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.
