Reader question: Non-traditional baby showers

By Jennie

Roz asked:

I'm throwing a baby shower for a good friend/colleague and since she's already having a "typical" shower with her family, I promised this one would be different -- nothing "baby," "frilly," "pastels" etc.

Roz is looking for a fun theme that goes along with the guest list -- both men and women in their late twenties and early thirties. Basically, it's more a party to honor the parents-to-be than a traditional shower.

Personally, I love parties like this. We actually had one when I was pregnant and we watched football and had lasagna and banana pudding and there were no pastel decorations or cheesy shower games. So, Roz, great idea, first off.

Next, themes.

Keep it super simple. That'll make it easier on you and will also give off the cool vibe you're looking for. When you keep the theme easy, you can focus on the details and any great party is made in the details.

First, check out Hostess with the Mostess. I love this site, as it offers everything from recipes to themes to gift ideas. I've always wanted to throw an alphabet party based off a theme I saw featured here.

 

{Photo from Hostess with the Mostess}

But, other themes to check out over there that are simple and sweet: Modern Due Date and Love Comes Softly.

One non-traditional theme that I saw featured on loads of sites around the blogosphere lately was this Back to School Shower at Save the Date for Cupcakes.

 

{Photo from The Smith Family}

It's just a cute theme that doesn't scream babies! And if you want to spice up the milk to make it more adult-friendly, you can make White Russians instead or milk.

I really loved this button shower from The Wedding Chicks (via Kara's Party Ideas). It's a bridal shower, but I think it can work for a baby shower, too.

 

{Photo from The Wedding Chicks}

Another idea is to forget the themes altogether and focus on colors. You can match the nursery colors or just pick a striking color combo. (I like this pink and gray shower featured at Save the Date for Cupcakes.)

You can focus on a season (the birth month or season of the lucky baby) too. I really like this spring shower. Or, instead of colors or seasons, you can choose something even simpler. I love this polka-dot party (seen at Party Perfect).

Finally, don't forget a gift for the mom-to-be. I think many shower hostesses and invited guests can forget that as fantastic as it is to welcome a new baby to the world, it's equally exciting to welcome a new mom. I have always loved Lisa Leonard's pieces for mom-to-be jewelry. You can also find some great personalized things at Sandy Simone Jewelry and for just little touches to make the new mom feel pretty, try Bebecha.

Roz, I hope the party is a huge success. Enjoy!

Readers, any non-traditional baby shower ideas you can offer up?

Comments

[Elizabeth]

I don't know if this is "non-traditional", per se, but for my best friends baby shower we did a children's book theme - we asked everyone to bring a favorite children's book as a gift, the invitations were little books, the menu was all based off foods in books "Babar's stuffed mushrooms" etc, and we decorated with bright flowers and all the character stuffed animals I had from my son's room. The best part was that they got TONS of books, which are really hard to go buy yourself en masse when you need to pay for other stuff like diapers.
A picture here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/e_and_e/2467792945/

[Tara]

I threw a shower for a friend who was totally anti-everything baby-related. We invited families (including dogs), not just our girlfriends, had a BBQ/potluck picnic at a local park, played kickball with the kids and adults, had a pinata filled with candy for the kids and one filled with mini liquor bottles (of course, the plastic ones) for the adults. It was perfect for Michelle's personality and was fun for everyone.

[Roz]

Thanks so much for all of the fantastic ideas! I love the back to school and book themes as well as the pinata (I can really see the guys enjoying that!)