How to Throw an Extraordinary Baby Shower

Baby showers are always joyous events, there is no doubt about that. What can be more special than celebrating a new life that is about to enter into the world? However, most showers can be a bit humdrum and boring in that so many fall into the same simple cake & punch routine that our mothers and grandmothers all partook in. Baby shower games all border on the silly and often embarrasing (i.e. "Who can diaper the babydoll fastest?" and "Guess what chocolate bar has been melted into which diaper?") and the afternoon normally culminates in the opening and passing around of baby gifts. Sweet, but not memorable.

So why not take the ordinary and make it extraordinary? Nowadays, many mothers-to-be and thier shower hostesses are opting to liven things up a bit at their baby showers. A baby shower doesn't have to be sedate and run-of-the-mill anymore, just like it doesn't have to be a women only affair. Many showers are now co-ed in order to include the dads-to-be and have such fun and often exotic themes as Springtime in Paris, Orient Express, and Bowlerama. These showers alwasy leave their guests asking for more and not wanting to leave!

For an Orient Express shower theme the hostess can set out sake and platters of fresh sushi as well as fortune cookies which can even be ordered with special messages in them on any number of on-line sites. Orchids can be used in the flower arrangements and perhaps some incense can be lit to add to the allure. Paper lanterns and decorative umbrellas can be used as decorations rather than the usual fold-out storks and balloons, and guests can partake in games that include decorating Chinese take-out boxes with faux jewels, sequins, paints, and fabric strips, and which they can later take home as party favors. The baby-to-be's Chinese astrology chart can be read as well for more themed fun. Colors to use for the shower would break away from the norm as well and rich reds, blacks, and purples would replace the traditional pinks & blues. Sophisticated, exotic and fun!

Another sophisticated and enticing baby shower idea would be the Springtime in Paris theme where there would be a wine and cheese bar set up for the guests that could also include mini hors d'oevres such as bite sized quiches, pates, pastries, chocolates and fresh fruit. With this theme you could easily bid "adieu" to punch and potato salad! A shower like this would best be held in the evening when guests could be treated to a candlelit ambience with Parisian music in the background. Tres chic!

But if your tastes run towards the more casual, than a barbeque or a bowling theme may be just up your alley. Both of these themes can include fun finger foods, salads, dips and chips and can be held in a home, park or yes, even a bowling alley. Guests can partake in any number of activities from impromptu football games to pool to bowling a good game. No traditional shower games here! This type of shower is also ideal for the moms-to-be who would like the other children in their lives to be able to attend as the atmosphere is casual and fun with plenty to do for guests of all ages.

The sky is the limit when it comes to throwing a baby shower. Storks, pastel colors, and baby rattle centerpieces are a thing of the past as more future moms continue to opt for the kind of shower that best suits their own personalities. Some future parents like to tie in their shower theme with what they envision their little boy or girl will grow up to be...a sports theme for the future little slugger, or a ballet/classical theme for the future prima ballerina. Other moms-to-be who have ben world travelers may want to have a shower that takes her guests on a mini voyage of countries she has been to with slide shows and a buffet with snacks that give a taste of the different regions. Nowadays, there is no right or wrong when it comes to planning a baby shower. You just have to go with something you know you & your guests will enjoy!