Basic Elements of Baby Shower Décor

Most baby shower hostesses are chomping at the bit to dive into the fun part of party planning- decorating. Styling the baby shower can run the gamut from simply a line of yellow duckies on the dining room table to a living room completely swathed in pink tulle. The theme usually dictates the party’s flair as well as the parting gift- the favors. In the chapter, you will discover some new ideas, professional decorating tips, and delightful favors that guests will love.

Before you get carried away with colors and patterns, paper plates, and polka-dot linens, take the time to evaluate the areas that need to be dressed up for the party and the elements that will make your home look festive.

You already have determined the critical details like how many guests are coming; whether you are serving appetizers, a meal, or just dessert; and whether it will be sit-down or buffet, catered or potluck. Now you can have some fun and add the finishing touches.

Start by walking through your home or shower venue with designer eyes. Some rooms have a natural focal point, like a fireplace or bay windows. Some have dramatic architecture, while others have a cozy, comfortable look. Don’t look at the flaws, look at the space. This is the canvas that you will create your shower look in and on.

Areas to decorate

The major areas to evaluate for decorating are the outdoor entrance to the home, the inside entryway or foyer, the main party room- whether it’s your living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, or patio, and the power room.

Walkway. Your home’s walkway will welcome guests to the party held inside. It should be swept of debris and, if necessary, lit at night for safety. Luminaries- paper bags filled with sand and a candle- are inexpensive and give a warm, inviting party feel. A terracotta pot with a flowering plant or topiary or a balloon bouquet at the door also announces the festivities within. Wreaths or other door ornaments can be tied with tulle or ribbon for a simply way to say, “Come in for party.”

Inside entryway. Once inside, guests will need to unburden themselves of presents and, perhaps, coats. Have a coat closet or rack at the ready and a designed place to put gifts. If you foyer is large enough, consider setting up a cocktail/ mock tail station with a tray of drinks.

Main room, living room, or family room. This is where the party will happen. During your walk-through you will need to consider traffic flow and conversational seating arrangements. Professional party planners often rearrange the furniture to form clusters of chairs around or in proximity to a low table. Remove any excess clutter or delicate breakable.

Powder room. A vase of flowers, a votive candle, interesting guest towels, an unusual soap, and a bottle of hand lotion give a bathroom a party feel.

Backyard. Think of your backyard as another room in your home. If weather permits, bring some indoor seating outside and add homey touches like warm woven throws, colorful cushions, or interesting pillows. Don’t forget to carry the theme outside by using flowers, candles, umbrellas, an area rug, and even balloons.

Focal points. Make the most of what you already have by featuring your room’s natural focal point, be it a fireplace, window, or archway. Another option is to create a new focus area- set up a seat of honor by wrapping a dining room chair in tulle, tie a balloon bouquet for added emphasis, then arrange presents nearby for easy access when it’s time to unwrap them. A dining room table or food serving table is an obvious place to spotlight and should receive special attention- a multilayered tablescape including candles, flowers, rose petals, baby items, confetti, menu cards, and the like.

Elements

Dressing up your home for the party takes many elements, all of them sensory. The use of color, lighting, and space arrangement all contribute to the creation of a party look.

Visual elements. Once you have determined the areas that will receive your attention, look around and figure out what you have on hand that can be used as part of the décor. For example,like baby nursery wall decor, you may choose some nursery wall hangings.

Lighting. Use light levels to create mood. A room should be well lit. but not glaring and harsh. Low lights and candles create a feeling of intimacy, which may work for a more formal dinner, an evening of cocktails, or a luncheon with girlfriends and conversation.

Space arrangement. Traffic should flow easily. Make sure that seating is clustered and pathways for movement are clear. Allow for travel space around food-service tables, and avoid traffic bottlenecks by placing beverages and food in separate areas. Be sure to have appropriate seating for the mom-to-be and any elderly guests. Open presents in an area that will allow most people to sit or watch comfortably.

Auditory elements. A party without music is a bad place to be; music fills in the party space. You don’t need to hire a deejay for every event, but you will need a mix of tunes, a sound system, and enough songs to last for three to four hours. Music should be played loud enough to add a note of interest, but not so loud that you can’t hear your own conversation.

Aromatic elements. The power of scent is well documented. Nothing is as intoxicating as the smell of cookies baking, garlic roasting, or something browning on the grill. Equally powerful is the fragrance of flowers, perfume, or candle baby shower favors.

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.