Baby Shower Style & Themes

Decorations

Baby shower décor often embraces the nature of the party in a literal way, from folding cloth napkins into diaper shapes to creating table centerpieces with baby bottles as vases. But you can certainly dress up the room as you would for any other party. Guests already know they’re at a baby shower, so you have only to immerse them in an environment that’s simple, attractive and festive. Outfit tables with linens, china, and floral arrangements. Your local stationery or party supply store, and many online boutiques, sell stylish paper goods and disposable flatware that will also work well when it comes to beautifying your tables or buffet area.

Color scheming

The simplest way to develop a cohesive theme for the baby shower is to establish a compelling color palette. These hues should be represented in the design of the invitations; then, for the actual event, select a few key elements to communicate your color story. The table linens, china or paper goods, floral arrangements and other decorations are a great place to start. Even the beverages you’re offering are potential participants in the scene you’re creating. The same is true of your snacks and desserts- just keep in mind that a dollop of blue frosting on a cupcake is one thing, but dyed-blue tuna salad tea sandwiches will probably scare people.

Punching up pink and blue
If you know the sex of the child, your shower can certainly embrace one of the traditional gender-specific color schemes-pink for girls, blue for boys. However, you needn’t feel limited to the greeting-card-industry versions of these colors, which many shower hostesses (and guests) may find uninspiring.

Here are some ways to modernize these hues.

Alternative interpretations Instead of traditional pink, try sophisticated alternatives like coral, magenta or watermelon. Consider replacing the usual key or baby blue with navy, slate or royal blue.

One color, multiple shades Rather than sticking to one, specific hue, work within a family of colors-say, three or four different shades of pink or blue that display a range of light-to-dark values.

Mix it up Combine the standard baby-shower pink or blue with a more “grown-up” shade. Sage green and chocolate brown pair well with baby blue; dove gray and charcoal are great with cotton-candy pink.

Beyond the basics

Of course, you can also ignore tradition altogether and opt for a brilliant color scheme of your own choosing. Don’t know the sex of the child? Adopt the same strategy. Here’s where you might find inspiration for a gender-neutral color scheme.

Take a look at the baby’s due date- let’s say it’s March- and use that month’s birthstone as the foundation for your shower colors: aquamarine- shades of aqua and/or ice blue. The mother’s birthstone color can be used as an accent hue.

Yellow is the default “unisex” color. Also consider hues in the turquoise, green and orange families.

The mother’s or both parents’ favorite colors are perfectly valid sources of inspiration.

Check out baby shower favors to match any of your shower themes.

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.