower games with surprise themes. Try playing the "diaper surprise" game by passing out diapers to all of the guests. With one of them having a "mess" inside (you can use chocolate or bean dip, or use your imagination). The one who gets the messy diaper wins a prize.

Or if mom-to-be is expecting a boy, you can play "pin the diaper on baby". Just before your blind-folded guest of honor goes to place the diaper on the baby. Squirt her with a water pistol to simulate the "surprise" often associated with changing a baby boy's diaper!

Sometimes, no matter how hard you work to keep the baby shower a surprise. Your mom-to-be may find out about it. Don't let this get you down, though. There will be some elements of surprise for her. Whether she is expecting the baby shower or not.



Selasa, 11 Juli 2017

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination than your pocketbook! You can create a wonderful party mood with simple, high-impact arrangements. This article details some of the best ideas for baby shower decorations.

Use balloons artfully

Balloons make it feel like a party! Always have balloons at your events. Here's a money-saver tip -- your local 99¢ store will usually have balloons at a much lower price than most party stores.

A basic use of balloons is to create color spots around the room or area where you're holding the baby shower. Tie a bunch of helium balloons to an anchor. Use baby items like booties, soft toys or baby bottles filled with water as anchors. Always use an odd number of balloons in a bunch.

If you have multiple tables, get a few baby items like shampoo, lotions, bottles, diaper packs, wipes, refill packs, baby formula packs, soft toys, etc and place them in the center of each table. Tie a bunch of balloons to them. Each table now has a color spot.

If you have large gifts like strollers or cribs, tie balloons to them to create a special look. Choose balloon colors according to the sex of the baby. If that's not known, use both pink and blue balloons.

Use balloons to decorate mommy's chair. Tie balloons in bunches to her "throne" and treat her like royalty! Also add streamers, satin bows and ribbons to her chair to give it a special look.

If you're using a specific table for gifts, make sure it has several balloon bunches floating over it. That helps to create a focal point for the gifts.

How to use tubs and umbrellas for baby showers decorations

Use baby tubs as a punch bowl. Get one of those tubs that look like a whale. Fill it with clear punch and put in a small rubber ducky. The tub makes a wonderful present for mom-to-be after the shower.

Here's another way to use the tub -- fill it with individually wrapped presents. That can include diapers, shampoos, lotions, washcloths, etc. For an added effect, put some balloons into the tub too -- they will look like floating bubbles! And fix a rubber ducky atop one of the balloons using ribbons.

You know what's a perfect fit for any baby shower? Umbrellas. After all, it's a shower, right? Here's how you can use them.

Collect several different umbrellas from your home. Open them up, fix streamers in various colors (not just pink and blue, though those are fine too) to the umbrellas. Next, fix the umbrellas so that they hang upside down from the ceiling, and the colored streamers flutter above your heads. This makes a great sight!

You can also fill up umbrellas with balloons or even yarn in pastel colors. Hang them upside down at strategic points.

More baby shower decorations that enchant

Here's a centerpiece idea that's perfect for these celebrations -- baby shower cakes. Not sure what those are? Baby shower cakes (also called diaper cakes) are essentially diapers arranged in multiple tiers to look like a cake, with many small baby products tucked into them. They're very eye-catching gifts, just right for baby showers. Place one on a table as a centerpiece.

Here's how to make your tables more appealing. Place small boxes of different heights on them. Drape baby items like receiving blankets over them. Your tables will end up with a more interesting look and feel thanks to varying levels.

Spice up your tables by sprinkling confetti on them that says "It's a boy" or "It's a girl." If the baby's sex is not known, use both.

Instead of piling gifts onto tables, try using a large item like a stroller or a baby crib to display gifts. This is just right for a baby shower!

Another tried and tested idea is to string a clothesline across the room. Use wooden clothespins to hang cute baby items from the line. Use diapers, baby clothing, booties, socks, bibs, hats, toys and other such items. These products make excellent gifts to mom-to-be after the shower.

Alternatively, hang disposable diapers on the clothesline and using permanent marker, spell out the baby's name. If the name is not known yet, just write 'BABY SHOWER'. Clotheslines with names and baby items on them are quite common at showers, yet they invariably become a conversation piece -- they look quite cute!

If you're having a baby shower around Christmas, try this one. Buy an artificial Christmas tree and decorate it with little baby items. Like diapers, clothes, booties, socks, small bottles of lotions and so on. Use twinkle lights as well. This is a wonderful centerpiece for the room.

You can even do miniature trees on each table, similarly decorated. It creates a lovely effect.

There are no limits to the number of ways you can create dazzling baby shower decorations. Combine the above ideas, add your own twist and create an unforgettable shower!