Throw a baby shower with help from Party City

I wasn’t sure it was proper to have a baby shower for my second daughter, but it had been 12 years in between babies, and I didn’t have a lick of baby gear. My friends and family thoughtfully gathered to throw me a sweet party in my own home. It was a joyful occasion and I received everything I needed for little girl #2.

Since I don’t plan on having any more babies (I think!), I won’t be having any more baby showers. But, I have friends who have babies on the brain. After a weekend junket in Hilton Head, South Carolina courtesy of Party City, I have so many baby-themed ideas swirling in my head that I’m begging friends to get started already (you know who are).

Planning your baby shower theme

The baby shower breakfast Party City threw for media and bloggers was like nothing I had seen before. It was decked in pretty pastels that screamed baby girl. Celebrity event and home stylist, Tara Riceberg, played a huge role in creating such a delicious atmosphere, and she also let the attendees in on some of her cost-saving decorating secrets.

As in any get-together, the first touch sets the tone. Invitations have a big part in telling invitees what to expect and should coordinate with the theme of the event. Matching thank you notes are always a great gift for the mom-to-be. I know for my cousin’s baby shower, I presented her with thank you notes, address labels of the attendees and stamps. She was hugely appreciative.

Another thing I learned is that standard Sunday 2pm shower is no longer the requirement. Holding an event in the morning can sometimes off-set venue costs and take out the need for alcoholic beverages (except for that morning mimosa!) Not to mention a brunch menu is typically a less expensive option.

Decorating ideas

One decorating idea that really stood out was the thought of using baby apparel as centerpieces and wall-hangings. These items are not only adorable but a wonderful gift as well. Cute dresses on doll stands graced the tables and onesies hung on a make-shift clothes line added a little extra touch. Another creative idea I learned is to decorate the walls with pastel streamers. Tara used a crisscross pattern to dress-up the walls and soften the room.

I loved the apothecary and brandy jars filled with pink and green chocolates on the tables. Not only did they invite the attendee and partake, it’s also a fun way to bring guests together and certainly a conversation piece. Take-out boxes strategically placed nearby give the guest permission to sample the goods.

Please be sure to view my photo gallery, as my descriptions just can’t do this beautiful setting justice!

About Party City

Most of the decorations can be found at your local Party City. With over 600 stores across the U.S., Party City can make that shower special without breaking the bank. From streamers, to balloons, to coordinating invites, thank you notes and shower decorations, just about any theme can become a reality with these easy tips and little imagination. Merchandise is available in-store or on partycity.com.

Erica Gatlin is VP, Client Strategy with Mom Central. She is also a wife and a mother of a teen and an infant daughter. Connect with Erica at Erica@momcentral.com and follow her on Twitter @erica7227.

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Disclosure: Erica Gatlin received a trip to Hilton Head, SC courtesy of Party City to view the latest in party ideas and essentials.

Mom Central