What to Expect, when you’re not Expecting
The New Age Baby Shower
We've all been to that baby shower where it's at noon on a Saturday; there are sandwiches, fruit punch and baby games that consist of you trying the mashed up peas and carrot medley. Of course the number one rule is NO BOYS ALLOWED. However, there is a new trend taking place where baby showers are more like formal cocktail parties, with fancy drinks and appetizers and no silly games. Best part about this party? You can bring your significant other and you may even walk home with a cool prize. So, what does this all mean? It means that the rules of baby showers are going to change and you must know what to expect, what to bring for a gift, and of course most importantly, what to wear.
I had just received my second baby shower invite in the mail about a month ago. I thought I had read the invitation wrong when it said 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and that I could have my boyfriend tag along. This has been a trend occurring more and more among showers. The hosts figure, why follow the old rules of baby showers and not make new ones? Now you can go to a baby shower that is more formal and more of a cocktail party. An added bonus of this type of baby shower is; since the times of holding a shower are later, you can take off from the baby shower and head straight downtown for more fun. Also, don't shy away from bringing your significant other. Showers that are considered "Jack and Jill" encourage you to bring your boyfriend, husband, etc. Everyone should celebrate a new life coming into the world. What to expect in the kitchen? Appetizers, small desserts, and an array of cocktails. Artichoke dip, brushetta, cheesecake bites, cupcake pops, etc. are just a few things that could be on the menu. The real emphasis lies on the cocktails. If the baby is a girl, expect cosmopolitans or a raspberry mojito. If it's a boy expect, a blue lagoon or a blue margarita. Either way, you won't be let down at this shower!
Now, what to get? Gift giving can be quite a challenge when buying for someone who isn’t saying “I would like those black boots in a 6 and a ½ “or “that sweater would be nice in red”. So, what to get the little bundle of joy? Your best bet is to cross your fingers and hope they are registered somewhere. When I went to my first baby shower, it was a long, traumatic event trying to find the perfect gift that someone else probably didn’t already buy. However, with gift registry it’s easy. Just go to the machine where the registry is located, type in some information on the parents hosting the event and it will print off a list of items they requested. The list is a lifesaver because it includes the item, the price, quantity, and even sometimes, where it’s located in the store. I was in and out of Target in less than 15 minutes. The majority of people register at Target which keeps it easy for you because where ISN’T there a Target? Other places include Pottery Barn, Babies ‘R’ Us, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.com. Unfortunately, we’re not all as lucky as I was to hit the gift registry jackpot. So, some ideas that never fail are baby clothes. New parents are going to want clothes galore. Two tips: sometimes parents get overloaded with newborn clothing, so shoot for the toddler clothing instead and also, for those on a budget; buy the clothes off-season to get them on sale. Plus, when the actual shower rolls around, you’ll already have your gift and you’re ready to go! Another good & frugal idea is to buy diapers. You can’t even begin to imagine how many diapers new parents will go through, so why not help them out buy giving some as a gift. They’re inexpensive and in the long run, will save them money as well. Of course you cannot go wrong when buying toys. Parents will surely appreciate gifts that will keep the new baby occupied as they have .5 seconds to themselves. Toys range anywhere from $.99- $50 and make sure to have a wide age range so that the parents can be set with toys for up to a year! Don’t make this part stressful and just know that anything you give will be helpful!
Finally, what to wear? No, this isn’t a fashion show, but since baby showers are leaning away from the picnic in the backyard and moving more toward cocktail parties, dress is important. If the setting is at a trendy restaurant or is more formal at a home, being fashion-forward is your best bet. A pair of dark skinny jeans, a cute top, a black blazer, chunky jewelry, and of course black heels has always been my “go-to outfit” and is perfect for this type of event. It’s dressy enough for the party however, isn’t too formal or uncomfortable. If you’re feeling that you may be over-dressed, ditch the blazer and just do a fun, flowy top. If you feel that you’re not dressed up enough, ditch the jeans and wear a high-waisted skirt. Keep in mind to keep it appropriate. No super low-cut shirts and no microscopic mini-skirts. Think of this event as you’re going to work, but instead you work somewhere fabulous where you like to show off your love for fashion and following trends. You want to show respect with what you wear but you also want to be you. Some great places to shop would be Nordstrom, Express, Forever 21, Bloomingdales, and any independent boutiques around town. To be extra creative? Wear mostly all black except for a shocking pink or neon blue blouse depending on the sex of the baby. You’ll stand out for sure and the host will love that you took the initiative to be so creative and thoughtful! Now, you can finally bring your husband or boyfriend. So, what should he wear? Keep him just as formal yet casual. Dress pants or khakis will work well on the bottom and a button-up, sweater, or polo will finish his look perfectly. If you dress him up too much, he may be uncomfortable and no himself (which you really don’t want to do considering he’s at a baby shower) but he also still needs to respect the setting of the shower.
It looks like you’re already to go! I personally love that times are changing and events that we once took part in were dry and basically boring. Now the rules have changed and the shower includes everyone and feels more like and exclusive party. You’re dressed with your loved on beside you, perfect gift in hand, and you know exactly what to expect. Have fun!
To Read More:
- Verra, Jnet. "Inexpensive Baby Shower Gift Ideas For a Mom To-Be." Articlesbase. 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. <http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/inexpensive-baby-shower-gift-ideas-for-a-mom-to-be-4103007.html>.
- Leslie. "Ensure a Successful Baby Shower With New Baby Shower Trends." Marketwire. 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. <http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Ensure-Successful-Baby-Shower-With-New-Baby-Shower-Trends-From-Custom-Creations-Leslie-810768.htm>.
- "Baby Shower Trends for 2011." Oh Baby Baby Planners. 24 Jan. 2011. Web. 04 Feb. 2011. <http://ohbabyplanners.blogspot.com/2011/01/baby-shower-trends-for-2011.html>.
Images From:
- Pratt, Jean. "Dinner With Friends." Style Observer: Putting It All Together. Gift Girl Corporation, 30 May 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://styleobserver.com/2010/05/dinner-with-friends/>.
- Petek. "Summer Sun, Cocktails and Pink Nail Polish." Whimsical Popsicle. 17 Sept. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://whimsicalpopsicle.blogspot.com/2010/09/summer-sun-cocktails-and-pink-nail.html>.
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