“Special Delivery” Baby Shower

If someone you love is expecting a special delivery in the near future, you are
probably searching for some baby shower inspiration. The key to having a
special shower full of all things sweet and bright is to follow some simple
steps that are guaranteed to keep your stress level low and a permanent
smile on the mother-to-be.

1. Plan with a specific theme in mind!

We chose to center our theme around “A Special Delivery.” This theme lends
itself to simple décor and an endless array of complimentary colors,
decorations and favors. The truth is that a baby shower theme doesn’t have
to be complicated, but it should reflect the style and taste of the expectant
mother. Keep it simple and be consistent. It’s easy to get side tracked when
you’re planning a party, but focus on your chosen theme and things will
come together much easier as you get further into preparations.

2. Design invitations to reflect the theme and package creatively.

It’s “Special Delivery,” and the invitations should be, as well. If you’re mailing
invitations, use mini manila folders, coin envelopes, craft/mailing papers,
string ties or shipping tags.

http://www.nextag.com/Westvaco-QUACO545-
Coin-Envelope-
4147223/prices-html

http://jam-
paper-envelope1.amazonwebstore.com/A2-4-38-x-5-
34/M/B003N9WIX2.htm?
traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=froogle

Don’t be afraid to combine shipping materials with bright colors or prints.
You don’t want people to remember the shower as the party of cardboard.
Spice it up with polka dots, texture and the use of unexpected shipping
materials. We used these Martha Stewart coasters as a color scheme for our
shower. They make a great addition to any invitation as well!!!
(http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-
Crafts-Festive-
Coasters/dp/B0052UNRF8)

If you have the option of hand delivering invitations, pack up a small brown
box and make your own SPECIAL delivery. Fill the bottom of the box with
shredded craft paper, newsprint, or scrapbooking printed paper. We love the
idea of printing the party information on a die-cut cloud and including
celebration details on a string of rain drops. After all, it is a shower!

Fiskars has a really cute example of an “It’s a Shower” party!

(http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting/Articles/Baby-
Shower)

3. Keep decorations clean and simple.

Let’s face it, decorating for a party is the most fun! The key to throwing a
memorable baby shower is presentation. I can’t stress it enough—keep it
clean and simple.

Lay a foundation. I like to choose a basic background for my parties. Most
of the time, I opt for a clean crisp white. It’s classic and I already have a
collection of linens, dishes and white entertaining basics that save me money
and storage space. Besides, white is sweet and innocent—just like a new
baby. For “A Special Delivery” we chose to layer or foundation—starting with
white, then with craft wrapping materials and finally with punches of color.

Brown paper packages tied up with string are a great way to build up a buffet
or gift table for a “Special Delivery” party. Varying sizes of décor create lots
of visual interest. Brown boxes are inexpensive and versatile. Free hand the
name of the mother-to-be, the expected arrival date OR the party theme on
the brown paper with white acrylic paint. You could even have a raffle for a
few prizes and use one of the boxes for guests to enter-to-win.

Pay attention to details. They matter—especially to the shower-going crowd.
This means staying within our selected color palette and providing
stimulation for all the senses. I think EVERY party should have some fresh
flowers (NOTE: I am biased). We used carnations in simple white ramekins—
provides color, lots of tactile texture and a sweet fragrance. Simple, but
memorable.

If you think old fashioned crepe paper is just that – old fashioned – think
again! Crepe paper comes in a variety of sizes (large wide rolls, your basic 2″
twisted streamer variety, and full sheets) and a beautiful assortment of
colors. To top it all off, it’s also very inexpensive.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do with crepe paper—

1. Make flowers. So easy. Just roll your crepe paper into a snail.

2. Make bows…even easier. Cut short lengths of crepe paper, gather in
the center and tie together with a piece of thread, string or ribbon.

3. Twist into a polka dot garland.

(http://ohhappyday.com/2012/04/paper-dots-garland/)

4. Use rolls of crepe paper to create a backdrop!

(http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/230986/stripe
d-wedding-
details/@center/285523/wedding-themes#/301440)

(http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2012/04/graces-cake-
decorating-
party.html)

Crepe paper rolls can be purchased here:
http:
//www.papermart.com/Product%20Pages/Product.aspx?
GroupID=36623&SubGroupID=36547&ParentGroupID=28044#36547

5. Keep games to a minimum.

In a very NON-scientific poll taken in the workroom of Campus Floral, 99% of
those questioned preferred baby showers with NO or very minimal game
playing. Guests usually prefer to visit and eat sweet treats. Keep this in
mind when you feel stressed to come up with a shower game. Don’t worry—
your guests will probably love you for it!

If you’re opting for popularity and foregoing shower games, consider a few
optional activities for your guests to participate in. Since you are celebrating
a special delivery, why not provide note cards and envelopes for them to
write a sweet note to the mother to be—advice, qualities they admire in her
that will make her a good mom, etc.

6. Send home a memory.

Favors are your parting gift to guests thanking them for taking the time to
join in the celebration. They should reflect the theme of the party. When
designing a favor, keep in mind the number of expected guests and the cost
per favor.

Here are a few of our favorites that can be applied to our “Special Delivery”
shower and many that have application to any party.

-Fill small craft boxes with cupcakes, bars or the favorite sweet treat of the
mother-to-be.
-Mini baby bottles are available at most party stores. They’re a little cheesy,
but fun filled with mints and wrapped with vintage lace.

-Oversized cookies are adorable in windowed cookie boxes (available at
Campus Floral). Tie off with a pretty ribbon and you’re done!

-Plastic tubes are inexpensive and can be filled with any treat. I like the idea
of using things in favors that can be done well in advance. Besides, the
plastic tubes are available at Campus Floral (campusfloral.byu.edu or
www.campuscraftfloral.
blogspot.com).

-Cotton candy sticks (available at your local party store or online) are
adorable when filled with Good & Plenty. They are inexpensive and can be
done in advance.