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The Daily Insight

How do you host a small baby shower?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on March 12, 2026

How to Plan a Baby Shower

  1. Think about the basics. First, decide where the party will be held (your house? ...
  2. Send the invitations. ...
  3. Decide on a baby shower theme. ...
  4. Plan the menu. ...
  5. Set the stage with baby shower decorations. ...
  6. Have fun with baby shower games. ...
  7. Consider personal touches. ...
  8. Select baby shower favors.

How do you throw a simple baby shower?

How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

  1. Host at home. ...
  2. Limit the guest list. ...
  3. Go digital with invites. ...
  4. Time it right. ...
  5. Build your own bar. ...
  6. Keep the cake simple. ...
  7. Make your own centerpieces. ...
  8. Print decor and games for free.

What do I need for a small baby shower?

How to Plan a Baby Shower

  1. Select a date and time. Consult with the guest of honor to choose a date and time for her party. ...
  2. Determine the guest list and budget. ...
  3. Choose a venue. ...
  4. Send the invitations. ...
  5. Plan the menu and decor. ...
  6. Come up with an agenda. ...
  7. Pick baby shower favors.

What should a host do for a baby shower?

A typical baby shower includes playing games, watching the mother-to-be open gifts, eating, and drinking. However, games aren't a must. Some baby shower hosts and hostesses are foregoing the typical games in favor of other activities. Ask the expecting mother what she thinks about games and what she would like to do!

Is it okay to have a small baby shower?

There's no set length of time for a baby shower. If you consider all that might be included — a meal or light refreshments, games and opening gifts — about two hours is a good guideline for in-person baby showers. You don't want to exhaust the expectant parent.

HOW TO HOST A BABY SHOWER! DECOR TIPS + TRICKS!

What should you not do at a baby shower?

These first tips are for the lovely hostesses. Remember, this event is about what the mom-to-be wants.

  • Do not forget to go over the menu with the mom-to-be. ...
  • Do not let the mom-to-be do any work! ...
  • Do not play the measure the belly game. ...
  • Do not forget to pre-approve games with the mom-to-be. ...
  • Do not forget to take pictures.

Who throws the baby shower?

Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.

Who should not host a baby shower?

It is considered inappropriate for you or your spouse to throw the baby shower. It is considered rude to ask someone to throw you a baby shower. Typically a close friend or one of the grandmas-to-be will throw a baby shower. It is acceptable to have a sister or other family member throw the baby shower.

What kind of food do you serve at a baby shower?

Savory Baby Shower Food Ideas

  • Crudité platter. Arrange a variety of cut or sliced raw vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, or whatever you prefer on a large platter. ...
  • Cheese plate. ...
  • Olives and pickles. ...
  • Swedish meatballs. ...
  • Chicken satay. ...
  • Egg or spring rolls. ...
  • Veggie sushi. ...
  • Deviled eggs.

What is the first thing you do at a baby shower?

Open Gifts

First, you can have guests send their gifts to the expectant mom ahead of time. Then, during the shower, she'll open all the goodies for everyone to see. If you go this route, think carefully when picking a date for the shower and sending invitations.

How do you make a baby shower not boring?

Here are some tips and tricks to actually having fun at your own shower.

  1. Make it co-ed. ...
  2. Hold a separate one for friends and for relatives. ...
  3. Make it three hours—max. ...
  4. Serve lots of alcohol. ...
  5. Make an anonymous tip box labelled “unsolicited advice” ...
  6. Pick a convenient location. ...
  7. Buy yourself a new outfit for the occasion.

What drinks do you serve at a baby shower?

Traditionally, you can serve baby shower punch. The host will often serve pink punch for a baby girl shower, or blue punch for a baby boy shower. However, pink or blue punch is not compulsory and you can serve whatever tastes good. Other beverages include tea, coffee, iced tea, lemonade.

How do you decorate a house for a baby shower?

Balloons, garlands, and banners are easy decorations that help extend your display upward. Streamers can also serve the same purpose, or you can string a clothesline to create a unique decoration by clipping baby items like onesies and socks to it with colored clothespins.

How do you decorate a baby shower?

To decorate for a baby shower, start by choosing a theme, like circus animals or a favorite movie. Alternatively, pick a color scheme, such as blue, pink, or all-white. Then, decorate the walls and ceiling with streamers, walls hangings, and mobiles that match what you've chosen.

Should alcohol be served at a baby shower?

It's not uncommon for light alcoholic beverages to be served at a baby shower. After all, often guests at a baby shower may be meeting one another for the first time, and a little alcohol can help people open up. But a baby shower drink is not a reason to over-indulge.

What should I serve at a 2 pm baby shower?

Food to Serve for an Afternoon Baby Shower

  • Light Snacks. Cheese and crackers platter. Light snacks should include a variety of foods that are easy for guests to consume. ...
  • Heavy Snacks or Light Meals. Sandwich platter. ...
  • Beverages. Iced tea. ...
  • Dessert. Cupcakes.

How much should a baby shower cost per person?

How much should a baby shower cost per person? Depending on the venue and food you choose, you're looking at between $15-$30 a head for a traditional shower, again though, we can help you cut down costs and make this number more like $3-$5 per person.

What time of day are baby showers usually held?

What Time of Day Should a Baby Shower Start? Baby showers are usually held in the daytime, starting anywhere from 11 AM to 2 PM, with 1-2 PM being the most common.

Do you open gifts at baby shower?

Guests have taken a lot of care in selecting their gifts, and part of the fun is watching the mom-to-be open presents. Proper etiquette suggests that gifts be opened toward the end of the shower to avoid the impression that presents are the primary purpose of the party.

Whats the difference between a baby shower and sprinkle?

A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.

Do you wrap baby shower gifts?

You can skip wrapping it, a handwritten card, and bows, but if one thing is essential it's the gift receipt! There's a lot of options out there in terms of stores on where to find baby gear, so do your new mom friend a favor and let her make it easy to return or exchange your gift.

Should I serve mimosas at a baby shower?

"Light alcoholic beverages are best, like wine, spritzers, Champagne, and mimosas," says Ehsaei. "Hard liquor generally should not be served at baby showers to prevent guests from overindulging." And if you're a guest, expect to sip, not shotgun.

What is a good size baby shower?

Anywhere from 5 to 50 guests is acceptable for a baby shower. A baby shower is a very personal event, and the guest list should reflect this. Consider the mom-to-be being honored, her needs, and the size of the venue, rather than worrying about what's considered “average”.