Creating Baby Shower Decor That Delivers Your Theme

Now that you have inventoried your home for potential decorating treasures, you are ready to tie your baby shower together. Colors and baby icons that relate to your selected theme must be incorporated into the layers of party materials. When blended and mixed, these elements will lend flair and style.

Before you begin shopping for table toppers, centerpieces, and the like, take into account that is coming to your shower. Is your guest list made up of adults, grownups with young children, couples, ladies from church, girlfriends from work, or mothers and grandmothers? You don’t want bone china and chintz with kids racing around the pool.

Shower décor and the budget

The purpose of shower décor is to enhance what already exists, not to hide every flaw in the venue space. Typically, shower décor, including paper plates, napkins, cups, baby shower centerpiece, flowers, candles, and balloons, represents about 20 percent of the total shower budget.

Most hostesses want to have the nicest possible shower they can afford. But decorating costs can add up quickly, so as with all party preparation, planning is a must. Once you have assessed your space and figured out all the decorating possibilities, you must determine what you will need to purchase or bring in to set the party mood.

Materials and supplies

Like all parties, a baby shower does require a few special purchases to complete the event, regardless of what you choose for the theme and décor. Here are some of the basics your party will need to get dressed up for company.

Dishware and silverware. If you have decided not to use paper plates and the like, you should assess your dishware. Today, an eclectic mix of good china with everyday dishes, and multiple patterns of glassware and flatware are encourages and often gives a more interesting effect.

Paper goods. If you are using paper plates and cups, they should match the décor. If in doubt, stick with basic white. Printed paper goods are usually prettier, but sacrifice looks for durability when choosing a paper plate-and avoid costly carpet and furniture cleaning from a messy spill off a droopy plate.

Linens. In lieu of the standard damask tablecloths you may have in a hope chest or closet, you can use old quilts, patterned sheets, burlap, canvas, even butcher paper as table dressing. As with all décor, layering adds interest and richness-a burlap table cloth with a lace overlay, white linen with brown wrapping paper, will set a dramatic and creative table. Felt, designer fabrics, and tulle can all be used as runners.

Table accessories. Candlesticks, framed menu cards, napkin rings, and place cards are perfect table accessories. Load picture frames with baby pictures of Mommy, Daddy, or Siblings. A pacifier or a rattle can double as a napkin ring, or you could fill baby bottles with pink or blue jelly beans and add a shipping tag with a guest name to use as a place card. All these can be very good baby shower favors.

Balloons. Balloon bouquets are festive and pack a lot of decorating punch. Clusters up a walkway, strategically placed around the backyard, or tied to the back of each chair make the environment more festive.

Flowers. Baby showers and flowers go well together. Consult with your florist about what is seasonally available, because out of season blooms can send your budget soaring. Remember to also put fresh flowers or a flowering plant in the powder room.

Baby items. It’s a baby shower. After all. Decorate with stuffed animals, bath or beach toys, big yellow trucks, or sweetly dressed baby dolls. Wrap baby products in tulle, then cluster them together and tie with a giant bow. Diaper cake is very good baby shower centerpiece.