When Victoria Beckham held her baby shower last month, guests came loaded with beautiful gifts – pink ones, from what we heard. So we thought if it’s good enough for Victoria Beckham than it’s good enough for you! So here’s BBbonbons ideas and tips on organising a baby shower.

Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family’s first child and only women attended. What better excuse for getting a group of friends together than to celebrate a new life? The original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother. Over time, it has become common to hold them for subsequent  children. It is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers.

According to etiquette, as the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is typically arranged and hosted by a close friend or  family member, often by  the expecting godmother.

You could either keep it as a surprise from the mum-to-be, or tell her what you are planning so that she has some input into the party.

There is no set rule for when or where showers are to be held. Baby showers tend to take place between the 6th and 8th month of pregnancy. The number of guests and style of entertainment are determined by the host. An all girls saturday afternoon or  early evening tea style event is by far the most popular and generally lasts from 2 or 3 hours.  Most hosts invite only women to baby showers, although there is no firm rule requiring this.

Baby showers at home are the most popular but don’t allow mummy-to-be to do any clearing up. A relaxed informal setting is most people’s preference.

The food usually consists of a variety of finger foods with some eye-catching desserts thrown in. Sandwiches, cocktail sausages and mini burgers to name some savoury examples. For dessert, scones with cream and strawberry jam,varoius mini dessert from some well known supermarkets or prehaps some baby themed cupcakes work very well and provide an eye catching display.

It isn’t essential to decorate but it does help to remind your guests why they are there. Decorations of course depend of whether you know the sex of the new baby. Most don’t and therefore a combination of pink and blue decorations as in  dunting, napkins or ballons, will surfice. A beautiful vase of pink and blue flowers as a table center piece, which the mum to be can take home after the party, is a nice idea.

Guests bring small or large gifts for the expectant mother. Typical gifts related to babies include nappies, bottles, bibs and toys. It is common to open the gifts during the party.

Some hosts arrange baby-themed activities, such as games to taste baby foods or to guess the baby’s birth date or gender.

Traditionally  favours provide a way to say thank you to your guests for attending your baby shower, and give them something to remember the event.

A small token is all that is needed, we have delighful little baby charms and ornamental favours decorated with pink and blue ribbons and bows.  Our  baby powder scented soap is a big favourite and for thoes with a sweet tooth why not try our  pink and blue sugar coated milk chocolates or almonds. Each baby shower favour is personalised and can include a little thank you note. This saves ‘mummy to be’, having to send them later. They’re not essential but they’re always well received – everyone loves a gift!

If you’ve had a baby shower or are thinking of having one, please feel free to post your experiences or preparation ideas, we would love to hear from you. And as always,enjoy!