Baby Shower Trends

Snow is falling around the country, and many people with friends expecting a baby may be inclined to use the weather as inspiration for a baby shower theme. And while a winter wonderland is a sweet and magical idea, those who are currently planning a shower may want to consider centering the gathering around another season – spring.

Remember, though you are beginning preparations for the get-together now, it won't be held for another two to three months – just in time for the start of spring. This time of year is often thought of as the season of rebirth – flowers bloom, animals return from hibernation – making it a charming theme for a shower. Best of all, this theme is relatively easy to do and can be gender-neutral.

When picking out party supplies, use a pastel palette – soft yellows, light greens and baby blues are perfect. You can go for an elaborate decor filled with streamers and balloons, or opt for a more subdued atmosphere and keep the color confined to the plates and napkins.

Baby shower favors are imperative as well. Personalized magnets and Hersheys bars are great gifts, but make sure they embody the theme as well. Select wrappers that have a spring-themed image, such as a blossoming flower, baby duck or lady bug.

While carrying a child can be stressful, it can also be an incredibly joyful and memorable time in a mom-to-be's life. But between doctor's appointments and shopping for baby products, pregnancy can be a rather busy time. If you have a friend who is expecting, help her document the precious nine months by creating a scrapbook.

A scrapbook is a great way to chronicle the pregnancy but is also a project that the mom-to-be may not always have time for. With your help, however, she can easily document this period and preserve memories for years to come.

Start the album by asking your friend to hold on to anything and everything, from the box the pregnancy test came in to ultrasound pictures to a wrapper from the baby shower favors. Collect the mementos periodically and catalog them in the scrapbook. While you can do the crafting, sit with your pal as you create the pages, so that she can fill in any personal but significant details.

Remember to mark the date on each page or next to each item so that the scrapbook stays organized. Leave room on the last page for the newborn's birth announcement. You can present the book to your friend at her baby shower, when she returns home from the hospital or hang on to it as a sweet gift on the baby's first birthday.

Throwing a baby shower is a fun project, but from decorations to food , it can also be fairly expensive. With a few expert tips, however, you can host an awesome shower without breaking the bank.

While you may be anxious on getting a jump on the planning, wait until guests RSVP to buy supplies or go grocery shopping. The amount of guests can dictate how many things you'll need, so you'll want a fairly accurate sense of who is coming so that you don't buy too much and waste money.

You also shouldn't feel obligated to empty your wallet buying decorations.

"If you place the focus on guests interacting, the party can be just as meaningful," reports the Creston News Advertiser. Experts recommend letting guests write messages in a blank guestbook for the mom-to-be.

Finally, baby shower favors are a great way to show your guests that their presence was appreciated. Luckily, there are budget-friendly options like personalized lollipops and chocolate bars. Pals will enjoy the sweet treats and your party is bound to be a cost-efficient success. 

Planning a baby shower can be difficult, especially with winter underway – temperatures are dropping across much of the country and many people want nothing more than to barricade themselves indoors, not rush out to the next social gathering. But when it's time to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby, why not plan a seasonal shower that will pair perfectly with the cold weather?

We're not suggesting a snow-themed shower – in fact, quite the opposite! Instead of celebrating the cold, host a shower that embraces the best about staying warm in the harshest winter weather.

Make a note on the invitations that encourages guests to come dressed in their comfiest clothes and have lots of cozy blankets on hand. Delicious treats such as hot chocolate and homemade macaroni and cheese will warm up pals from the inside out. If you have a fireplace, light a fire and toast marshmallows as you open presents and bestow advice upon the mom-to-be.

Baby shower favors should reflect the wintry theme as well. Personalized lip balms will be a welcome treat to keep pouts hydrated and smooth. Pack loose tea or cocoa mix in personalized tins for a soothing beverage to be enjoyed later.