Senin, 11 September 2017

Components for Throwing a Great Baby Shower

Do you beam with excitement when you think about hosting a baby shower for an expectant friend or relative but then cringe at the thought of all the party planning details that are involved? Not everyone feels they are a natural hostess when it comes to throwing a baby shower party; however, if you put these basic components together, you will not fail and the mom-to-be will be sure to appreciate all your efforts!

There is no set way to throw a baby shower. With that in mind, if you account for these key components you will, without a doubt, have thrown a successful baby shower.

1) Location -- This isn't something to sweat about. Ask yourself what resources you have at your disposal. Do you belong to a local church? Are you a member of any organizations that have banquet rooms available to rent? Or, just consider hosting the party at your house or even the mom-to-be's house. Keep the distance within reason if you're not hosting the shower in the home so the expectant mother doesn't have to travel very far. Don't be afraid to ask the expectant mother how she would feel about having the shower in her home (if it's not a surprise shower, that is).

2) Decorations -- Most every type of party includes decorations, whether general and colorful or tailored towards a specific theme. If the parents-to-be have chosen not to find out the gender of the baby then your shower decorations will most likely use varied pastels without sticking to mainly pink or blue as with known gender showers. Many stores and sites sell baby shower decorations so you'll never be at a loss as to how to transform your location into a decorated baby haven; however, every good baby shower deserves a great centerpiece for the main food or gift table and a baby diaper cake will make a great conversation piece and will serve as a gift for the expectant mom when the shower is over.

3) Food -- Ah, the food. Again, this is not something to sweat about. If you're hosting the shower, I can only assume that you know the expectant mom well enough to know what some of her likes and dislikes are when it comes to food. You can go as simple as finger foods or as lavish as a hot meal. Keep in mind what would work best with the length of time you plan on having the shower. And of course, don't forget the baby shower cake! Whether you make a cake yourself or order one through a local bakery, every baby shower wouldn't be complete without a cake.

4) Games -- It seems to be a long standing tradition to play fun and silly games at a baby shower. There are a multitude of game ideas out there to choose from and some may fit your theme if your shower is centered around one. Keep the number of games limited for time sake and encourage everyone to participate, even the expectant mom. By the time you are done playing games, everyone will be in such a great mood, that the last component will help with winding down the baby shower before everyone goes home.

5) Gifts -- Probably the most important component and main reason people throw a baby shower is to give the expectant mom gifts for the baby and even to her. Shopping for a unique and creative baby gift to give at a baby shower can be stressful for some people. Depending on how many baby showers you've attended before, you may have seen many people give a lot of similar gifts and you want to get a little more creative. Most moms-to-be will have created a baby registry at a local store or two so you can always check out her wish list and try to put a unique spin on some of the things she will need or would like to have for the baby. A great way to do this is with a new baby gift basket that showcases practical and fun items that mom and baby can use together. I assure you that this type of newborn gift will be a hit at a baby shower.

Now that you know what you need to consider, I hope you enjoy the planning process for hosting a baby shower and more importantly, the baby shower when it occurs. Best of luck and remember, as long as you combine the components from above, no matter the cost, time, or effort involved in planning a baby shower, the reward is seeing how happy your expectant friend or relative will be knowing how much you care!


Senin, 28 Agustus 2017

Baby Shower Gifts Are Symbols Of Love

Baby shower gifts are normally given by friends, close relatives or colleagues to the parents-to-be as a form of love, affection and congratulations expressing happiness at the pregnancy and at the prospect of the birth of a baby in the near future. Baby shower is normally organized for pregnancy celebrations and the baby shower gifts are mostly items that would be useful to the babies. At the baby shower party, there is an atmosphere of happiness, entertainment and enjoyment in the environment.

Baby Shower Gift Products

The range of products that are available for being given as baby shower gifts is endless. You can choose the items that you feel would be most useful to the baby. If you like to give simple items you can go in for a crib or various types of baby clothes. On the other hand, if you wish to give special gifts you can choose any of the following: activity toys, portable monitor, bouncers, special toys, baby bags, baby sheets, bath kits or children's books.

Personalized Baby Shower Gifts

Gifts for baby shower can also be personalized as this reflects extreme care and affection. In the category of personalized gifts, you can plan a dinner for the parents and close relatives and friends, offer to baby-sit for a few days, offer your physical help in the baby shower preparations and generally offer to help with household work when the mother-to-be is not in a position to manage the home. You can also offer your services to prepare the cards for baby shower invitations and to distribute the same among the invitees.

Baby Shower Gifts Based On The Party Theme

Usually baby shower parties are organized based on a central theme. It would be a wonderful idea to select baby shower gifts that would match with this theme. This will also enable the hosts to use these gifts to decorate the baby's room accordingly.

Take The Mom-To-Be In Confidence

Baby shower is another name for pregnancy celebrations and to herald the impending arrival of the baby. As such, it's the day of the mom-to-be and you should ask her whether there is anything special that she needs. Besides satisfying the special need of the expectant mother, you will be able to avoid duplication of gifts as you will not give her anything that is already available with her. If you do a little research in the market, you'll be able to find a vast array of baby shower gifts.

Economizing On Baby Shower Gifts

If you have a large circle of friends and relatives, it would be a good idea to buy clothes for newborns and for slightly higher sizes whenever you can find them at a discount in the stores and keep them for use as and when you are invited for any baby shower party. You can economize further by offering your services for any work that the parents-to-be find overwhelming.

You can also use your creativity to devise inexpensive gifts that would be very useful also. There is no limit to the possibilities of various types of baby shower gifts but it only needs a keen eye, a creative mind and the determination to find the best one.


Sabtu, 12 Agustus 2017

Creative Ways of Your Baby Shower Cake

Baby Shower Cakes

Are you on cloud nine to welcome your newborn, yet? You're thinking of planning your amazing baby celebration, a baby shower to mark the onset of a new life, your new baby.

Well, it's included in almost all rituals to follow starting now; your baby shower will come together with a sense of flair and fun. In earlier days, the baby shower ceremony was intended only for a first-born child. But nowadays baby showers are for all successive births.

Pretty soon, you can discover how-to get my secret to a baby shower cakes. Imagine a cake that looks and tastes like it was make in heaven. With just little planning and your time and attention your cake and baby shower will be talked about for months and even years to come.

First time parents can sometimes get bit overwhelmed by just the idea of becoming parents. But they're also scared and agitated as to what is needed for a new baby, at home. Relax and be happy, no kidding.

The baby shower aims at fulfilling some of the needs of would-be parents. The close relatives and friends usually give this party and try to bring as many baby things as possible. However you must thoroughly enquire whether it is in the custom of the house to bring such baby presents before the baby is born. And in some cultures, a shower is not allowed, period. But in America we just love the baby shower.

With time, the baby shower has developed into different rituals. When mothers enjoying being the center of attention, why not the would-be dads? " Daddy's shower" seems to be an evolution of baby shower ceremony to celebrate the joy of fatherhood newly bestowed on dad! Grandma is the potential source of experience and guidance in case of a new born. She needs to be well prepared to take care of the newborn and also the new mom.

So, some celebrate the "Grandma's Shower" when the guests like to bring baby items ranging from cribs to even changing pads. In today's busy world, some like to arrange small-scale parties like "Diaper showers" or "Baby Sprinkles" not to overburden the guests as well as to welcome the occasion of the successive births.

As with any other party, the baby's showers' party also has a theme on which to build the plans ahead. No party is complete without cakes. Also, there are loads of presents, games and no doubt, delicious food, yum-yum.

Cakes can be the center of attraction for any baby shower. Many techniques are used to create a delicious and eye-catching cake.

Some folks like to add dry ingredients initially to the food processor and then add the liquid items. This is termed as "all in together" type of cake. Another "creaming method" is also much in vogue. In this, sugar and butter are added together and later other ingredients are mixed in it.

To make your cake more spongy and soft, "rubbing method" is also used in which, the butter is rubbed into the dry items and then liquids are added. Even melted butter is used that is added to the already mixed dry ingredients; liquid is then added to complete the procedure.

Another a bit tricky procedure is "Sponge making". In this a froth is obtained by whipping together the eggs and sugar. Then the flour is added. However, here no raising agent or fat is used. So, this requires a skilled hand to make a soft sponge. Obviously no cake is attractive without icing or toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, carrot, butterfly and cheese.

These few tips hopefully will inspire you to make your own baby shower cake. I do have a baby shower secrets that can make the difference to your baby shower and your cake dreams coming true. Do not let yourself to get stuck with some boring ho-hum cake.

One (of many) big secrets: Catch the feeling of fun (make-it-bigger) and share it.

AND share this article with your girlfriends. -Amazing Baby Showers and much more, with good ol' fashion American know-how.

There's like a zillion different cakes to choose from. Also, there are many ways of presentation like toy cars or belly shape etc...the sky is the limit. So, go creative, have fun and make your baby shower cake memorable, allow yourself to have fun.

Senin, 31 Juli 2017

Incorporate Creativity In Your Baby Shower Invitation Ideas

Incorporating creativity in your baby shower invitation ideas will set you apart from others and will prepare the stage for a wonderful pregnancy celebration. The baby shower invitations are an expression of your intense desire to cordially invite your friends and relatives to the baby shower party. As such, these invitations should reflect your intense emotions to invite your near and dear ones to come to the baby shower and share your happiness. You can base your baby shower invitation ideas on the theme that you might have selected for the party. There are many other ideas for the same and some of them are being enumerated below.

Baby Bassinet Idea

Baby shower invitations based on baby bassinets are one of the most attractive baby shower invitation ideas. The invitation for the baby shower is decorated with baby bassinet that has a baby inside it. This works for both boys and girls but if twins are expected, then you can use two baby bassinets.

Baby Bib Idea

Using the baby bib is also a great baby shower invitation idea. The invitation can be made in the shape of a baby bib and this invitation can be used for both boys and girls.

Baby Blocks Idea

This is one of those baby shower invitation ideas that use baby blocks of alphabets and numerals for decorating the invitations. These invitations can be used for both girls and boys.

Baby Bottle Idea

You can use any item connected with a baby to make the invitation. A baby bottle would also be a great baby shower invitation idea. The invitations could be made in the shape of a baby bottle or the invitation edges could be decorated with petite baby bottles.

Stork Idea

Traditionally, the stork is depicted as bringing the newborn baby. As such, this is a great baby shower invitation idea. You can find plenty of such invitation cards in the stores and you can select the cards that have pictures of a stork delivering a baby. Such an invitation card can be further decorated by you and you can add a cute caption and your personal touch in the form of a loving message.

Lovely Animals

Babies love cute animals such as furry teddy bears or small dogs. As such baby shower invitations in the forms of these animals would be a great idea. Small furry teddy bears, dogs, ducks or butterflies can be placed on the invitations for decorating the same.

In general, any item connected with a baby would be an excellent idea for incorporating in an invitation card for a baby shower. These items could be any of the following: burp cloth, bib, basket, towel, diapers, baby bottles, nipples, bottle cleaners etc. If you know the sex of the baby, you should use blue color for a male baby and pink color for a female baby. If you do not know the sex, you can use neutral colors like yellow and green.

There are many baby shower invitation ideas that you can incorporate in the invitations but using your creativity will enhance the effect greatly.



Rabu, 12 Juli 2017

Diaper Cakes - Novel Cake Idea Sweeping Baby Shower Parties

Diaper cake is the new fad in the contemporary baby shower cake ideas scenario. Contrary to popular belief, diaper cakes are not gastronomical delights of the baby shower parties. Rather they are different baby supplies arranged to look like a multi-tiered cake. It is a unique and creative baby shower cake idea to gift new parents with baby care products that they need and will use every day.

Ingredients Required For Making A Diaper Cake
Diapers

Rubber bands or tape

Diaper pins

Baby supplies

A cake board to sit the cake on

Cellophane paper

Colorful ribbons

Making Diaper Cakes

Diaper cakes as the name suggest are mostly made of diapers. Individual diapers are rolled tightly and secured with rubber band or tape to hold the shape. These diaper rolls are arranged around a feeding bottle or a bottle of baby lotion and secured to give the shape of a small cylinder. This forms the base layer of the cake. The diaper cake usually has three tiers. Cylinders of various sizes are made and arranged one on top of the other to give a tier like formation. These tiers are secured with diaper pins so that they do not fall off. Once the basic structure of the cake is ready it is decorated with various baby paraphernalia like feeding bottles, baby soothers, bibs, towels, soft toys, bath supplies to make it look more attractive. The diaper cakes are then wrapped in cellophane and tied with colorful ribbons to give it a finished look. A properly arranged diaper cake looks exactly like a real cake.

You can also look for better diaper cake ideas for baby showers in magazines or even on websites. Browsing the baby section in any supermarket will give wings to your creativity.

Rationale Behind Gifting Diaper Cakes

Diaper cake is the most practical gift for the new mother. It usually comprises baby products that the new parents would immediately require once the baby arrives. Every veteran parent knows how taxing the first few weeks of the baby's arrival are, not only on the body but also on finances. Therefore such a baby shower cake idea will be enormously appreciated.

The diaper cake is also in tune with the basic purpose of throwing a baby shower. The baby shower history reveals that such a party was thrown with the intention of helping the expectant parents get the items they would need for the new born baby.

Gifting diaper cakes has become very popular today. This has given way to a flourishing market for such cakes. Readymade diaper cakes are easily available across the counter. You can also order for these diaper cakes online. Nowadays the market has become so specialized that there are separate diaper cakes available for boys and girls. While the cakes for boys have a sporty look the ones meant for girls are decorated with cute motifs and colorful ribbons. You can also ask the company to custom-make your diaper cake to fit your specifications.

These diaper cakes can also be the centerpieces for the baby shower decorations. They go well with any baby shower themes. Be it a center piece or a gift this novel baby shower cake idea has brought about a sweeping change in the baby shower party.

Jumat, 30 Juni 2017

Popular Baby Shower Favors and Gifts

Baby Shower Favors

Baby shower favors are the perfect keepsake for both moms-to-be and baby shower guests. There are literally hundreds of potential baby shower favors. If you're not sure what baby shower favors will work best for an upcoming baby shower, consider purchasing one or more of the most popular types of baby shower favors:

Candles. Most women love candles: They can be used to bring a pleasant scent to a room or a home, or they can simply be displayed as attractive decorations, making candles one of the most popular baby shower favors. If you're creative and love trying new things, you can make your own candles. Or, you can choose from an eclectic range of candles at such online shops as Discount Baby Shower Favors. If the mom-to-be is whimsical and fun, opt for the Baby Bottle Candle, an adorable candle in a glass vase and capped with a pink or blue bottle cap. Alternately, if the mom-to-be prefers classic candles, you'll find that Calla Lily Gel Candle is simple yet stunning.

Soap. Soap is traditionally popular as a baby shower favor. If you've never seen soap used as a baby shower favor, you're likely imagining something boring and simple. Not so. Soap can be a fun and an attractive baby shower gift; the Scented Heart Soap Favor in Gift Box , for example, is heart-shaped soap that comes in a box, complete with a beautiful bow.

Frames. Every family, especially those with a newborn, wants to decorate their home with favorite photographs of family members. Traditional baby shower favors, frames remain as one of the top gifts to give to guests of a baby shower. Frames used for baby shower favors are often either blue or pink. But, even if you don't know the gender of the baby, you can still present guests with an attractive frame - like the Leather Frame Keychain in Sheer Organza Bag - that they can keep for years.

Baby Shower Gifts

Buying baby shower gifts is often a challenge, considering there are some items that are often popular but not practical baby shower gifts. Many agree that purchasing clothes, bottles, or pacifiers is simply not a good idea. Because all newborns are born at different weights and grow rapidly, clothes aren't a realistic gift. And, while bottles and pacifiers may seem ideal, babies generally have their own preferences for bottles and pacifiers.

Rather than risk giving a baby shower gift that won't or can't be used, opt for a baby shower gift that the parents-to-be and the newborn are certain to love:

Bathsets. Every baby needs bathed, making bath sets one of the most popular baby shower gifts. Popular gift sets, like the Finley the Frog Bath Time Gift Set and Tillie the Turtle Bath Time Gift Set, often include a wash cloth, a hooded towel, and terry cloth slippers. A bath set is an affordable, popular baby shower gift that new parents can use again and again.

Burping cloths. Every baby needs burped, making burping cloths a perennial favorite baby shower gift. You can generally find burping cloths in all colors, but the most popular are those that are pink and blue.

Booster pillow. A booster pillow still stands as one of the most popular baby shower gifts, and some can be used as both a sturdy pillow and a soft toy to cuddle. Some booster pillows, among them Bailey the Bunny Cashmere Soft Booster Pillow, also come with a growth chart, which allow mom and dad to chart their new little one's growth progress.


Sabtu, 10 Juni 2017

A Beginner's Guide to Throwing a Baby Shower

Baby showers are an American tradition and a much-anticipated part of an expectant mother's first pregnancy. Not surprisingly, the average baby shower hostess feels a measure of anxiety when it comes to planning this long-awaited party, and if it is her foray into the baby shower arena, the task can quickly become an overwhelming one. But planning a baby shower need not be a source of apprehension, and using this simple beginner's guide, even the most inexperienced hostess can throw a fun-filled and memorable baby shower.

The first order of business is to set a date for the baby shower. The ideal time to schedule the shower is when the expectant mother is 32 to 34 weeks pregnant, and you should allow yourself about 6 weeks of planning time before the party. Once the date is decided on, ask the mom-to-be to provide you with a list of names and addresses. This is your guest list. Prepare the invitations and send them out about 4 weeks before the date of the party.

The next thing to think about is decorations. Let the personality and style of the expectant mother be the starting place for the direction you will take with the baby shower. Is she super girly, or is she the no-frills type? Is she outgoing and bubbly, or is her personality more understated? Resist the temptation to plan the party according to your personal taste rather than the guest of honor's. You may want to choose a theme for the shower, but remember that this is not an essential element and may even complicate things unnecessarily. Instead, keep it simple - choose crepe paper streamers, a few bunches of helium balloons, and colorful paper tablecloths for your food and gift tables, and you're done!

Now is the time to decide on the menu as well. Finger foods are appropriate for almost every baby shower. A tray of veges with dip, cheese slices with crackers, cold cuts, "finger fruits" (strawberries, grapes, etc.) or fruit salad, muffins, and punch would make for a beautiful spread of food. If you have a little more time or a flair for the culinary arts, you could add a bowl of homemade pasta salad, or even some mini quiches (from the freezer section, just heat and serve) to this list. And don't forget the cake! A simple sheet cake from a local grocery store is all you need, but your local bakery is at your disposal as well if you would like to serve something a little more impressive.

The last element of the baby shower that you need to think about ahead of time is games. A quick internet search for free baby shower games will return a host of options. This is definitely another area where you want to keep the expectant mom's personality and taste in mind. If she is quiet and introverted, she might be uncomfortable with anything obnoxious or embarrassing, like eating fake baby poop out of a diaper. On the other hand, if mom-to-be is more flamboyant, she might not want to sit and watch her guests do a baby word-search. If you are unsure, the best policy is to ask the expectant mother if there are any games she had in mind, and if there are any she would rather avoid. Again, let her preferences be your guide.

The final item to check off your list before the day of the baby shower is a gift for the baby. When you are hosting a baby shower, there is nothing more perfect than a diaper cake. The cake displays beautifully as the baby shower centerpiece, and you can use it to play a guessing game. Have your guests guess how many diapers are in the cake. A diaper cake is a stylish way to give the most practical item on every registry - diapers! And you can't beat the versatility - you get a centerpiece, a game, and a gift all in one, which saves you money, and when you are hosting a baby shower, that's a must.

The day before the baby shower, you will want to make sure all your prep work is done. If you are hosting the shower in your home, be sure you clean it thoroughly! Cut cheese slices, make the pasta salad or fruit salad, hang streamers, order the balloons (but tell them not to inflate them until the morning of the shower,) and pick up the cake. Be sure you have all the last minute essentials, like plates and cups. A good size (clean!) trash can and large trash bags are also a good idea.

The morning of the shower, pick up the balloons and place odd numbered bunches in a few strategic locations - behind the gift table, on either side of the entryway, and behind the seat of honor for the mom-to-be. Use good-sized baby care items for balloon weights, like baby powder or baby lotion. And don't forget the mailbox! This will help guide your guests in. As they arrive, greet each one at the door, show them in and introduce them to anyone they might not know.

At the appointed time, welcome your guests and thank them for coming. Start with a round of introductions. Have everyone state who they are and how they know the mom-to-be. Then it's time for games. These will further break the ice among the guests and get everyone in a "baby" sort of mood. After 2 or 3 games, send the mom-to-be to the food table first. When she returns, send your guests. Once the guests are situated with their food, the guest of honor should be mostly done eating, and she can open her gifts while the guests have food to munch on. As the hostess, it's a good idea for you to jot down a list of who gave what gift for the mom-to-be to refer to when she is writing thank yous. After the gifts are opened, cut the cake. This gives everyone a reason to mingle and converse for a little while longer, and provides a more natural ending to the party than the somewhat abrupt "Well, the gifts are all opened, that's all folks!" Most people will begin to disperse within 20 to 30 minutes after the cake is cut.

And now you can congratulate yourself - you've just completed your first successful baby shower. It will likely be the first of many. Baby showers are joyful occasions that present the opportunity to bless a friend, while putting your creativity to work and showing off your style. When the opportunity comes along again, it will be hard to pass up.