How to throw a fabulous baby shower (Part 5 of 10) Let's talk decorations

Let's talk decorations! I am not a fan of blue and pink paper crepe streamers, boring balloon centerpieces, and those tacky paper cut outs of baby carriages, ducks, and bottles.

Baby Blooming Bouquets actually were born in response to not wanting to use diaper cakes as baby shower centerpieces... again. I will be the first one to admit that I bought a diaper cakes or two. I was a fan. It was trendy, unique, and featured on one of my all time favorite television shows, Sex and the City. But go ahead and google "diaper cake." You are flooded with 863,000 hits for diaper cake. Anyone and everyone can either make a diaper cake (google for instructions) or buy one at a myriad of places. In case you are wondering: there are about 364,000 hits for How to make a diaper cake.

Now that I am done with my rant on diaper cakes, let's move to some excellent baby shower decoration alternatives.
Once again, I turn to my crafty Etsy friends. Here is a small selection of my favorite decoration ideas. No, none of them have been featured on a major television series...yet but you can be the cool one to introduce your friends to the new trend in baby shower decorations!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25399234
20"x28" personalized photo poster - baby's growing tree - family tree

Feature ::
-4 horizontal & 4 vertical 3x2 photos frames
-20x28 inch poster (paper size)
-free matt lamination
-poster reusable
-photos can be changed unlimited times

Print fits standard 20x28 ready made frame without matting.

www.oh-smile.blogspot.com







Practicality is key when shopping for baby shower decorations. Instead of wasting you money on paper items that you will simply toss out after the shower, why not purchase items that can be displayed and/or used in the nursery?

Another fabulous baby gift that would double as a decoration are these one of a kind, personalized clocks by 5:00 am Clock Designs: Lori's Useful and Unique Personalized Gifts.
It features a great red barn, and a barnyard complete with smiling cow & horse, family of ducks, and a tractor ready to go, all under a bright sunshine with country accents! Our vibrant graphics are on a WHITE background, and it is EASIER TO SEE both numbers and clock hands on a white background!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6237725

As I have mentioned in a previous installment of How to throw a Fabulous Baby Shower, I love using a clothesline as a practical baby shower decoration. Wouldn't this stunning personalized blanket look simply adorable pinned to the middle of a clothesline with darling onesies hanging on either side? The gorgeous matching pillow can be placed on the Mother to be's chair to help support her back during the gift opening portion of her baby shower. Who would not love to step into their baby shower to find this extra surprise?

You can purchase this item on GirlieBirdBoutique on etsy.com

One handmade applique name pillow with pink chenille front measuring 12x16. The primary fabric is Michael Miller's Carnival Bloom with coordinating fabric for the additional letters. The back is the carnival bloom and it opens to remove the pillow insert for washing. Pink pom pom trim for the trim (pom pom trim is not recommended for children under 3 years of age).

The blanket is also made with pink chenille front and carnival bloom fabric on the back with the pink pom pom trim. This blanket measures approx. 30x34.

How to throw a fabulous baby shower (Part 2 of 10)

Welcome to the second installment of "How to throw a Fabulous Baby Shower!"

After 3 years of planning my wedding, I learned more than one person should ever know about party favors. This is the number one topic on wedding boards. What's your bridal shower favor? What's your wedding favor? and then... What's your baby shower favor?

According to wordnet.com a favor is defined as a souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party. A party planner's definition of a party favor is the object which makes your party stand out from all the rest. Women love favors. More importantly, women remember favors!This past weekend I cohosted a first birthday party where my talented friend designed the favors. These are perfect for the "Green" Mom-to-Be that loves to recycle.

Baby food jars were saved and filled with candy (you could also place a tealight inside). A custom photo label was designed by Alexis Sykut of Luminescent Events. Contact her for pricing.

http://www.luminescentevents.com

These favors were a huge hit and such a great keepsake.As an Etsy.com boutique owner, I wanted to feature some of my talented colleagues.

One of my all time favorite sellers, LoveLeeSoaps makes the most unique, realistic, custom soaps. These would make the most adorable party favors. Here are a few of my favorites and the shower themes they would support.

http://loveleesoaps.etsy.com

This set is so adorable! It is made with moisturizing shea butter. The bird has a soft baby powder scent and the nest is chocolate. The nest has cocoa added the increases skin hydration and decreases its roughness.


Bird themed nurseries are ALL the rage right now. Why not carry that theme into the Mother-to-Be's shower theme. Stop back for tomorrow's post about themes.





Another cute theme is the "Bun in the Oven." These super strong Cinnamon Bun tarts smell incredible and are so affordable!25 for only $ 6.95.

http://theclackhouse.etsy.com

How to throw an incredible baby shower! Part 1

When I say "baby shower" what images appear in your mind? Cheesy games, pink and blue paper decorations and balloons with chatty women sitting around opening boxes and bags filled with breast pumps, diaper genies, and blankets.

Is this how you imagined YOUR baby shower?

I have thrown my fair share of baby showers and have found the out of the ordinary activities and unique themes are always well received. The number one complaint of baby shower attendees is the stupid cheesy games: dirty diaper, baby word scramble, and the infamous guess the circumference of the Mother to Be's belly. Who in the world thought that would be a good idea? My guess is a man.

Here is my Top 10 Best Baby Shower tips list:

10. Think outside the pink and blue box. There are so many color combinations out there. There is no need to stick to the traditional pastel pink and baby blue shades. Don't worry, the guests will still know that it is a baby shower.

Why not try these unique color combos?

Navy Blue, Aqua, and Crisp White

Mandarin Orange and Bubblegum Pink.

(Photo courtsey of Hostess with the Mostess)

School Bus Yellow, Kelly Green, and Cherry Red

If you must have include a pastel, try these alternatives:

Ice Blue, Beige, and Cream

And the always loved Princess Pink and Happy Green combo: