I had my first ever baby shower just a few weeks ago! It was so much fun! My fellow co-workers threw it for me. I am a teacher at a local public school. There are quite a few teachers at my school so we always go in together with our grade levels to purchase gifts. That was great for me because I was able to get a few of the larger items on my registry! I got a 3 in 1 walker (so cute, it looks like a car), the hamper that matches my baby's room, the pack and play, and my monitors. I also got some other small items from my registry.
I was really worried about opening gifts in front of everyone. I know that sounds funny, but I worry that I'll be making a weird face and communicate the wrong thing! Or, that I won't say enough about how grateful I am for the gift! It all worked out though. Once the ball got rolling I was more comfortable opening the gifts with all eyes on me than I thought I would be! And, as it usually is with a group of women, they were all chatting together anyway, so I didn't feel like I was being stared at!
I have a few more showers to go with other family and friends so hopefully I will start out with a good deal of things. I love the tradition of throwing showers; it really helps when you are just starting out! I have thrown several showers for friends in the past. Actually, I just threw a baby shower for a good friend a few weeks ago. I love decorating and getting all the favors and food. For this particular friend we did brunch and I handmade the invitations saying, "Join us for eggs and a 'toast.'” We toasted the new arrival with mimosas and sparkling orange juice.
At another shower I threw this year we did a "whine and cheese" party. We invited couples for an evening shower. My husband and I got so many compliments about this shower. The guys were a little leery at first about being at a baby shower, but they had as much fun as the women did (if not more!). We had the guests bring a favorite bottle of wine to share (if they chose to) and I served a cheese platter along with some other yummy appetizers. We had non-alcoholic (sparkling) beverages as well. The expecting couple opened the gifts and then each of the guests said a prayer over the anticipated arrival.
I would love to hear your ideas and themes for showers you've thrown or had thrown for you. Be sure to visit the question and answer section and share your ideas! Also, to see pictures of my shower visit my other blog at www.thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com