Planning a Baby Shower - Vineland,NJ

In lieu of cheesy games, try something more sincere - at a recent shower, the hostess asked everyone to go around the room and offer one piece of advice to the new mom. It was amazing to hear the variety of things that people had to say. I only wish I had brought a pen and paper with me, as some of them were real gems . . .

For my sister-in-law's shower, I used rubber stamps to decorate paper tablecloths and napkins - baby feet and hand prints were a big hit. You could also hit the craft store to see if they have a paper punch that you could use to make some confetti. Even kids can help with those simple, but lovely, decorations.

As for food, everyone loves to make (and eat) cookies. Ask a few other attendees to bake different kinds and then you can make some great trays - you may even find out someone has a secret talent for decorating cookies with a baby theme :) Other foods can be easy to throw together - a cold pasta salad, a warm taco dip and some fancy croissant sandwiches from local deli. Add an easy punch that looks fancier than it is and you're all set. I have recipes if you need them . . .

Many years ago did a low key baby shower for my sister. Used my mom's good china (if you have any), got the Dr. Seuss book (nicely bound addition) Oh the Places you will go, we all signed it & I read it during the shower (though it seemed to get a little long). Served a simple vanilla cake with pureed strawberries (dethaw frozen & blend in blender, was a big hit!). Other than that, simple games & light food like others suggested. Good luck!

Keep is simple. People go to showers to give gifts, and share, not to play games, pig out, or take door prizes home, although all of that could happen. Sliced veggies with dip always goes well, cheese and craskers; banana bread (maybe some others who are coming could help bake?), and deviled eggs. If someone wants to help cook, those "wee little" cupcakes are very pretty and dress up the table nicely. A fruit salad would be nice, because it is summer - or just melon pieces.

Evaluate the time you have, the numbers of people coming and go for simpliity. If the people know each other, they will have more fun interacting together than playing stupid games (do I show my bias here ? I hate baby shower games). The most enjoyable showers I've been to have been the smaller ones, where everyone really gets to see and chat about the gifts as they are opened, and then has some time to snack and talk and simply enjoy being together before going home.

light finger foods and tons of pastries yum yum lots of games and make it short

I did a wedding shower for my best friend on VERY short notice. I had it at a tea room and they served high tea....choices of teas, small tea sandwiches and mini desserts all on a 3-tiered serving dish for each person. It was REALLY nice (and different) and I got a lot of compliments on the shower....plus those places aren't exactly booked years in advance so you could luck out on booking a place. I'm in PIttsburgh, so I can't help you put with a specific venue.....just O. idea for you to think about. Good luck!

T.,

One thing that I always do for my friends. I make up a frame with baby things, (save room for an ultra sound picture) have everyone one sign it, all o f my friends have hung it in the nursery. Plus they have some cute poems you can do as scrolls for party favors.

Food wise just do cold sandwhiches, you can cut them fancy make a fresh fruit sald and a veg tray, healthy and simple.

Make a nice veggie platter. This is something you can do yourself. cut up some cucumbers,broccoli,cauliflower,baby carrotts, two cartons of cherry tomatoes. in the center put a thing of ranch dressing. I would do the hidden valley ranch dressing. Go the bj's or sams to buy some appetizers like artichoke and spinach dip made by tgi fridays which are frozen and that you have to cook. you could also make some deviled eggs. as for a cake buy one at sams club,bj's,they both have really nice ones and you can get them for a reasonable price. good luck in advance. if you need any other ideas,let me know.

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Purchase a marker--choose your color to go with the shower or stick with basic black then choose a plain white dinner plate from anywhere or white jars for baby room supplies, whatever--everyone at the shower can sign and then you bake it and it is dishwasher safe! This is better than those markers at the craft store because they're never dishwasher safe. I've done big platters to mark major events.

You can make a diaper cake as a centerpiece or buy one. google it and you'll see how easy it is plus all the supplies are usable.

You can do a theme for your food--brunch is so easy! Cut up fruit, buy muffins/croissants, bake quiche (get big ones not the mini ones that will be obvious you didn't make but you can find them in the freezer section), green salad and you're done. Try the new cupcakes in a pattern for dessert and if you have one or a friend does--throw in a chocolate fountain. You can even do white chocolate if you like--just simple, pretzels, pound cake, dry strawberries, dried mango or other larger dried fruit. Skip the punch and just choose a couple drinks--brunch is easy--coffee, tea and you can throw in a mimosa which you can now buy already made. Good luck.

Finger sandwiches: pimento cheese, chicken salad, tuna salad, ham and egg salad, a vege tray and a fruit tray with fruit dip. Throw in some chips and pretzels. you could also do those little sausages wrapped in cresent dough. Order a cakes and presto!

I don't think anyone expects a 5 course meal. Keep it causual and simple is my motto -- expecitally the cleanup. I just did a formal "Appreciation Dinner" for work, while I had to use a cater for the main food (boss said so) I added a fruit cup of fresh fruit and a few cheese balls with crackers.
Good Luck!

Hi T.!

What about "make your own grilled chicken salads"? It's light and refreshing! You could do everything ahead of time too! Make a huge bowl of mixed greens, and then have platters of tomatoes (grape tomatoes would be nice), shredded cheese, hard boiled eggs, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, etc. If you have people helping you, each person can bring one or two of those things already prepared. Make some homemade dressings (they are the best!) and you are good to go! Here are some salad dressing recipes that I love to use:

BALSAMIC VINAGRETTE DRESSING
4 T. sugar (I use Splenda)
1 tsp. salt
4 T. Balsamic vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp. black pepper

Combine all ingredients together and serve over greens of your choice.

BECKY’S “RED” SALAD DRESSING (LIKE A FRENCH DRESSING)
¼ c. sugar (I use Splenda)
1 t. celery seed or flakes
½ c. salad oil
1 tsp. finely chopped onion
1/3 c. vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
1/3 c. ketchup

Combine all ingredients and stir.

SWEET N SOUR POPPYSEED DRESSING
1/3 cup sugar (I use Splenda)
2 T. poppyseeds
¼ cup milk (I use skim milk)
2 T. red wine vinegar
½ cup mayonnaise

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until well blended.

Hope you enjoy the idea! Have fun!

Hi T.,
Been there done that. If you can afford it go to the local grocery stores and the almighty Dollar stores. the grocery stores offer ready made salads and dishes. Dollars stores offer wonderful gift items for games decorations etc. I know you can get a half sheet cake at costco for $16.99 depending where you live. this suggestions is for the savvy.

This one is good old folks!
Get everyone involved have someone do the decorations, someone for your games. Call friends to see if they are willing to make a dish for you. You will be surprised how much help you can get. Let everyones creative juices flow. all you have to do is yes or no. Since it is short notice. I am not sure of the age of the mother, if the mother is young her girlfriends will really want to be apart of this and your party will be planned. Young girls really know how to have a party! set your time and date, rsvp decide if it will be buffet or sit down. make sure a baby registry is done at babies r us or store of choice. to guarentee much needed and proper baby gifts. Not useless overprice gift that you haven't any idea what it is or used for. As mother opens gifts make the bow hat (paper plate with ribbon already made you do that ahead of time.) as come of gifts simply restick them to the plate. corny but cute and a keep sake for mom This should be fun not a night mare. have a wanna be DJ? camera guy? There is your music and photos. Remember, it is the memory you want not the stress. Have fun. I have other ideas if you need them. GOOD LUCK! Congratulations!