Baby Shower Venue Event Space
Every Birth Deserves to be Celebrated!
We are offering event space in our banquet hall to celebrate your upcoming birth. We offer two hour and 4 hour weekday sessions for your special event in our banquet hall or weekend rentals for an all day event. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
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We know that planning the perfect baby shower can be a daunting task. Whether you’re the mommy-to-be or her best friend, it seems like everything’s been done before. Don’t let that get you down. Even though someone else came up with that awesome baby shower idea you saw on the internet, you can use it as inspiration for your own party.
Why Have A Baby Shower?
A baby shower can help the parents-to-be feel less overwhelmed. It can also relieve stress and anxiety. How in the world can a party do all that? Through the best therapy of all: gifts and gab.
Babies require A LOT of things when they finally arrive. Gifts from loving friends can go a long way toward ensuring that all the necessities are covered.
Giving the essentials, like diaper products and skin care products (for babies and mommies), also helps reduce that sense of “Have I got enough?” that all new parents feel.
And then there’s the gab. Even second- and third-time parents feel anxious about the new life on the way. Really, who wouldn’t?
But talking and laughing about the adventures (and misadventures) of parenthood can significantly reduce that anxiety. In fact, that’s one important purpose of a baby shower: to mentally prepare the parents for the important job to come.
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Who Should Plan And Host The Baby Shower?
Whose job is it to throw a baby shower for a mom-to-be? Can a best friend, coworker, or neighbor plan the baby shower, or should you leave it up to a relative? The answer is that anyone who’s willing and able is welcome to throw a baby shower!
It doesn’t really matter who plans and hosts the festivities, as long as it gets done. Plus, sometimes there could be more than one baby shower, each shower involving different groups of people.
Some expectant moms even plan their own showers. That’s OK, too. But if that’s the case for you, let us offer you a tiny bit of advice: Ask a friend or relative to send the invitations and collect the RSVPs. That way, it doesn’t look like you’re throwing yourself a party.
When Should You Throw The Baby Bash?
Our advice when settling on a date for the party is this: Don’t wait! Even if your best friend only just found out she’s pregnant a week ago, get started planning the shower now.
And don’t be afraid to hold the shower early in the second trimester, rather than waiting until the third trimester.
We recommend that for two very important reasons:
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It gives the prospective parents plenty of time to buy any essentials they still need after the shower.
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It ensures that the mommy-to-be has plenty of energy to enjoy her party.
Where Should You Host the Party?
At St James of Course! We offer a large hall and serving area for foods so you don't have to worry about inviting guests over to your home, where you'll have to clean and declutter. All you need is access to our hall and you can pickup some great food from our local grocery store Deli at Albertsons down the street, ask people to contribute to a potluck, or, for a fancier celebration, hire a local caterer such as our Mackays.
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Who Should You Invite To The Celebration?
Here are some words that every baby-shower-planner should live by: Keep it close. Invite only the people who are closest to the new parents so that no one feels obliged to attend. If that means just four friends and their spouses, then so be it.
Size doesn’t matter where baby showers are concerned. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be the hostess-with-the-mostest and end up inviting everyone and your third cousin, once removed. Parents, close extended family, and a few girlfriends make up the ideal guest list for a truly memorable baby shower.
What Should You Do During The Baby Shower?
This, along with how to decorate, is probably the biggest question you have. It’s hard to plan a baby shower that pleases everyone, so keep in mind that the pregnant mommy’s preferences are the priority! Make sure to ask her what she wants to do during the shower.
A baby shower can be whatever the mom-to-be wants and might completely deviate from the norm! But, typically, a shower includes yummy food, a couple of games (or crafts, but more on that later), and opening gifts. And, of course, plenty of time to sit and chat!
Speaking of gifts, if you’re the expecting mom, make sure there are enough items on your registry before the shower invitations go out. You’ll want to make it easy for guests to know what you want for your little one.
If you’re opting for something specific, like organic baby products, your registry should reflect that. Include eco-friendly and skin-safe baby products, such as our Organic Bath And Body Gift Set — with cleansing and hydrating products made with olive oil and aloe — and Organic Cotton Wipes With Water, composed of 99.8% natural ingredients.
If you’re at a loss for how to create a registry, check out our registry checklist to help you get started.
Is It OK To Throw A Baby Shower For A Second Or Third Child?
A baby shower is a celebration of life. By that definition, then, should you only celebrate the first-born child? Of course not. Two, three, five — celebrate them all like they’re the first.
But don’t assume the second shower has to be exactly like the first one. Maybe the second or third time around, you plan an intimate brunch with only the girls. The parents-to-be most likely have everything they need anyway, so just go and have fun.
Remember, a baby shower is about two things: gifts and conversations. Even if you aren’t “showering” the guests of honor with gifts like you did during the first party, enjoying each other’s company is still an important part of celebrating their new bundle of joy.
Now that we’ve covered a few baby shower guidelines, it’s time to get to the fun part: baby shower ideas! So, to help you plan the best get-together possible, here are 19 ideas for an in-person baby shower.
If you’re planning a virtual baby shower, we’ve got tips and ideas for you, too! Keep scrolling down. Enjoy!
Baby Shower Ideas: Locations And Activities
In all honesty, a baby shower can be whatever the mommy-to-be and her friends find enjoyable. But don’t forget to take into account the baby on the way and what the mommy can and cannot safely do. Use the baby shower ideas below to get your creativity flowing.
1) Go Co-Ed
Baby showers are traditionally ladies only, but you can mix things up by inviting daddy’s friends, too. If you choose to go this route, consider things like:
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Neutral decorations
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A variety of foods that everyone will enjoy
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Drinks (both liquor and beer)
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Games (partner games are best)
With the right planning, a co-ed baby shower can be a fun departure from the norm.
2) Think Outside The House
If the weather is right, take the party outside. Fire up the grill and plan some outdoor-only games, like a water-balloon toss or frisbee golf course.
If grilling out isn’t your thing, you can set up a large tent and have the party catered. Going the catering route can keep the event sophisticated but fun.
3) Host A Couples Buffet
Looking for a super simple way to throw a baby shower? Invite everyone to a buffet at our church. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, a buffet takes all the hassle out of preparing food for 20 (or more).
4) Throw A Just-For-Mom Shower
If this is mom’s second, third, or fourth baby, maybe she doesn’t need baby items or she might just want to buy the few things she needs herself. In that case, throw a just-for-mom shower, focusing on gifts for her!
After all, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting take a toll on a woman (and her body). Every mom deserves some extra TLC!
Tell guests the plan for the shower and ask them to bring a gift for the lady of the hour. These could be for her to use now (like maternity pajamas or Soothing Moisturizing Balm) or later (like a gift certificate for house-cleaning services or Nursing Comfort Balm).
The gifts can also be either practical or pampering. Here are some more ideas:
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A candle and a book for a relaxing night in
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Maternity pajamas to stay cozy
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A restaurant gift card for a pre-baby date night
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Stretch Marks Set to care for her skin
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Home-cooked freezer meals for an easy, no-stress dinner
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Paraben-free, hypoallergenic Body Firming Gel to help her feel and look great
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A recipe book (homemade baby food, anyone?)
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Compression socks to get her through pregnancy
5) Pamper The Mom-To-Be
Speaking of focusing the baby shower on the mom-to-be, how about this for a baby shower:
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Thirty-minute massage
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Manicure
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Pedicure
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Facial
Ah! Sounds relaxing. Gather the girls and head out for a day at the salon, where everyone gets the full beauty treatment. When you’re all relaxed and rejuvenated, head over to your favorite dessert shop for sweets and gifts.
6) Pick A Theme For The Gifts
Instead of choosing a theme that dictates decorations and dress, why not shake things up and pick a theme for the gifts? Our favorites are diapers and skincare. Guests can bring gifts that fall under this theme. Things like:
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The big box of diapers from Costco
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Stretch Marks Cream for mom
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Multi-purpose Balm with 3 Avocado Extracts for the family
Other themes we love include books (every guest brings a book for the new baby), clothes, and pajamas. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your theme, or assign a different theme to two or three of the guests.
7) Throw A Tea Party
Remember the tea parties you held when you were a child? Now you can do one for real. Specify in the invitation what you’ll be doing and what the guests should wear. Then, bring out the china, tea sandwiches, and pretty teapots and teacups!
And if a tea party sounds like a great baby shower idea but the thought of planning one makes you nervous, have it catered. All you have to do is show up in your best tea dress and enjoy the festivities.
8) Break Out The Crafts
For a twist on typical baby shower activities and games, why not do arts and crafts? It’s a fun way to spend time together, and the end products can function as gifts for the mom-to-be!
Here’s one idea: Pass out fabric paints and plain white onesies, and tell everyone to get creative. For an added twist, have the mom-to-be pick her top three designs and pass out prizes accordingly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tie-dying the onesies instead of painting them!
Other baby shower craft ideas include painting baby hangers (no more boring hangers!), creating headbands and bows for the baby girl, and decorating letters to hang in the baby’s nursery.
9) Play The Right Games
The right games can make or break a baby shower. Here are three of our favorite ideas:
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Have each guest bring a baby picture and guess who’s who.
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Link up baby names with their celebrity parents.
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Write down baby traits (e.g., eyes, IQ, temperament, hair color, etc.) and then have the pregnant parent write down whether she wants the baby to get those traits from her or the dad​
Brunch — that time between breakfast and lunch — is a more relaxed, easygoing time of the day. This is what makes it an ideal time for a baby shower! Make little breakfast treats or casseroles for an easy menu.
Transfer the recipes onto notecards to pass out as keepsakes from the shower. Then, open up the windows and let the natural breeze and sun in. It’ll make the perfect setting for a baby shower!
12) Make It Kid-Friendly
Typically, you don’t see kids at baby showers, at least not the older kids. But this is the perfect opportunity for the sibling(s)-to-be to welcome their new brother or sister. Of course, they’ll be anticipating the arrival of the new little one as well.
With this type of shower, there’s no pressure to have every little detail in place. Leave the stress of decorating behind you and just make it festive!
13) Offer Words Of Wisdom For The Mom-To-Be
Who doesn’t love an encouraging word? Especially for the first-time mom, getting advice and gaining wisdom from those closest to her that have walked this road before will be a priceless gift.
It’s really up to you how you want to incorporate this idea into the baby shower, but here are two you can start with:
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Book Of Wisdom — Pass around a notebook at the baby shower. Have everyone write a note of encouragement or give some words of advice for the mom-to-be. Tell her not to open it or read it until she’s in labor...or after delivery. This will give her something else to look forward to.
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Basket Of Wisdom — Another idea is to fill a basket with items just for mom. These could be things solely for her or things that symbolize what you’ve grown to rely on and love during motherhood. Or you could simply fill the basket with baby essentials.
14) Request Books Instead Of Cards
Let’s face it, most cards end up in the trash. So, instead of a card, request that guests write a note in the front of a book welcoming the new baby! In the end, they’ll only spend a little more money on a book than they would on a card.
Additionally, a baby shower is a great time to stock the new little one’s book collection. Make sure you specify on the invitation to please bring a book in lieu of a card. The book will be used for years to come, and it won’t end up in the trash!
15) Create A Storytelling Recording
For friends and family members who don’t live near the expecting parents, making a storytelling recording is the way to go! For this gift, all you would do is record yourself reading a story.
Include the book and the recording in the package and put it in the mail.
Not only will the new little one have it at birth, but it will last for years. The baby will know your voice even if you’re not around all the time.
16) Ask Guests For Their Signature
Instead of a regular guest book (which, let’s be honest, the new parents may never open again) ask guests to sign something that they’ll use — or look at — every day.
That might be:
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The first page of a book to read to the baby
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A picture frame
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A decorative globe
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A wooden letter (consider the first letter of the baby’s name or their initials)
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A special nursery decoration where guests can leave their fingerprint and signature
If you want more than just guests’ signatures, ask them to write well-wishes for the baby, too. This will make for a meaningful nursery decoration!
17) Write On Diapers
When you have a baby, it seems like there’s always a dirty diaper to deal with! Make those future diaper changes more interesting for mom and dad with this fun baby shower activity.
Provide guests with diapers (make sure they’re the brand the parents want to use on their baby’s delicate skin) and permanent markers. Then get to work writing encouraging or funny messages for mom and dad on the diapers. This will make them smile months down the road!
18) Serve Mocktails
Just because the pregnant mommy can’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t serve amazing drinks! Plan to make and serve mocktails or set up a mocktail bar where guests can make their own.
Supply all needed ingredients and fun add-ins as well as a few recipes guests can follow if they choose.
19) Pass Out Favors And Prizes
Favors and prizes make baby showers fun for all involved and are the perfect way to end the perfect celebration.
Looking for unique ideas for favors? Consider hair ties, succulents, a small kitchen tool (like a spatula or measuring spoons) in blue or pink, fancy tea, or personalized wine corks.
Baby Shower Ideas: Themes
Creating a baby shower around a theme is an excellent way to help bring everything together. From invites to decor and favors, the right theme can help make the special occasion memorable for both the mom-to-be and her loved ones.
If you're not sure which theme will work best, here are some ideas for girls, boys, and unisex baby showers.
Baby Shower Themes For Girls
20) Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman (the movie) came out in 2017, and ever since its release, Wonder Woman costumes have been popular for women of all ages.
Wonder Woman represents many ideals, including female strength, using your own abilities and powers, and determining your own destiny.
If your mom-to-be is expecting a little girl, this could be the perfect theme for their shower. And, thanks to the film's success, finding decorations and party favor materials is easy.
21) Unicorn
Unicorns are a part of many fairy tales, and combining this theme with a special day, such as a baby shower, only makes sense.
For invites, a unicorn baby shower is an ideal opportunity to create a fun visual with rainbow hues. In addition, you can let family and friends know that "a special day is on the way" and include all of the baby shower specifics in the invitation wording.
For decor, decorate the venue in pastel purples, greens, and pinks with bursts of gold tossed in.
These colors also work well in floral arrangements inspired by fairytales. Bunch up paper pom poms and put a golden horn in the middle to make DIY unicorn head centerpieces.
Colorful cakes and pastries will double as delicious snacks and attractive decorations to match the baby shower ideas.
Baby Shower Themes For Boys
22) Nautical
The nautical theme is a great way to tell everyone that the mom-to-be is expecting a little boy. Invite friends and family to join in on a "trip to meet the new crew member."
Whether you choose to stick with the conventional blue and white pattern or a cutout made to appear like a little sailor's uniform, it'll be irresistibly cute and set the tone for the rest of the day.
For decor, the predominant colors for the day will be blue and white with bright pops of red.
When your visitors arrive, welcome them on board and ask them to write a beautiful note to the baby and place it in a bottle on the table. Place fishing nets on top of tables, then scatter a few sailor caps around the room.
White floral centerpieces in navy blue vases can give any table a nautical feel.
For favors (when your ship has docked and your crew is ready to depart), hand out chocolate sea salt bags to show them how special they made the day.
23) Cowboy
One of the best baby shower ideas is a rustic yet playful cowboy party, which makes for beautiful photos and also lends itself perfectly to entertaining decorations and props.
Whether the parents enjoy western films or country music, there is plenty of charming cowboy-themed baby shower decor to choose from. Hay, hats, boots, and a country soundtrack can all help set the mood.
For the invites, you can announce to your visitors that "a tiny cowboy is on his way." There are so many ways to convey the details for your party, whether you choose an invitation with a natural wood feel, a classic handkerchief pattern, or a traditional rustic aesthetic.
For the decor, think about choosing decorations that will "transport" your guests to the Wild West. For example, to make it feel like you're on a ranch, start by placing a few bales of hay in the front of the room and using toys like rocking horses or stick horses.
You can also recycle your cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas by digging through your Halloween costume bin. To direct guests to their tables, use sheriff badges as place cards and replace standard napkins with red handkerchiefs for each table.
24) Mustache
Themes for baby showers don’t have to be formal. You can have fun with a mustache baby shower for a more modern twist! It makes for a fun-filled party with lots of photo opportunities.
This simple but amusing baby boy shower theme is sure to be a big hit with your party-goers. Make personalized invitations with fun phrases, such as "I Mustache You to Join Us" or "There's a Little Man on His Way!"
For decor, you'll want a bright, vibrant color to contrast the black mustache props, designs, and decorations used throughout the shower.
In addition, place a sign on the refreshments table that reads "Wet Your Whiskers" and another at the gift area that says "Stache Presents Here." You can also fill blue vases and mason jars with white flowers and a few mustaches on sticks to complete the look.
Wrapping each table setting with a mustache napkin ring is also a wonderful touch. Finally, splurge on goofy mustache balloons as a finishing touch to bring the baby shower theme to life.
For favors, set up a dessert table with a variety of sweets and let guests fill a box with a mustache handle as a parting present.
Baby Shower Unisex Themes
If the parents have decided to keep their baby's gender to themselves or they're more into gender-neutral trends, then a unisex theme may be the best option.
Here are a few of our favorites.
25) All-White
White is associated with goodness, innocence, and purity — all of which are qualities that a baby possesses. Honoring the mother-to-be and baby with a white-themed shower can be an elegant affair.
It's also easy. For example, white balloons and streamers can be used to decorate a living room or dining area. You can also request that guests bring their gifts wrapped in white. Complete the concept by using serving dishes made of glass and white porcelain.
A towering white layer cake and a candy bar are all that's required as a centerpiece, where guests may snack on delicacies and then bundle their favorites in swatches of white tulle or muslin to take home as favors.
26) Safari
Monkeys, elephants, tigers, giraffes, jungle-esque plants, and a lot of green or gold decor set the scene for an unforgettable wild safari baby shower.
For invites, you can encourage your guests to join you on an "incredible adventure" and then top that with invitations that have a border of wild vegetation and jungle creatures.
For decor, it should be pretty easy to come across jungle-inspired decorations from your local party store. You can also personalize the menus and favors along with the primary colors of the day, which should include lots of green and gold.
Grab some throw pillows in green and gold and put them in nooks and crannies, which will help create an airy, outdoorsy atmosphere to bring your safari theme to life.
27) Winnie-The-Pooh
Incorporating aspects from classic children's books into baby showers is a popular trend. Winnie-the-Pooh is especially lovely, with plenty of adorable characters to include.
Childhood favorites inspire some of the best baby shower themes. To create a nostalgic atmosphere, use text and graphics that are influenced by classic illustrations.
For invites, you can ask guests to join you on a trip to see Pooh Bear and his companions.
For decor, Pooh's enthusiasm can be brought to life with vivid yellows and reds. Make honey holders from vases, jugs, and pots. And to give the area a whimsical feel, scatter red balloons around the room.
You can also decorate the space with plush animals or toy figures of Pooh and his friends.
When it comes to desserts, keep things simple. Opt for a naked cake or pound cake and glazed donuts galore instead of over-the-top creations. To make them stand out, add small embellishments, like red berries or miniature bees.
For favors, hand out miniature jars of honey with love.
Virtual Baby Shower Tips And Tricks
Virtual baby showers aren’t exactly the norm for most people. But they’re a great option for friends and family separated by miles or for groups that don’t want to gather for health reasons.
And, as we mentioned earlier, these online parties can still be a raging success and make the mother-to-be feel loved, celebrated, and ready for her little one!
Keep reading for a few of our favorite virtual baby shower ideas and tips for pulling it all together.
Send Invitations
Just as with any baby shower, one of the first things you’ll need to do is send invitations. Since paperless invites are becoming more and more popular and you’re having a virtual shower anyway, you may choose to send invitations via email.
That said, don’t hesitate to send paper invites if you prefer! Your event might be online, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego all other typical shower traditions. Plus, everyone still loves getting snail mail, right?
Decorate
Decorating is another baby shower tradition that doesn’t necessarily have to go by the wayside for virtual showers. It just looks a bit different.
Once you decide where the guest of honor will sit for the shower, get creative with balloons, wall decorations, banners, and the rest.
If you’re really embracing the virtual nature of the baby shower, skip the decorations and use a Zoom background
Play Games
Get guests involved and make it a fun time with a couple of games! Here are a few of our favorite ones that can be played on a video call.
Name The Song
In this game, the shower host plays a kids’ song or lullaby without telling everyone what it’s called. The first person to “ring in” and correctly say the name of the song gets a point.
Guests can participate by typing the answer in the chat or virtually raising their hand.
Guess The Price
Just like one of our favorite game shows, this shower game has to do with knowing your stuff when it comes to the value of typical baby items.
Before the shower, the host should gather a few baby items and calculate the combined value. Then, during the shower, the host shows everyone the baby gear and guests must guess the price of everything combined. The closest guess wins!
Who’s Who
To prepare for this game, you need to ask each guest to send you one of their baby photos ahead of time. To play, the host shows everyone a photo and guests decide which baby photo belongs to which adult.
Charades
Playing charades is always good for a laugh and doing it online is no different. To play, guests can think of their own baby-related action to act out, or you can plan ahead for the game and include different charades in each invitation.
Open Gifts
There are a few different ways to open (or not open!) gifts during a virtual baby shower.
First, you can have guests send their gifts to the expectant mom ahead of time. Then, during the shower, she’ll open all the goodies for everyone to see.
If you go this route, think carefully when picking a date for the shower and sending invitations. Allow enough time for guests to buy a gift and put it in the mail.
Another option is to reverse the roles and have guests “open” or show their gifts during the shower. Simply ask guests to keep their gifts until the shower, when they will show them to the mom-to-be and then mail it to her after the fact.
Lastly, not opening gifts is also a possibility! You can skip the ritual, but don’t skip writing meaningful thank-you notes to everyone who sends a gift.
Take A Photo
Don’t forget to take a photo to commemorate your time with friends and family. One advantage of virtual showers is that snapping a group photo is easier than ever. Have everyone smile, and a screenshot will do the trick!
Make it even more fun by asking guests to come prepared with their own props for the photo op.
Make It Special
Most importantly, make the virtual baby shower special for the pregnant mama.
If she loves words and wisdom, ask guests to give words of encouragement or share their wisdom and experience.
Foodies might not be able to share snacks with their guests, but the mom-to-be can still enjoy a treat with those who are in her home. Indulge in cute cupcakes or her pregnancy craving for the special occasion.
If she’s especially put off by the idea of a virtual shower, why not change it up and try a drive-through shower in her driveway for guests who live in town?
Don’t be afraid to get creative and be flexible!
Show Your Love For The Expecting Mother
At the end of the day, a baby shower is one more way to show your support for your friend and her new little one on the way!
No matter who you invite, where you host the shower, and what you do during the shower, make sure the mom-to-be feels loved and cared for with a fun party and gifts.
Pregnancy is a special time for parents-to-be. Celebrate the soon-to-be mommy by choosing one or all of these unique baby shower ideas as a starting point for the baby bash. Use what works for you and throw the rest away. We’ll even let you take all the credit!
Happy party planning!
We invite you to a
Baby Shower
Enjoy our banquet hall and kitchen for your special occasion
Number of Guests
Up to 50
Location
St James Hall
Culinary
Caterer of your Choice, pot luck, local deli food, pizza!
Drinks
Afternoon tea, champaign,mocktails, punch
Music
stream off your phone for easy background music
Price
$200-$400 for gatherings up to 4 hours