Ask A Minnesota Expert: Tips For Hosting A Baby Shower
Baby showers are a traditional and fun way to welcome a new baby as well as congratulate a new mother. Traditionally women-only events, baby showers have expanded to include dads and kids into the fun along with the girlfriends and female relatives of the expectant mother. Hosting a baby shower can be a time-consuming event for a beginning hostess. However, with some helpful tips and ideas, planning can be a snap. Any of these suggestions, made by event coordinators and party planners in Minnesota, can help construct a baby shower to remember.
Create a Theme
Miss Sara's Cakery
314 Vermillion St. Suite 105
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 304-2108
www.misssaracakery.com
Baby showers tend to plan themselves after a theme is decided on. Since a shower traditionally takes place in the last two months of pregnancy, many expectant mothers may already know the sex of the baby or how they are decorating the nursery. The theme can center around nursery decor or just a fun and upbeat way to decorate the room. Don't forget the cake! Fabulous bakeries throughout Minnesota offer themed cakes and gender-reveal cakes that surprise the mother as well as the guests.
Mill Valley Kitchen
3906 Excelsior Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 358-2000
www.millvalleykitchen.com
Skip the cooking and cleanup by having the party at a restaurant. Many restaurants in Minnesota offer rental of private dining or party rooms at no cost during lunch. Brunch showers or tea party baby showers are popular and can often be accommodated by local restaurants. Mill Valley Kitchen offers healthful cuisine for the mother-to-be and will create a personalized menu for your shower.
Visit a Specialized Baby Boutique
Baby Grand
1137 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 224-4414
www.babyongrand.com
Baby boutiques offer a selection of unique gifts for baby and mom that set themselves apart from the typical shower presents. Baby Grand, one of many specialized baby shops in Minnesota, carries a large selection of necessities as well as fun items for the new family. Have mom register at one of these fancy boutiques and encourage guests to use the registry. Many of these boutiques also offer party rooms for showers or sell party games to use during the party.
Baby Shower Games
Baby shower games help break the ice when the guests are a combination of friends and relatives that may not necessarily know each other well. Traditional games often include guessing the girth of the mother's belly to matching celebrity baby names to their famous parents. If the baby will be a first child, mothers often enjoy writing baby tips or what to expect during the delivery on cards for the expectant mother to read out loud. Having several games planned will help create a memorable experience.
Hire-A-Host
10800 Lyndale Ave. S., Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55420
(952) 426-2004
www.hireahost.net
Event planning and party planners can be found throughout the state. Grab a more seasoned friend or look into a service such as Hire-A-Host. A party service can create the party and provide the decorations, entertainment, food and host services in a venue or your own home. Most party and event planning services work with your budget as well.
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