Baby Shower Food Items

Baby shower food items are one of the most important features of the baby shower. When guests arrive at a baby shower they are expecting food that includes desserts, appetizers, and baby shower finger food. You don’t really have to plan an entire meal, it isn’t really expected at this kind of event.

When you are planning a shower you will want to have a wide selection of baby shower party foods on hand. This is going to keep your guests around long enough to enjoy the games and gift opening.

You can be as elaborate as possible or keep things simple and manageable for yourself. If you are planning a meal you’ll want to start with some baby shower appetizers. Then you can move onto the main meal, followed by a selection of desserts. If you want to keep the food a bit more simple you can plan to serve a variety of appetizers, baby shower finger foods and desserts.

If the baby shower food menu is going to be a selection of foods that are eaten by your guests throughout the party, you may want to prepare a side table to reflect the baby shower theme. Decorate the table so that the baby shower desserts are featured in the center surrounded by the other food choices spread out to the side.

You may want to prepare only baby shower finger food so that there is no need for the guests to juggle cutlery and plates while visiting with each other.

Baby shower food items are often prepared as part of the theme. If the baby is a girl you can prepare desserts that reflect this by using pink as a primary decorating color. This means decorating cakes and cookies with a pink icing, then adding decorative touches that continue in a pink theme.

If the baby is a boy you can concentrate on blue and green colors when preparing the babyshower food. There are available recipes for cakes, cookies, appetizers, and much more. You could check out your local library, book store and online to check out recipes and recipe books on babyshower food ideas.

The baby shower appetizers can be made in replacement of a full meal that you might otherwise serve. Baby shower appetizers can be as complicated as baked spring rolls or as simple as rolled sandwiches cut into bite size pieces.

Try to serve as much of a selection as possible, so that there is something for all of the guests. If there are any guests that have food restrictions, try to have some of the food take these restrictions into account.

Preparing baby shower finger food needs to be as mess-free as possible. If the guests are wandering around and visiting they won’t want to be juggling plates, cutlery, and drink glasses. This is where finger food comes in handy as the perfect baby shower party food. Prepare finger food that is easy for guests to pop into their mouths without getting their fingers too dirty. Finger food can include vegetables and dips, mini sandwiches, sausage rolls, and crackers and cheese.

The desserts that are served can be as sinful as possible or they can be on the healthy side. You’ll want to serve a variety of desserts that center around the party theme.

There should, of course, be a baby cake that is the centerpiece of the dessert table. Other smaller desserts can be displayed around the baby cake in a continuing theme. Some desserts that you may want to consider include iced cookies, squares, petit fours, and bowls of seasonal fruit.

No matter what type of food that you decide to serve. Try to make sure that there is something for everyone and that there will be enough food to last for the duration of the party. You don’t want to run out of food before the gifts have been opened and the games have been played.

You might want to look up babyshower recipes to help with the baby shower food ideas. There are recipes for cakes, cookies, appetizers, and much more.

About the Author

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/Baby-Shower-Games.html

Planning the Perfect Baby Shower
 by: Adriana Copaceanu

One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks forward to is celebrating her baby shower.

Deciding to Throw a Baby Shower

Baby showers are often thrown by a friend or family member. Formal tradition dictates that someone other than a family member throws the baby shower, but this certainly does not have to be the case and many modern women go against the grain and welcome any offers from family willing to throw a party on their and baby’s behalf.

Preparing Ahead of Time: The First Critical Steps

Planning and throwing a shower can be a cumbersome task if you go into in unprepared. It certainly does not have to be however, if you keep a few things in mind.

One of the most important considerations is planning where and when the baby shower will take place. The majority of baby showers are held before mom gives birth, but this is not always the case and certainly does not have to be. Some mothers are superstitious and prefer to have the baby shower after birth, to ensure the happy and healthy delivery of their newborn. Be sure if you are planning the happy event to check in with mom to be to ensure you plan it at a time that is comfortable for her.

Most showers are held in someone’s home other than that of the new mom. Typically the person throwing the baby shower hosts the party at their house or at an alternate location such as a park or reception hall.

Invitation List

The next step in planning a shower is figuring out who to invite. The guest list should be the responsibility of the guest of honor. Letting mom develop the invitation list will ensure that no one gets left out.

Most parties held are women-only parties, though this trend is rapidly changing. As fathers continue to become more involved in the planning for new babies, many couples are starting to hold co-ed parties that invite couples. Be sure to check in again with the guest of honor to ensure that the theme of the party matches her preferences.

Themes and Thrills

Deciding on a theme isn’t necessary, but can add fun and excitement to the party. The theme of the party for an expectant parent who is having a boy baby might be something as simple as a color, such as "green". Guests might be encouraged to bring gifts that correspond with the nursery room theme as well. Many parents for example, design baby’s room with a certain theme in mind such as ducks. Guests might consider brining items that match this idea. Even the cake and decorations can be designed to incorporate a selected topic or idea.

No baby shower would be complete without incorporating a few fun games. Deciding on games doesn’t require a degree in rocket science. One popular and traditional game involves having everyone get together in a circle and write down one piece of advice for the mom to be. Another one might have everyone right down one prediction for the new baby’s future. These cards can be collected at the end of the party and stored in baby’s memory book for review at a later date, providing a wonderful memento for mommy to be and baby.

Though it is not required, some hosts provide gag gifts for anyone participating in a game. This can be a fun way to allow mom and guests enjoy the gift giving bonanza.

One last tip to consider prior to throwing the party is finding out where an expectant mom is registered. Including this information on the invitation or having it available to give out to guests will truly help mom receive special gifts that will match her preferences for baby’s first year. One of the reasons for throwing a shower is to help new parents collect much needed items for baby’s first year.

About The Author

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don’t blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you’ll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm  

Baby Shower Guide – 10 easy steps

1. Who will plan the Baby Shower

Baby showers can be hosted by anyone for the new "parents to be." It can be a
family member, a friend, or a co-worker. If it is a surprise shower, then the family can help out with the guest list and gift items.

2. Baby Shower Budget

To determine how much the shower will cost, you will need to know the number of guests, the location of the shower, the menu, what type of party favors, and how many game prizes you will need.

3. Guest list

Organize your guest list by asking the parents-to-be who they would like to have at the shower. Usually this includes friends and family, but a few close co-workers may also be invited. Get address, phone numbers, and email addresses. Decide if it will be a "girl’s only" shower or "couples".

4. Baby Shower Theme

Baby showers are fun when having baby shower games! Be a kid again with teddy bears and stuffed animals for decorations. Or, invite couples and do a buffet or outdoor party. Whatever theme you choose, remember this will be the baby’s first party. Baby shower party favors are fun to hand out at the end of the party.  Have fun!

5. Selecting the menu

Although your menu should reflect your theme, the time of day is as
important – as well as the number of guests. Make this a day of celebration for the Mother-to-be or parents-to-be, her guests, and yourself. Consider the amount of time and room available for the shower, as well as any special dietary needs of the Mother-to-be and her guests.

6. Location of the Baby Shower

Choose a location that is easy to get to and will accommodate the needs of the party. Generally, baby showers are held at the home of the host. Have an idea of how many people you expect before arranging any final details.

7. Select the Baby Shower date

The baby shower is normally around six weeks before the due date of the
baby’s birth. However, some mothers are electing to have the party after the baby is born. Showers are held on weekends and during the week. Try to make the time and day convenient for everyone including any out-of-town guests.

8. Selecting the time

If most of the guests attending the shower work, then an evening or weekend shower will work best. Consider a weeknight for a change of pace if everyone lives near each other. If you choose a weekend date, plan your shower early enough in the day for all who must travel to attend. Be sure to keep in mind the Mother’s schedule (naps, doctors appointments, etc.).

9. Baby Shower Invitations

Baby Shower Invitations can range from the casual (a phone call) to the most formal (printed invitations). You decide what will work for your shower. Be sure to include all necessary contact information. Consider also including your email if you check it every day.

10. Entertainment

As guests arrive, introduce them to one another. As a unique conversational item, ask your guests to wear a small photo of their child on their shirt. Who doesn’t love to brag about their child?!? Another way to break the ice is to provide name tags with a small note, such as, "I attended grammar school with Susie." This is a sure way to start conversations. Make sure to offer your guests liquid refreshments and whatever else you have provided. Printable baby shower games are a blast!  Set the mood with lighted candles, flowers, and baby shower decorations. You want your guests to enjoy the day (or evening) as much as the guest of honor.


About the Author

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on giving the best possible party, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts.

Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower for the first time or not, chances are you’ve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You want to create a truly special time for the guest of honor without any unintended faux pas. This guide was specially created to help you do exactly that.

The real basics

• Take the wishes of the mom-to-be into account at every stage. That includes the games, food, invitation list and all other aspects of the baby shower.

• You can have baby showers either before or after the baby is born. Generally, they’re held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they’re also held after baby arrives because of medical or other reasons.

• These days, it is perfectly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. Those "rules" about only non-relatives hosting a baby shower are quite dated now.

• Before deciding on the kind of baby shower you plan to have — girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on — consult mom-to-be and find out what she prefers.

• Who can be invited? Generally, anyone the mom-to-be feels she should call. She’s the best guide here.

• Do you always need to send written baby shower invitations? It is usually the better choice. With a written invitation, guests have all details at their fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can (and usually should) include directions on how to get there.

• At the same time, it is fine to just inform people on the phone. Do tell them well in advance, though. So they have enough time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. And leave your contact numbers with them so they can reach you easily if they need any clarifications.

• Can you hold a surprise shower? Sure. It can be a wonderful feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult someone close to her (mother, sister, etc) to know about her likely preferences in all areas.

The devil is in the details

Here’s additional information on baby shower etiquette that’ll help you host a truly great party.

• Send out shower invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them even earlier for out-of-town guests. Request an RSVP by a date 2 weeks before the baby shower.

• If you’re having a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Stick to attractive, stylish invitations.

• If you’re planning a formal baby shower, avoid totally goofy games. At coed parties (or even at all-girl events), be wary of playing shower games that focus on expectant mom’s tummy — she may not be comfortable with them. Check with her about choices of games and ice-breaker activities.

• Greet all guests at the door as they walk in, provide them with name tags (if there are many guests) and introduce them to others to get conversations going.

• Lots of women have very different food preferences when they’re pregnant as opposed to at other times. So do check with the guest of honor while finalizing the menu — yes, every single item! She may have some ideas of her own about what baby shower food she prefers. Avoid foods are not recommended during pregnancy.

• It’s a real hassle for guests to eat a meal balancing their plate on their lap. Good shower etiquette demands that you provide sufficient tables so everyone can enjoy their meals. That way they don’t have to worry about whether they’re about to spill food on the floor!

• Don’t skimp on quantities of food. Sometimes a lot more may get consumed than you had bargained for! Same holds for baby shower favors, drinks, ice, etc — having a little extra buys you peace of mind.

• Register for gifts at only one place. Even if there are reasons like another store being closer to some guests. Else mom-to-be may end up with duplicate gifts she may have to return. And guests will be disappointed if they find that someone else has chosen the same gift they have.

• While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of price points, not just high-ticket items. And do suggest that guests can get together to purchase higher priced items.

• If there are older siblings, make sure they receive a gift each. They may already be feeling somewhat left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a great idea.

• Irrespective of whether it’s a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift specially for dad. He should feel that he was remembered too.

• Record who gave each gift. Essential information when the time comes to send thank you cards! Sending thank you cards is essential baby shower etiquette.

• Hand gifts to mom-to-be for her to open and take it from her once she’s done with it. This will save her the hassle of continually getting up and moving about to pick up gifts.

• Sometimes, some guests may need to leave early. They’ll appreciate it if mom-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating.

• Start the baby shower on time and keep it fairly short. Don’t get bogged down in any one segment like games. Be sensitive to mom-to-be’s energy level and any signs of fatigue she may show. End the party if she’s beginning to feel run down. Walk guests to the door as they leave and be sure to thank them for coming.

• Don’t expect perfection. No party ever is perfect. There’s always the unforeseen — power goes off just as gifts are being opened, you forgot to dust one corner of the room, the pack of baby shower favors you opened just before the party turns out to be a different color than you ordered and so on. You can’t control it all.

Special situations

You might have a friend or relative who just lost a baby, or is infertile despite all treatments. Should you call her for your baby shower? Attending may be a challenge for her. Being confronted with another’s pregnancy may be difficult for her to bear.

The rule in such situations is — ask. Check with her and find out if she is up to attending the baby shower. Don’t just send an invitation in the mail. On the other hand, don’t presume that she can’t come and not call her at all. If she’s close to the mom-to-be, she may well want to come. Or at least, she may send her good wishes and a gift.

But if she tells you that she can’t make it, accept the situation with grace. Never hold it against her in any manner. Even if she said she would come and later backed out. Remember, it is probably one of the most difficult times she’s ever had, so be generous and supportive.

Once you’ve understood these simple baby shower etiquette guidelines, you’ll be far more confident about hosting a baby shower. Have fun, and create a special time that will live on in everyone’s memories!

About the Author

Jessika Ryder is a successful business writer and party enthusiast providing valuable information on hosting fun baby showers. Her numerous articles provide party planning tips and other useful insights.

A Daddy Baby Shower – New Twist on the old Baby Shower

Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no one would realistically expect a new daddy-to-be to sit around with his closest buddies, opening baby shower gifts and playing party games while oohing and aahing over the imminent birth of his child. That doesn’t mean that Dad can’t have a baby shower-type celebration. Daddy deserves to celebrate the birth of his child, too!

Of course, the term baby shower does invoke visions of baby themed parties. Like the one described above when planning a baby shower. So perhaps “baby shower” is not an appropriate name for this get-together. Why limit yourself with a label, anyway? Call it a “celebrating-Jim’s-impending-fatherhood” party, if you want, instead of baby showers for dad.

Here are a few suggestions to make this type of party one for daddy-to-be to remember:

Play Games:

Well, not baby shower games. But you can play poker, horseshoes or even a game of shirts-n-skins football in the back yard.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry:

Have tons of fattening and not-good-for-you foods. Make spareribs, cheese steaks, wings, and anything else you can eat with your hands and make a mess with. The wives won’t be there to complain and you can grunt all you want. Have some beers (or soda if you prefer) and barbecue.

Last Night Out:

Take the dad-to-be out for a night on the town to rival his bachelor party. Do some bar hopping, play some pool, shoot some darts, and don’t go home until you are kicked out of at least three places. Keep Dad safe, though, and designate someone to stay sober and make sure everyone gets home in one piece. You might also want to check with mom-to-be to make sure she is okay with this plan. She is, after all, pregnant and might not be all that amenable to the last-night-out-before-fatherhood party.

Gifts for Dad-To-Be:

Let the official baby shower take care of the baby necessities. Give Dad gifts for himself, or gifts that he would have chosen for the baby. Buy him a diaper tool kit, complete with goggles, rubber gloves, tongs, clothespin, and of course, diapering essentials, or a Daddy Gear Diaper Bag.

Gag gifts are fun, too. Or you could buy clothing for the new baby with Dad’s favorite sports team’s logo or matching Dad and Baby t-shirts. Think about necessities like batteries, too. Most likely they won’t be on Mom’s registry, but all parents know that batteries are a hot commodity in any house with children. Be creative.

And don’t forget that Dad might need some reading material to get himself up to date on the latest parenting trends. Consider getting him a book on fatherhood, funny or otherwise, or maybe a magazine subscription for daddy, such as American Baby Magazine.

Ask other new dads to think about what toys or objects were particularly helpful when their little ones were inconsolable, and either buy or recommend them for the times when dad-to-be is home alone with Junior.

Comfort Dad:

New Dads are usually pretty stressed out about what there life is going to be like after the new baby comes. Be prepared to have guests tell funny and helpful stories about their own experiences with becoming a daddy. Make it a point to reassure him that his wife is not really crazy, she is just hormonal and this, too, shall pass.

Remember, daddy baby showers don’t have to be like the traditional shower, or even called a shower, but you can have one for dad just the same.

About the Author

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy is owner of http://www.profitable-home-businesses.com, http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com and http://www.weddings-information.com

How to Throw the Best Baby Shower in 3 Easy Steps

Here’s a really simple way to throw the best baby shower possible and really wow your friends and family members. Throwing a winning baby shower shouldn’t be more work than it needs to be. However, there are 3 steps to follow to the letter to ensure that the baby shower is special for everyone involved. Sticking to these 3 steps will make sure that your baby shower goes off without a hitch and that you can sleep in peace knowing that you did everything right.

1. Use balloons to greet your guests. Get some nice balloons and attach them to the outside of your door. Humans are fantastically simple creatures that can be easily entertained by a festive atmosphere. For a lot of people, balloons symbolize a party or some other great celebration. Balloons can be picked up relatively cheaply and always add a great touch to a baby shower. After all, what’s a party without balloons? Pick some nice ones up and use ‘em. People like balloons.

Recommendation: The Baby Shower Kit – Click Here!

2. Use written invitations. We live in an age of internet connectivity and cell phones. This technology is incredible and can be really be handy. However, a paper invite is permanent. Your guests will save them for years to come in their scrap books. The souvenir value of written invitations is immense. A cell phone call or email can’t really be saved, so spend the extra money and send out a decent paper invite. You’ll be remembered an admired for sticking to your guns in an age of high tech gadgets.

3. The first two points are helpful, however, the most critical point to ensuring your baby shower is a success is knowing what not to do. Etiquette absolutely needs to come first. Poor etiquette will ensure that all your research efforts have been in vain and you could potentially ruin the party you worked so hard to prepare for. There is an entire list of do’s and don’ts that you need to follow to the letter or your shower just won’t work.

About the Author

Linda Harrison is the Author of Baby Shower Do’s and Dont’s” Grab your free copy at http://www.learntobabyshower.com.

Baby Shower Etiquette Explained

The baby shower isn’t an ancient event, but it’s one that’s quickly developed a very formal set of rules and etiquette. Not everyone should host a baby shower, though all friends and family are welcome. Once the hostess is chosen, there’s much to do by way of baby shower planning and creating ideas.

Friends, not relatives, make the best hostesses.

Conventional rules of etiquette say that baby showers shouldn’t be hosted by a member of the expectant mother’s family. This will prevent the perception that the family is holding a party simply to solicit gifts from friends or relatives, or that the family cannot afford to pay for their own baby supplies.

Modern rules have relaxed somewhat. Today’s protocol allows that family members such as cousins, aunts, and anyone not within the immediate family may act as a hostess. In fact, the baby shower may even have a host, if the mother to be is willing.

Baby shower planning made simple.

A good deal of etiquette and ritual goes into planning the baby shower itself. Obviously, the mother to be should have some say in where the shower takes place, and the hostess should make all possible effort to secure the location. But when that’s impossible, the mother to be and hostess need to consult on a compromise location.

Invitations should go out no later than six weeks in advance. Guests need time to arrange their schedules and RSVP their attendance. Mailed invitations still provide a suburb aesthetic touch compared to emails, offering a more personal approach to each guest. Remember to include the time, date, and RSVP contact information with the invitation.

Choosing the right baby shower venue is important

This is probably the one thing if nothing else to give the guest of honor some form of total choice or veto power about. It’s her baby shower after all! The choice of venue will determine your budget and likely the formality of the event.

If you’re looking to stage a formal event, consider going with a private dining room at a restaurant or bistro in the appropriate area of town. For something less formal, you can choose a neighborhood kind of place or even someone’s house.

Remember that any decorations, the baby shower invitations, and even the baby shower games should match the level of formality of the baby shower venue. The baby shower favors should also complement the motif and their surroundings. Remember that the baby shower ideas should tie together but not restrict your creativity, either. The goal should be giving the mother to be her best time in a way that’s right to her liking.

This article was brought to you by Corner Stork Baby Gifts located online at http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Visit their website to browse their selection of hundreds of baby shower favors, personalized baby gifts, and baby keepsakes that are meant to last a lifetime.