I think coming up with games for showers are some of the most difficult things about hosting such events. You want guests to have fun, but don't want them or the guest-of-honor to feel awkward and uncomfortable. I mean really, what woman at 9 months pregnant really wants to know just how big her belly is and how big each of her guests thought it was....that's just mean : ( If you've ever been to a shower, games can make you feel awkward really fast! Having to wrap a person you've never met in a toilet paper dress or diaper, sticking your nose in a 'dirty diaper' or listening to others' conversations so you can steal their clothespin makes some dislike games really fast...
If you're the same way, here are some games/activities that might work for a baby shower you're hosting! Personally, I think 'activities' are sometimes just as entertaining as 'games.'
Tame Games and Activities:
Baby Price is Right - Purchase some baby items and set them on a tray. The more items you purchase, the harder the game is. Ask everyone write down the prices of each and then add up the total. Whoever is closest to the correct total amount wins--without going over!
How Many Are in the Bottle? - Stuff a baby bottle with Q-tips, cotton balls, jelly beans, m&m's, safety pins, or any item of your choice. Pour the items out so you can count them. Put the items back in the bottle. Pass the bottle around and have each guest write on a piece of paper how many they think are in the bottle. The closest one to the actual number wins a door prize and the bottle can go to the mommy-to-be as a useful gift!
What's In the Baby Bag? - You will need a baby bag and a bunch of baby accessories (pacifier, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.) that fit and belong in a baby bag. Put the baby bag on a table or floor (wherever the guest can see it) and take out all the things from the bag. Have them look at the items and put them away. The more you have, the harder it is. Use smaller items so more fit! Guests then have to write down as many items as they can remember.
College Fund- Note on the invitation about a raffle for a big prize and to "Bring Your Money!" Each person at the shower can buy one raffle ticket for a $1 or ten for $5. At the end, a winner wins a nice prize like a gift certificate for dinner, Wal-Mart gift card, or a gas gift card. The money collected starts the baby's 1st bank account. Extra door prizes or extra favors can be raffled off as well.
Heavy Purse - Have a scale and weigh everyone's purse. The guest with the heaviest/lightest purse wins a prize.
Who's Your Mommy? - Make a list of baby animals (colt) then ask each guest to guess the animal Mommy's name (horse). It is amazing how many people really don't know.
Nursery Rhyme Quiz- Get a book of nursery rhymes and write down the first few lines on a piece of paper. Make enough copies for all of your guests and see who can complete the rhymes. You can do this with many different rhymes and see who can remember the most. You could also do this with children's books.
Name that Mom- Have a list of children from TV, movies, and children's books. Guests have to write the mom's name for each group of children.
Guess that Onesie- Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped onesie that describes them. Each onesie is displayed and the mommy-to-be has to guess who brought what. This game doesn't have a winner or prize, but sounds fun!
Decorate for the baby- Guests decorate onesies, bibs or quilt squares for the baby. Again, no winners/prizes and it works best with a small group.
Advice Book: Guests create cards of advice for the new parents and compile it into a book.
Mommy vs. Daddy- Before the shower, the host videotapes the daddy-to-be answering questions about the baby/pregnancy/mommy. Before playing the recorded answers, the mommy has to guess what daddy will say. After she answers, the tape can be played to reveal daddy's answer. Guests can guess how many mommy will get correct. The closest wins.
Lots-O-Diapers - Write on the invitation to bring (extra, unwrapped and detached from their gift) a pack of diapers or wipes for a chance to win a prize. Each guest who brought the item(s) would get a raffle ticket. At the end of the shower, have a drawing for a nice gift basket. The mommy-to-be will receive tons of diaper and wipes and a guest will leave with an extra special gift basket.
Create a Canvas- For a small shower/luncheon, guests can decorate small canvases with provided paint colors that will match the nursery. The canvases can then be clustered on the nursery wall as a sentimental decor.
Funny Games:
Bobbing for Nipples - Buy several packages of baby bottle nipples and put them into a baby bath tub full of water and play just like bobbing for apples.
What's In A Purse? - First you have the mother-to-be make a list of things that every mommy might need. (Examples: Spoon, bills to pay, band-aid, a photo, a Q-tip, etc.) Read off the list in front of your guests. The first person who can hold the item in the air wins a point. The guest with the most points wins! You can have a winner for each item if you'd like.
Blindfolded Baby Feed - Pair up 2 people and blind fold each of them. Give one of them a jar of baby food and a baby spoon. This person tries and feeds the other person while they are both blind folded! Have multiple groups competing against each other. The food must make it into their mouth. The group that finishes with the least amount of food on their face wins. I would only suggest this game with a small group of close-knit family and friends. This could make some guests feel very awkward.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
April Showers....
A friend of mine is working on hosting a baby shower and we were bouncing around possible theme ideas.... We talked about several girly ideas before I asked when the shower was and she replied "April." Immediately my mind went to "April Showers bring May flowers June Babies." She really liked the idea of umbrellas and boots, so the gears started turning.
When you start Googling and Pinterest-ing (I know...that's not a real word...but you wait...it might become one!) rain shower party ideas, everything BLUE starts showing up, but this little bundle of joy is a girl, so we had to tweak and dig a little deeper.... here are some of the ideas I've come up with so far.
- My first thought was to hang umbrellas from the ceiling, but the venue is two story complete with a balcony so this idea is impossible. Umbrellas are a must, so I think a few open umbrellas (or this one or this one) around on tables (cake, food, drink, etc.) would still look great and then they could be used as prizes. I mean really---who doesn't need an umbrella?!?! What a great prize idea---how many times have you left a shower with JUNK!?! (I feel a post about 'what not to do when hosting a shower' coming on....haha)
- The host found an invite idea called "Raining Hearts" that is absolutely adorable and perfect for the baby girl's shower. The invite also sparked another idea. I was struggling with how to use raindrops in the shower without making them blue or blowing the budget on 'diamond' strands..... and then the invite shows pink hearts as rain drops! How adorable! I would make double the amount of hearts you would need and hook them to fishing line in a random pattern and hang from the balcony to where the guests will enter below. The hearts will be simple to make because the host has a Cricut.
- Buy a kid pair of rain boots and use as the main centerpiece with a large bouquet of pastel flowers spilling out of the tops and onto the table. These boots aren't exactly as full as I am imagining, but I cannot find a picture that portrays my vision. And I imagine more hyndrangeas and peonies than gerbera daisies, but I'm not a daisy fan. If the budget allows, buy used boots from second hand stores and spray paint them to match.
- For other centerpieces, I suggest filling galvanized buckets, flower pots or metal watering cans with flowers.
- For favors, give away seed packets. Again, useful and inexpensive!
- I think I would use all white table coverings (and lace or organza would be beautiful!) with bright plates and utensils. I can see pink, green or yellow, but I don't think I would mix. I would use all the same color or style....and polka dots would be a-dor-a-ble!
When you start Googling and Pinterest-ing (I know...that's not a real word...but you wait...it might become one!) rain shower party ideas, everything BLUE starts showing up, but this little bundle of joy is a girl, so we had to tweak and dig a little deeper.... here are some of the ideas I've come up with so far.
- My first thought was to hang umbrellas from the ceiling, but the venue is two story complete with a balcony so this idea is impossible. Umbrellas are a must, so I think a few open umbrellas (or this one or this one) around on tables (cake, food, drink, etc.) would still look great and then they could be used as prizes. I mean really---who doesn't need an umbrella?!?! What a great prize idea---how many times have you left a shower with JUNK!?! (I feel a post about 'what not to do when hosting a shower' coming on....haha)
- The host found an invite idea called "Raining Hearts" that is absolutely adorable and perfect for the baby girl's shower. The invite also sparked another idea. I was struggling with how to use raindrops in the shower without making them blue or blowing the budget on 'diamond' strands..... and then the invite shows pink hearts as rain drops! How adorable! I would make double the amount of hearts you would need and hook them to fishing line in a random pattern and hang from the balcony to where the guests will enter below. The hearts will be simple to make because the host has a Cricut.
- Buy a kid pair of rain boots and use as the main centerpiece with a large bouquet of pastel flowers spilling out of the tops and onto the table. These boots aren't exactly as full as I am imagining, but I cannot find a picture that portrays my vision. And I imagine more hyndrangeas and peonies than gerbera daisies, but I'm not a daisy fan. If the budget allows, buy used boots from second hand stores and spray paint them to match.
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| Source |
- For favors, give away seed packets. Again, useful and inexpensive!
- I think I would use all white table coverings (and lace or organza would be beautiful!) with bright plates and utensils. I can see pink, green or yellow, but I don't think I would mix. I would use all the same color or style....and polka dots would be a-dor-a-ble!
- I went to Michaels and found so many cute things that would be perfect! Check out these rainboots and tell me they're not absolutely THE cutest! And this tiny umbrella at Old Navy!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Alternative Ring Bearer Pillow
If you're like me, you don't want the typical store bought ring bearer pillow. But, if you're also like me, then you're trying to find something unique--on a budget. $30-$40 for a pillow is ridiculous just because it has a colored ribbon around it, or was made with patterned satin instead of white. I'm sorry--but it is. I was lucky enough that my talented momma made mine custom, and I love it!
If you're looking for some unique ideas, here are a few that might catch your eye.
Use a family bible and tie the wedding rings to the bible's ribbon page marker. I just love this idea.
If you're looking for some unique ideas, here are a few that might catch your eye.
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| Source: The Knot You must be a member to view |
This would be perfect if the couple shares a favorite book
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| Source: Marth Stewart |
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| Source: Project Wedding |
This could easily be made, and customized for your colors. Mine only concern is with the rough edges on the twigs. I wonder if they would snag a tux or dress.
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| Source: Etsystatic |
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| Source: Wedding Bee |
This company makes these little plates to hold your rooms. It would be a cute item to display after the wedding, also.
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| Source: Paloma's Nest |
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| Source: Etsy |
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| Source: Etsy Many dollar stores sell these kinds of bales in the fall. Look for a deal! |
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| Source: Etsy A Twist on the Typical Pillow: These are made from Kermit Mums with pearls as accents. |
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| Source: Francoise Weeks |
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| Source: One Thrifty Girl Use a delicate lace sewn into a square with a matching ribbon. It would be a nice touch to use lace cut off during alterations if there's enough. |
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| Source: Etsy If you plan to make your own, try to find a unique way to create it. Doilies, lace, a family handkerchief, flowers, ruffles and ribbon are great additions that can add to the atmosphere you're creating with your theme and color scheme. Here are some great resources to help you DIY the additions: Alisa Burke- She has a tutorial on ribbon rosettes. TipNut- This site has tutorials for every kind of ribbon flower Chatelaine- How to tie the perfect bow Craftiness is Not Optional- Tutorials on felt flowers (The layered flower can be made with other materials) Good Luck! Happy Crafting! |
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Favorite 7
I think this may have been one of the first photos that I saved, oh-so-long ago! I just love the thought of bringing the outdoors in.
This centerpiece could be done large scale or small. Here they have very unique branches in rather large clusters, but I can imagine small branches out of the yard in a $1 vase from the Dollar Tree sitting in the middle of a table, surrounded by votives.
If you are wanting something more abstract, ask around for trees with unique branches.
For a winter party, spray paint the branches white or silver, cover with glue and sprinkle with epsom sale, rock salt and glitter. Ornaments and snowflakes dripping from the branches would sure set the mood.
If your party is more elegant, drape strands of faux crystals from red, silver, white or black branches.
Glue matching flowers onto the branches, or sprinkle artificial leaves onto them.
Experiment with different vases/urns and vase fillers. If using glass vases, try glass beads, dirt/moss, faux snow, or rocks.
It's good to add multiple heights in centerpieces for dimension and eye-appeal. Try pairing this centerpiece with a low one made from a slab of branch or tree trunk topped with candles, pinecones, acorns, ribbon, etc. Another low centerpiece idea is to use a long chunk of branch laying on the table surrounded with candles (or with holes drilled in the top for the candles to sit in).
This could be used for a party or shower that have themes like birds-nesting, enchanted forest, camping-outdoors, or for any season party.
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| Source |
If you are wanting something more abstract, ask around for trees with unique branches.
For a winter party, spray paint the branches white or silver, cover with glue and sprinkle with epsom sale, rock salt and glitter. Ornaments and snowflakes dripping from the branches would sure set the mood.
If your party is more elegant, drape strands of faux crystals from red, silver, white or black branches.
Glue matching flowers onto the branches, or sprinkle artificial leaves onto them.
Experiment with different vases/urns and vase fillers. If using glass vases, try glass beads, dirt/moss, faux snow, or rocks.
It's good to add multiple heights in centerpieces for dimension and eye-appeal. Try pairing this centerpiece with a low one made from a slab of branch or tree trunk topped with candles, pinecones, acorns, ribbon, etc. Another low centerpiece idea is to use a long chunk of branch laying on the table surrounded with candles (or with holes drilled in the top for the candles to sit in).
This could be used for a party or shower that have themes like birds-nesting, enchanted forest, camping-outdoors, or for any season party.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Favorite 6
This favorite comes from P is for Party's blog and it was for a first birthday set around "It's a Wonderful Life." I just love the simplicity of these centerpieces. The host used vases and coches for the adult table centerpieces but wanted something less fragile for the kid tables.
I love the color scheme of this specific design, but can't you imagine them in silver and blue, gold and red, green and brown.... or any of your favorite Christmas package color combinations! I love the little touch of artificial snow she added. These are so beautiful on their own, but I can picture them grouped with glowing candles, vases filled with ornaments, an abundance of fake snow mounded around them, and little sprigs of greenery. What a beautiful idea for a Christmas dinner or a winter wedding!
Switching gears--- This idea could be used for any type of party. I had a friend use this same concept with a stack of 3 gifts (one wrapped in polka dot paper) paired with polka dot decorations and gerbera daisies at a baby shower.
Imagine them wrapped in brightly colored paper with a big bow at the top for a kid's birthday party, paired with balloons and streamers for a true "Birthday Party Theme."
Tiffany blue boxes trimmed in white would make a perfect bridal shower decoration.
For a more feminine look, a small bundle of flowers could be anchored to the top instead of a bow.
Wrap single boxes of varying sizes in coordinating papers and cluster them as the centerpiece. Wrap small, single boxes indentically and group them in a fancy centerpiece to serve as decoration, but also as favors when you fill them with your party's parting gift.
A shower filled with these centerpieces could be topped off with a matching cake.
My favorite part of this whole idea: the price! Who doesn't have gift boxes and wrapping paper lying around?!?! Again--- if you know this will be your theme for a future party, how great would it be to get all your supplies 50% off after Christmas! You could just pick up the boxes if the paper wouldn't match your theme, or a roll of silver or gold can be paired with most colors to add a little 'something.' Planning, planning, planning!
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| Source |
Switching gears--- This idea could be used for any type of party. I had a friend use this same concept with a stack of 3 gifts (one wrapped in polka dot paper) paired with polka dot decorations and gerbera daisies at a baby shower.
Imagine them wrapped in brightly colored paper with a big bow at the top for a kid's birthday party, paired with balloons and streamers for a true "Birthday Party Theme."
Tiffany blue boxes trimmed in white would make a perfect bridal shower decoration.
For a more feminine look, a small bundle of flowers could be anchored to the top instead of a bow.
Wrap single boxes of varying sizes in coordinating papers and cluster them as the centerpiece. Wrap small, single boxes indentically and group them in a fancy centerpiece to serve as decoration, but also as favors when you fill them with your party's parting gift.
A shower filled with these centerpieces could be topped off with a matching cake.
My favorite part of this whole idea: the price! Who doesn't have gift boxes and wrapping paper lying around?!?! Again--- if you know this will be your theme for a future party, how great would it be to get all your supplies 50% off after Christmas! You could just pick up the boxes if the paper wouldn't match your theme, or a roll of silver or gold can be paired with most colors to add a little 'something.' Planning, planning, planning!
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