Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Five Tips to Make your Baby Shower Party Memorable

To be memorable, a baby shower needs to be imaginative and very different from a typical event. Easier said than done. Everyone strives to achieve uniqueness but few have managed to reach that goal.

Every aspect of the baby shower should be well-selected and quite creative for the party to be memorable. True, it requires more thought and preparation but if uniqueness is your main aim, you should start working.

Choose Unusual Themes
A memorable baby shower will have an outstanding theme. Anything that is baby-related and excessively cute will drive you away from achieving uniqueness. You can certainly turn a traditional party into a memorable event but your task will be more difficult.

Unusual themes will make you a pioneer and will give people something to remember the baby shower by. You might be clueless about bright baby shower theme ideas but you will just need to utilize your creative potential.

Do you believe in fairytales? Why don’t you take guests back in time to their childhood years? They will have fun and they will remember the wonderful experience.

Mesmerize Guests at the Entrance
To achieve the ‘wow’ effect, you need a spectacular entrance. Get guests surprised even before they make it to the room.

You can have someone welcoming them and providing guests with items that will be needed for games and activities. Keep their purpose a secret so that guests are left wondering about the aim of it all.

Multimedia will also help you create something outstanding. A screen by the entrance, showing pictures of the mom-to-be or family videos will surprise guests and the mom in a pleasant way.

Engaging Games and Activities
Decorations can easily be forgotten. People remember emotions rather than items. Provide them with the chance to form memories.

Engaging games and activities will make your baby shower memorable. The entire party can be an activity. Holding a cooking party or a spa-themed baby shower will get guests socializing and enjoying each other’s presence.

The Food!
An amazing culinary experience will give people something to remember. Get them trying exotic and gourmet foods.

The selection of a nice menu is yet another step towards making the baby shower memorable.

Sometimes, it will even be an issue of decoration rather than an issue of cooking. A well-formed platter or a dish is a work of art rather than something to eat. You can purchase the food from a catering company or a restaurant. The decorations will be up to you. Unleash your culinary potential and use food to create art.

Handmade… Everything
Handmade items are impressive. They show creativity and they show desire to make something beautiful and interesting.

Having handmade decorations or baby shower favors will transform the event into a memorable one. The good news is that various types of favors are exceptionally easy to make. Key chains, candles and jewelry will all let you be outstanding.

A memorable baby shower takes some work. It requires effort. It requires brainstorming and running around to purchase supplies. Still, if uniqueness is your goal, go ahead and do it. When you see the smiles on the faces of your guests, you will feel perfectly satisfied.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more unique baby shower ideas or to shop for some unique baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors.

Baby Shower Etiquette for a Second Child

A baby shower for a first child is something typical that most moms-to-be enjoy with close friends. When it comes to a second pregnancy, people hold opposing views.

Some believe that a second baby shower will be entirely unacceptable since the family will have most of the items needed from the first child. On the other hand, a baby shower is a wonderful celebration that brings together close friends and gives them the chance to mark a special occasion.

If you are thinking about having a baby shower for a second child, you should consider the following options. These will make the event appropriate and entertaining for everyone.

When is It Ok to Have a Large Baby Shower?
In some instances, a traditional baby shower will be acceptable for a second child.

Having a baby shower for a second child that is of different gender from the first child will be appropriate. Baby boys and baby girls need their specific toys and additional items.

Moms will also have a second baby shower if the second pregnancy is occurring a long time after the first one. A large gap may make it difficult for a mom-to-be to purchase all of the items needed for proper baby care.

Have a Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is an event that is most appropriate for a second pregnancy. The sprinkle is a smaller event than the shower. Though it does not differ greatly, a baby sprinkle has specifics of its own.

The sprinkle is usually smaller. It involves fewer guests, a smaller venue and less elaborate decorations.

Baby sprinkles are less demanding in terms of gifts and etiquette. These events are more informal and casual, giving guests freedom in terms of outfit selection and gift giving.

Invite Only Family Friends
To hold a second baby shower, do your best to make it smaller and more intimate. Inviting solely relatives is a good option.

The dearest people of the mom-to-be are the ones that will appreciate it and have fun attending such party. It is more about getting together and enjoying the occasion than about providing serious and expensive gifts.

Intimate surroundings will also affect the atmosphere of the party. It will be heartwarming. Breaking the ice in such instances is easier than getting large groups of people together.

Limit the Types of Gifts
To make it easier for guests attending a second baby shower, you can set limitations to the types of gifts that would be expected.

A mom-to-be will need certain items during her second pregnancy. Naturally, she will use the baby crib that was purchased for her first baby. Yet, the mom will need significant supplies of diapers, baby lotion, wet wipes, pacifiers and clothing, in case the baby is of different gender or born during a different season.

Defining what types of gifts will be appreciated will let guests know that the mom-to-be is expecting only practical items that she lacks after her first child has grown up.

Should you have a second baby shower? In case you want to have fun with friends, you should definitely get one organized. If you are still uncertain, ask friends for advice. Did they have a second baby shower? Do they think it is appropriate? Go ahead and organize one, as long as you have the right motivation.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for a second baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.

Etiquette Tips: Inviting Your Boss to Your Party

Holding a party and working on the details can be exceptionally fun. Still, you will have to consider some issues very carefully.

The most perplexing aspect of holding a party or a reception is deciding on the guest list. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or your wedding, you will need to think whether to invite your colleagues or not.

What should you do when it comes to inviting your boss? Is it appropriate or maybe it would be understood in a wrong way? You will have to consider several aspects of your office relations before taking the final decision.

Decide if It is Appropriate
Are you going to have a large party or a small, intimate one? This is what you need to think about in advance. Deciding on the type of party will help you determine if you should invite any of your colleagues.

What are the relations at your office? Are you a friend with your coworkers or do you keep your interactions strictly professional? If you maintain professional relations, you should probably refrain from inviting people from your office to the party.

When it comes to inviting your boss, the situation changes somehow. The invitation will be a sign of respect and appreciation. You will have no problem with it if you like your boss. In case the two of you have difficulties, you may reconsider.

The Advantages of Keeping a Party Private
Which colleagues should you invite? Getting all of your coworkers to the party will be problematic. On the other hand, if you invite just a few people, you might get the others angry.

Keeping the party private in such instances will probably be the wisest decision. Make your colleagues understand your motivation and the desire to have only family and closest friends present.

What Are Your Sentiments About It?
How do you feel about having your boss present at the party? Is the thought making you feel uncomfortable? Will you be able to stand an entire party in the presence of your supervisor?

Trust your sentiments. Inviting a boss you dislike for the sake of it could really interfere with your party. You are supposed to enjoy the event. In case it makes you feel bad, refrain from having coworkers present.

On the other hand, inviting your boss could help you establish better relations and may eventually help your professional development. Weight the pros and the cons. Is your biggest priority enjoying your special occasion or working on your career? Think about these before sending the invites.

How Big of a Dilemma are You Experiencing?
According to etiquette, it will be good to invite your boss to a major party like a wedding reception. Still, you should also feel satisfied with your choice.

Are you experiencing a big dilemma? A relationship of hatred is rarely the case. In most instances, workers and bosses have polite and slightly distanced relations. If the situation is such, inviting your boss out of courtesy will be the right thing to do.

Is inviting your boss to a party the right thing to do? In most instances it is. Think of any special circumstances that will make this inappropriate. Friendly relations with your boss and well-established office sentiments will make it much easier for you to take the decision. Trust your senses and intuition and you will be making the right selection.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info on how to throw an office baby shower party or ideas for baby shower party planning, visit My Baby Shower Favors.

Coming Up With Original Wording for a Birthday Invite

Most birthday party invitations resemble each other. They list where when and how the event will take place. Some may contain a verse, though the majority rely on a simple introductory sentence.

The invitation is the first aspect of the party that a guest will get acquainted with. It needs to impress or make people laugh. The invitation should suggest what the party will be, what people are invited to it and what atmosphere is to be expected.

The right selection of invitation wording can help you achieve all of these goals. It takes little time and brainstorming to come up with original wording for a birthday invite.

List the Important Information
Before focusing on the creative element, you need to list all of the important invitation information.

Who is inviting the person? When is the party taking place and which venue has been selected for it? RSVP information? Theme? Dress code? Any suggestions about the best choice of presents?

If the venue is difficult to find, you might consider adding a map or some directions. This will make it easier for guests to find their way.

Use Verses
How do you get the invitation started? The wording will be more original if you add some cute verse. The verse will also be used to set the mood and to provide hints about the party theme.

You can use some of the following verses to add to your birthday invite:

Candies, drinks and cakes are sweet, come to our party, we promise a treat!

Love is in the air, spring has come, we’re holding b-day party that is going to be fun!

The summer’s hot
But we know how to cool
You can do it too
Join our party at the pool
You are invited to (name of birthday person)’s birthday party

(name of birthday person) is (age)
And it’s time to get
Organized and ready
To hold a party (he/she) will never forget!
Join us to dance and laugh and sing
For such occasions true joy can bring!

Use Your Sense of Humor
A nice invitation will be a humorous one. It will make people smile the minute they see it. Use your sense of humor or pick one of the following samples to make the invite really amusing:

(name of birthday person) has grown one year older
And she/he would need a supportive shoulder
While we’re still looking for the fountain of youth,
Come to the party and help him/her handle the truth.
You are invited to a birthday party on (date) at (venue)

Our cute and energetic shorty
Has finally managed to turn 40 (for the third time in a raw)
Come and help us have a party
That we promise to be hearty!

Make the Message As Specific As Possible
You should remember to include specific details to add some clarity.

If the birthday is going to have a special theme, focus on it when wording the invite. The theme can be used in a humorous and creative way.

You should also select appropriate paper and fonts to make the message even stronger. Remember that every detail will count and provide the people invited to the birthday party with specific information.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out invitation ideas or to shop for some baby shower invitations, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Five Non-Baby Related Gift Ideas for New Parents

Most of the presents that new parents receive will be focused on the youngest members of the family. Often, their needs are neglected and even forgotten.

You can provide new parents with wonderful non-baby related gifts that can make the transition smoother. They need some time for relaxation, which can be provided in various creative ways.

In the first months, new parents may enjoy a bit of leisure time or some quality food. If you want to make them happy, provide a relevant gift.

Babysitting Gift Certificate
New parents might find difficulties spending some quality time away from the baby. They will certainly be preoccupied and exhausted. If you want to surprise them pleasantly, provide them with a babysitting gift certificate.

The certificate will let them use babysitting services free of charge, whenever they want to go out or just relax.

The best aspect of the certificate is that it can be used whenever needed.

Offer Some Help
Instead of buying them an item, you can offer new parents some help. It can involve taking care of the baby yourself, buying anything they need or preparing a nice meal just for the two of them.

Any assistance will be appreciated. It will give the busy couple an opportunity to take their minds away from worries and to take a short break.

Offering your help is a nice sign of attention that demonstrates you are a reliable friend. Nothing could be more valuable than your loyalty and desire to land a helping hand.

Movie Rental Certificate
Most of the activities that new parents get involved in will be taking place at their home. They will seldom find the time and energy to go out and enjoy their leisure time at a restaurant or a movie theater.

A movie rental certificate is just a great option. It gives them the chance to have fun at home, while being able to take care of the baby. Providing the certificate with a supply of pop-corn will make the gift even more special and enjoyable.

Spa Treatment for Two
New parents will offer be in desperate need of relaxation. You can certainly pamper both of them.

Offer to babysit and provide the couple with a spa certificate for two. The certificate will let them experience a diversity of pampering procedures that will rejuvenate the body and relax the mind.

Select a quality spa center that offers various types of massages and procedures. Apart from being enjoyable, these are very healthy. Further, the young family will get the chance to experience a romantic day together and to bond.

Restaurant Delivery Certificate
Quality food can be a problem in the first months after the mom gives birth. She will be so busy with her baby that she may lack the time to prepare a nice meal or to go out and get restaurant food.

A restaurant delivery certificate may just as well be the solution of this problem.

Select a restaurant that the couple enjoys and that is located near their home. This way, you will be facilitating the delivery process and giving the two an option to eat healthy and tasty food without exercising any effort.

Non-baby related gifts for new parents are very easy to come up with. Think about their needs and the aspects of their previous life that they miss the most. Good food and good relaxation will be of major importance. Provide such gifts to make the young family happy and to prove that you really care.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby gift ideas or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.

How to Plan an Asian Theme Baby Shower Party

Asian countries have a specific charm and some degree of mysticism. The Japanese culture dates back in time, having its numerous rituals, philosophies and historic developments. The same applies to most other Asian countries.

Hosting an Asian-themed baby shower will be a wonderful way to make it more unusual and intriguing. Setting the theme is uncomplicated and you will need just a few objects to create realistic atmosphere.

When organizing an Asian-theme baby shower, you can adopt various approaches. You can even decide on a theme within the theme to make the event extra-special.

Hold a Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the most beautiful and delicate Asian rituals. Have fun by making it one of the focal baby shower activities.

A Japanese tea ceremony involves several preparatory steps. Get informed about it so that you conduct it in a proper and authentic manner. The preparation starts at the very door. A tea ceremony is attended only after shoes are removed. Guests address each other by bowing.

It is of uttermost importance to work on a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the room where the ceremony will be held. One of the characteristics of tea ceremonies is that they get performed without any noise being made.

You will need a bowl, a tray, pot of hot water, tea cups, dessert spoons and powdered green tea. The guest of honor, in this case the mom-to-be gets seated next to the host.

Guests sit on the ground, usually on a traditional rug. They need to sit their knees with their heels pressed against their bottoms. The host is then responsible for cleaning all dishes and utensils that will be used in the ceremony.

Learn about the manner in which tea is prepared. You can discover numerous online videos that present the process in details.

Chinese-Themed Baby Shower
A Chinese theme is exceptionally easy to introduce. Getting the food will be the easiest of tasks.

In terms of decorations, gets red lanterns and use hieroglyphics to decorate the walls. It would be best if you know what the messages are saying. Focus on positive emotions, greetings and notions like love, friendship and compassion.

If you live close to a Chinese district, you can purchase authentic decorations like ceramic dolls and fans.

Organize an Asian Cuisine Baby Shower
To get guests involved and to ensure that everyone is having fun, you can make cooking the main baby shower activity. To connect it to the theme, you should select several Asian recipes. Purchase the products needed for the preparation of these dishes and enjoy putting them together.

Chinese fried rice is a popular. The same applies to sushi, though it can be more difficult to make. Other intriguing Asian recipes include chicken katsu, Philippine chicken adobo, Thai basic chicken and Indian curry.

The best part will be getting together and eating the outcome of the culinary game.

Asian-Themed Favors
The favors you select will also enforce the theme and serve as wonderful souvenirs from a truly emotional event.

The Asian theme can easily be recreated through the favors. Miniature fans that include the mom-to-be’s name are one great option. Other gifts you can provide guests with can be Japanese chopsticks, Asian-themed bookmarks, a piece of Japanese art or a haiku.

An Asian theme is very favorable in terms of party organization. All of the items can be purchased from a store, including the food. You have various activities and games that will be perfectly suitable. Choose your focus and start exploring the theme.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for an ethnic baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Own Baby Shower

The most entertaining part of holding a baby shower is deciding on the decorations and the general atmosphere that the venue will project. It takes some creativity to come up with suitable decorations that are both sophisticated and inexpensive.

How do you get started? The first step is to decide on the theme. The theme will be determining when it comes to decorations. The next consideration is the selection of the most appropriate color scheme.

Keep It Relevant to the Theme
Keeping decorations theme-related will make your task much easier. You will know what visuals to use and how to create a sense of cuteness, sophistication, elegance or casualty. The style and tone will all be determined by the theme.

Remember that overdoing any decorative item, even if it follows theme, is more likely to clutter the room. Follow this advice – less is more when it comes to decorations. Have one impressive, theme-relevant centerpiece and other supportive decorations that are less obtrusive.

Pick One Central Color for Consistency
Stylish decorations will blend in nicely with the overall atmosphere. Having something that stands out too sharply or needlessly grabs attention is more likely to spoil all of your efforts rather than impress guests.

Stick to the color scheme that you have chosen before getting started. Color consistency is of uttermost importance. You can have various types of decorations but if you manage to execute all pieces in the same nuances, you will achieve something stylish and classy.

Pick one main tone. Use that as the focal emphasis. Several complimentary shades can be used but refrain from introducing more than two or three additional colors.

A table centerpiece can be multi-colored but it will look much more elegant if all of the elements have matching tone.

Use Your Imagination
The key to good decorations is creativity. Otherwise, you risk falling into the trap of banality.

If you have a slightly unusual idea, go ahead and implement it. Being daring and different will help you create a party that will be remembered.

For example, you can schedule a professional photo-shoot for the mom-to-be. The main emphasis of the photographs will be pregnancy and motherhood. These pictures can do terrific job in terms of decorations.

Baby photos or cute baby clip art will be just as effective. Decorate the walls with quality baby pictures. Use clipart for candleholders and the table centerpieces.

Use the Traditional Items
If you fear that your originality attempts will result in a fiasco, you can simply stick to a traditional and well-accepted line of decorations.

The traditional items mostly used include flowers, balloons, banners and candles. You can either purchase these decorations or create some of them yourself. Floral arrangements are rather uncomplicated to create. The same applies to balloon arches and candles.

Traditional decorative items will always fit in. Remember to select the appropriate colors. If you want to use several types of decorations, make sure that they match each other. Decorate the entrance with balloons. Use flowers to decorate the tables and the buffet table. Getting everything appearing simultaneously will only add a needless degree of elaborateness.




Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. To check out some DIY Baby Shower Ideas or some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.