Baby Showers (Part III) - The Big Event!

Once all the planning has been done for a baby shower, it is time to sit back and have a great time!  There are a few things that can be done to ensure everyone, especially the guest of honor, has a relaxing and memorable time at the party.Allowing for self-serving foods frees the hostess up to mingle and greet guests as they arrive.  If it is a large crowd, consider asking another friend of the expecting mom to help co-host the party.  Not only can that person help organize and run the party, he or she can also absorb some of the expenses that go along with hosting such an event.  Ask someone to serve as designated photographer, or give out disposable cameras for guests to use throughout the party.  The pictures can then be developed and placed in an album or keepsake book as a gift for the new mom.  Also call on someone to record the gifts as they are unwrapped with the name of the giver so the new mom will have a record of the gifts when she is ready to write her thank you notes.  Designating someone to give the gifts to the guest of honor is also a great idea to keep the party moving.

When the party ends, take time to thank the guests for coming.  Assist the expectant mom with all of her wonderful gifts, and send home any extra party favors, decorations, blank invitations, or edible goodies with her.  She can use the extra decorations for baby books and craft projects, and the food will be a welcome treat in the next day or so!

If you have used a baby shower theme that comes with thank you notes as well to match, giving them to the new mom is a great gift from you in addition to the shower.  The guests will appreciate a sweet card of thanks that reminds them of the great time they had!