A baby shower is a traditional way of celebrating the coming (or the birth) of a new baby and welcoming him or her as a new member of the family. They can be hosted and organized by anybody, usually the close friends/group of friends or relatives of the expectant parents. It was once considered improper for family members to host baby showers (because they usually center on the gift giving), but nowadays it is fine for family members to help (and plan) them.

Baby showers are usually held a month or two before the mother’s expected due date (some cultures, however, consider it bad luck to hold baby showers before the baby is born). They are intended not only to welcome the baby but also to help the expectant parents by giving them gifts that they will need for the baby.

Planning for a baby shower can be an enormous task. Everything requires a great deal of planning – from the guest list, to handing out invitations, to the decorations, to the games, to baby shower favors – and, most especially, to the food.

Every party cannot be without food, as they are considered as one of the best parts or the highlight of a party. This applies to baby showers as well.

There are numerous types of food that you can serve during baby showers. Some of them are the following:

· Bread or sandwiches · Dessert (cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc.) · Chips or fries · Pasta · Pies (pizzas, etc.) · Salad · Drinks (punch, juice, wine, etc.)

Below is a list of several tips and guidelines on food ideas that will surely delight your guests and the parents-to-be:

1. The baby shower food that you serve will largely depend on the time of day when it will be held. A baby shower that will be held at noon or at dinnertime usually requires a full ‘sit-down’ meal, while early afternoon or early evening showers can do with appetizers, salads, and finger foods. In addition, the amount of food that you need to prepare will depend on the number of guests you will be inviting.

2. Have multiple snack trays for serving different varieties of food – you can have one with an assortment of finger sandwiches, another with sliced turkey or smoked chicken, and still another with sliced fresh vegetables served with a dip that you can place in the center of the tray.

3. Try to match your food and keep them in-line with the baby shower’s theme (if ever there is any). You may consider serving scones and finger sandwiches if your baby shower theme is a tea party. Or, if you are having a nursery rhyme-themed baby shower, cakes and pies that resemble the characters from famous nursery rhyme (such as Humpty Dumpty deviled eggs).

4. Put some ‘life’ in the baby shower foods that you will serve. Instead of serving your fruit salad in a simple salad bowl, try presenting them in a melon bowl (or better yet, in a baby carriage-shaped melon server).

5. Decorate your food table by tossing baby pacifier candies, chocolate bars, and confetti all over it.

6. Personalize your eating utensils. Match their colors with the color scheme of the entire party. Consider using disposable cups or plates for easy clean up.

7. It is important to take into account the special diet of the mom-to-be, so try to avoid serving food that the pregnant mom herself would not eat. In addition to her allergies and food aversions, avoid the types of food that are prone to contamination and food poisoning, such as soft cheeses, uncooked meat and (most especially) alcohol.

By following these food tips, you will surely be able to pull off a successful (and memorable) baby shower.

A baby shower is a party or celebration, normally given by a best friend, close family member, or co-worker of the mom-to-be, that occurs several months before the birth of a new baby in which expectant parents receive gifts or money for their expected child. So, customarily, it was considered inappropriate for a family member to host as the event focuses on openhanded donation of gifts. The underlying intention behind this intention is to aid, help, and facilitate parents in getting the required things of usage for their children (like basic layette items). It is a topical custom popularized by US culture and media. Vast majorities of baby showers are attended by women, a small percentage of men do attend or have “daddy showers” of their own. Traditionally, baby showers have been for the first child only, but some parents choose to have baby showers for second and even third babies (especially in the case of adopted child).
However, all Americans do not conduct baby shower parties due to some ethno-religious differences. Many American Jews, for instance, do not buy anything before a baby is born as per their customs.

Rules for guests at Baby Shower:

Some ideal baby shower gifts incorporate: blankets, newborn pajama sets, wearable blankets, baby loungers, wearable baby carriers, baby basket, diaper dispensers or disposers, fashionable diaper bags, memory books, strollers, and bottle/supply bags. Whether you’re attending a baby shower or planning one, bear in mind that it’s a fête for commemorating a new life full of innocence into the world, so pour all your love on him / her and make merry!