Even when baby showers are for your very best friends, they're generally not events that evoke much excitement. In fact, we'd go as far as to say they may even inspire a little dread. So, to spare all of us, we got some tips from Stefanie Cove, managing partner at A-list event planning firm Yifat Oren Associates, on throwing a decidedly not lame baby shower.
Scheduling
Among their clients, Cove and Oren have noticed a preference for baby showers that are less scheduled, and more of a come-and-go style. You might even want to build in some flexibility for an after-party if your event falls during the mid-afternoon … provided the mom-to-be is still up for extended socializing.
Food
"Guests don't want to sit for an hour and a half," Cove says. They'd rather be social and not tied down to a formal arrangement, so for baby showers "we've been doing small bites." If you're not putting together a proper meal, be sure "to have enough food and set it up in a way that people can eat as they wish." Keep an emphasis on healthy, seasonal and local foods, along with—of course—some sweet treats.
Setting
Lounge seating, even with cushions on the floor along with more traditional chair seating, can help mix things up a bit. Again, not everyone wants to be in the same seat for an hour or two at this type of occasion.
Crafts
Cove recommends finding a project that creates a practical and significant keepsake for the mom-to-be, like jewelry. "At one shower, we told everyone to bring a different stone. We went around and said why we chose that stone for the mother, and then made them all into a necklace." Also fun are onesie decorating stations; just be sure to get materials that aren't too messy, like sponge paints. Also provide smocks just in case—these can always come in handy for parents anyway.
Drinks
"We always do a specialty drink," Cove says. "Maybe we'll put some fun straws in it." Always have a virgin alternative. As for specific spirits and beverages, Cove likes aperitif Lilette on the rocks for spring and summer showers, as well as champagne-based beverages.
General Style
"Don't make everything pink or blue. That screams shower," Cove advises. Off whites and coral, for example, create palettes that are festive and gender-neutral. Also avoid cliché images and symbols. "We try not to do the typical cookies that, say, look like a baby." She also likes a rustic, less fussy approach—not every surface needs to be covered.
Decorations
While some fresh buds and branches appeal to all senses, "we don't go crazy with flowers," Cove says. She likes oversized, festive Geronimo balloons, which also make for a good conversation point. They can be customized with a variety of ties and strings.
Favors
For one client, Cove made small boxes of high quality tea with tags that said, "baby is brewing." She has packaged egg timers labeled "in the oven." (And as most parents know, timers can be an essential item in the parenting toolkit.) Something unique and personalized is always fun.
Memories
A Polaroid camera can make a very useful tool. At one of Cove's showers, all the guests took a picture and then made a book of memories for the baby. This type of project makes a perfect companion to an advice and wishes book, in which guests offer their own nuggets of parenting and life wisdom. This can be as simple or involved as you wish; either visit a local letterpress printer and get something with custom pages and binding, or pick up something all ready to go at a craft or art supply store.
