Baby Shower Success

I've been planning a baby shower for a friend at work who is having twins. Twins! We have been so excited for Kathy as we watch those babies, and Kathy's baby bump, grow.

We held the shower at a hotel near the office, because all of the guests were coworkers. We invited both men and women as Kathy's husband also works for the company and we wanted to include everyone who wanted to wish Kathy well.

In my previous entry (Baby Shower - First steps in planning) I described how I was starting the planning for a baby shower. 

I answered the foundation questions for the party (from Party and Event Planning - Lay the foundation) and determined the following:

Guest list:  Approximately 15 people, both women and men
Nursery Theme: Jungle
Colors: Soft blues and greens 

In my second post on planning the shower, Party Planning: Next steps in planning the baby shower We found the following napkins at a local party store and from the design I created an invitation.

We used these as the inspiration for the remainder of the decorations. 

I also showed the spreadsheet I created to track the food order with the hotel. Using the spreadsheet, it was easy to adjust the amount of food as the headcount changed.

The Friday before the shower, I contacted the hotel with the final headcount and made sure I wasn't ordering too much or too little food or drinks. 

We served heavy appetizers, wine, and beer. The hotel did a lovely job setting up the buffet table. The weather was chilly and misting so we moved the party indoors. The appetizers were a range for all palates. We included Ahi Martinis for the seafood eaters, Macaroni and Cheese balls, cheese-stuffed African peppadew peppers and avocado tacos for the vegetarians, 2 varieties of flatbread pizzas for the meat eaters.

We ordered a cake from a local bakery and used the napkin and invitation as inspiration.The bakery did a wonderful job in matching the designs, as you can see in the pictures below. 
 
Be sure to order a cake that fits with the current tastes of the mother-to-be. I asked her for her favorite flavor and filling so I could make sure it was something she would enjoy.

We had an area reserved for us in the restaurant. It set with a large square table where everyone could see each other and interact. The bottom table cloth was black and the top was a beautiful light powder blue that complimented the shower colors. They also provided hydrangeas in low vases and candles for the centerpiece.

Another friend at work made an adorable diaper cake which we put in the center of the table surrounded by the flowers and candles provided by the hotel.

The diaper cake was made to match the design of the shower and was filled with small gifts of clothing, blankets, and other essentials.


The two stuffed elephants on the top will make wonderful first toys for the twin boys and added a touch of whimsy to the decor. 

Kathy was showered with gifts which were displayed on a shelf waiting to be opened. 

It was nice to have a place for the presents that was away from the food and separate from the table where we ate. 

We ended up having a few more guests than we thought but had plenty of food and drink for them to enjoy. Everyone mingled, and enjoyed the social evening. We didn't play games at this shower because Kathy, and the guests, would not have been comfortable. 

The party ran like a birthday or cocktail party with cake and present-opening after the appetizers and drinks. Everyone enjoyed themselves and Kathy was showered with much-needed items and best wishes for a smooth, healthy, happy birth. 



I have 2 parties in the works which I will be describing shortly: one is a tea party for a 4 year old, the other is a bridal shower. Such fun! 

Make sure you celebrate the events in your lives and the lives of those around you. Imagine the wonderful life that you want, really see it in your mind's eye, then do it. Create the life you want.

Celebrate life!
Laureen