Tag Archives: idea

Having a Baby Shower

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.

Baby Shower Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Baby Shower Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

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!

Babys Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Every little one loves their teddy bear.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organising a Christening Party

The Christening of a new born baby is a very special occasion, here are a few of BBbonbons ideas and tips on organising your Christening Party.

Booking the Service

Once you have decided to have a christening, the first step is to talk to your local celergy. You will need to find out whether a special service needs to be arranged or whether the christening will be part of a main church service. Some churches may ask few questions apart from which day you’d like the ceremony on and the names of the godparents, while others will want more details about your own faith, baptism and those of the godparents. Some may request that you participate in a pre-christening course. Six week after the baby is born, is considered the norm for a christening, but really it’s entirely up to you.

Choosing Godparents

Traditionally, godparents were chosen for their own strong Christian beliefs, so that they could help guide the growing child in his faith. While this is still preferable in the eyes of the church, in reality, these days godparents are chosen more because they are close friends of the parents or are family members. However, for the sake of your child, it is worth taking time to choose a godparent carefully. If you are choosing friends, think about what role you would like them to play in your child’s life. Are they likely to still be friends of yours in 10 years time? Are they going to offer you and your child support if needed?
It is traditional to have one godmother and one godfather, although it is up to you how many you have.

The Christening Gown

Both girls and boys traditionally wear a long white or cream christening gown. It’s wonderful if you have a family gown that has been passed down through the generations. If you don’t, you could either try to find one in a shop that sells vintage or antique clothing or buy one new. Many large department stores will sell appropriate clothes for christenings. Alternatively, try one of the many websites that sell everything related to christenings.

The Service

If the christening is being held especially for you rather than as part of a main service, ask everybody to turn up at least 10 minutes before it’s due to begin. Yours may not be the only event at the church that day and the vicar will need to keep to schedule. Everyone will gather around the font, with the parents and godparents at the front. A service sheet will be handed out with the words the godparents need to say usually printed in bold. The whole christening should only take 20-30 minutes.

Remember that even in summer churches can be pretty cold, so make sure your baby is warmly dressed. It may also be wise to take a spare set of clothes in case of an accident.

The ‘After’ Party

You might want an afternoon tea reception of sandwiches and cakes. However, if friends and family are coming from far afield, it might be a good idea to offer something more substantial. Plan your menu so that most things can be cooked in advance, frozen and just heated up on the day. If catering yourself, ask family and friends to help. Or, if you can splash out, consider caterers or a local hotel. If entertaining at home, a bouncy castle or a magician is a good idea, to entertain your younger guests. Pink or blue christening decorations are fast becoming the norm, with bunting, balloons and napkins, readily available online. The giving of Personalised Christening Favours are a delightful and inexpensive little way of thanking your guests for their gifts and their presence. Personalised Favours which include a little thank you note, also save you having to send out thank you cards later.

 

Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Baby girls Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Babys Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Baby Boys Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie

Don’t forget:

To invite the priest/vicar as a way of saying thank you for the service!

To order a christening cake from you local bakery. Many high street supermarkets also offer off the self christening cakes.

To charge camera/camcorder the day before.

To have a great time and enjoy!

As always, we would love to hear your ideas and tips. Please leave your comments in the box below.