How to throw a beautiful baby shower

7 Oct 2022

Celebrations

Throw a beautiful baby shower and create life-long memories of this magical time

A baby is going to be born — we can’t think of any better cause for celebration. A baby shower is the perfect way to kickstart the excitement, shower mum with love (and gifts), and make her feel supported during this new life chapter.

Typically, the mum-to-be isn’t in charge of planning the baby shower — she’s the star guest! Still, there are no rules. If you want to organise your own event, go ahead.

Whether you have your own little one on the way or want to throw a baby shower for your nearest and dearest, here are some tips on getting started.

Group of friends at a baby shower

Choose a date, time and place

The first step when planning any event is to settle on a date, time and place. And the same goes for planning a baby shower.

If you’re planning the baby shower for your friend, daughter, or partner, these are the most important details to clear with her. After all, there’s no use throwing her baby shower on a date she’s busy.

It’s standard to plan a baby shower for around six weeks before her due date, so she has time to focus on the baby’s arrival and can fully enjoy the day. However, some mothers prefer to have a party after the birth and have it double as a baby meeting event. It’s probably best to check with Mum which she would prefer.

As for location, at home, in a cafe or restaurant, or at a friend’s house are all relaxed and popular venues. Anywhere that can accommodate groups and where mum will be able to sit down and relax is a good call.

Pick a theme

Baby showers don’t need to have themes, but feel free to choose one if you think that mum will like it. Usually, baby showers act as their own theme, with decorations, invitations, and gifts all centred around welcoming the newborn.

However, you could centre your baby shower around Mum-to-be’s favourite things. Does she adore afternoon tea? Perhaps she’s a keen cyclist or has a passion for musical theatre. A theme can be a lovely way to personalise the events and create a focus for your decor, gifts, and refreshments.

Send out invitations

Get organising well ahead of time so you can get invites sent out promptly — she’ll want as many of her friends there as possible! Remember to invite all the important people in her life, including family, school friends, and work pals. It might be worth asking mum for a guestlist so that no one is accidentally missed out!

Baby shower gifts

Typically, baby showers are big gift-giving occasions, with family and friends gifting useful items for the baby’s arrival.

If mum is happy to receive gifts, you could be extra organised and create a shared spreadsheet of gifts to share with invitees. People could assign themselves to a particular gift to avoid double purchases — which will help avoid any awkwardness on the day.

Baby shower gift bag

Hotel Chocolat baby shower presents

Do the new parents in question already have everything they need for the baby? If so, they might prefer some completely not-baby-related treats.

We think that a scrumptious chocolate hamper packed with delicious goodies is the perfect self-care gift for a mum-to-be. Choose an alcohol-free chocolate hamper — like The Everything Chocolate Gift Hamper — for her to nibble on evenings in. Alternatively, you could opt for something with a dash of tipple to enjoy after the baby is born. Perhaps our Chocolate & Gin Gift Collection?

Our Velvetiser is a splendid present for any hot chocolate-loving parents. With one of these hot chocolate machines, both Mum and Dad can create smooth, creamy, barista-grade beverages in the comfort of home. Pair with some real hot chocolate flakes so they can get velvetising straight away.

If you think Mum might need a little pampering, surprise her with some Rabot 1745 natural beauty delights. We have all the nourishing body butters, relaxing candles, and cleansing pod soaps that she might need for a chilled at-home spa day.

Browse our entire collection of New Baby Gifts for more inspiration.

Planning the baby shower

The actual baby shower can be as casual or formal as you like. Ask Mum-to-be what kind of atmosphere she’d feel the most comfortable with and follow her lead.

If you’re hosting at someone’s home, a daytime lunch could be an easy-going option. On the other hand, if she wants something more formal and structured, renting a whole room at a restaurant will allow you to make a real occasion of the event.

Baby shower decorations

Wherever you’re hosting the baby shower, adorn the room or premises with some colour-coordinated balloons, banners, and flowers to make the event feel special. If you’re following a theme, this is how you can set the tone and bring it to life. If not, some new baby decorations are a safe bet.

Refreshments

If you’re going out for a meal, the restaurant will handle this for you. However, if you want to organise the meal ahead of time, liaise with them about your options.

If you’re hosting an at-home baby shower, you can either make a homemade meal for your guests or provide a buffet-style spread. This is a great chance to get creative with your cooking. Why not create a chocolate-themed gourmet meal? Whip up some classic British desserts for pudding or make it plant-based with a vegan dinner party.

Offer some tipple to your drinking guests and some non-alcoholic beverages, hot chocolate or coffee to anyone who isn’t drinking.

Baby shower cakes with blue and purple icing

Baby shower favours

A great way to round off a baby shower is to send out small “thank yous” after the event. Keep your guestlist safe and send out small treats to everyone who attended. They’ll be delighted to receive a small chocolate box or beauty gift as a thank you for their support for the mum-to-be.

Even if you just send out a handwritten note or tiny treat, her nearest and dearest will feel loved and appreciated for their attendance.

Have a fabulous baby shower and give the mum-to-be the fabulous celebration that she deserves!