Throwing a baby shower can be a lot of pressure and with the rules changing all the time - all girls, all guys, couples, families - to serve alcohol or not…well, you get it. Good news, it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. In fact, the family of a couple in Jacksonville, Florida might have created a play book made for copying.

Theme/Venue

A BabyQ is easy to pull-off - instead of traditional red/white gingham - the hosts used a bright blue and white gingham, burlap and other related props to carry out the theme. The focal point was a banner with the baby’s name that covered traditional venue artwork transforming the space. Elements of the fabric were carried throughout the shower to create a polished look. Letters were cut from fabric and adhered to white washed plaques painted on the burlap and grommets made it easy to erect and tie.

Baby shower games could not hold a candle to the pools and water-park in Nocatee - a Disney-like planned community with perfect landscaping and party-ready gazebo. No one had to stress about a perfect house, enough space and the job of playing hostess in ones own home. 

Menu

This BabyQ was a combo of order-and-deliver pulled pork and wings complimented by family favorites made by relatives - potato salad, baked beans and fruit salad. Baskets of breads, chips and crunchy veggies rounded out a meal everyone loves. The 21-foot bar provided the perfect serving platform with tall flowers in tin cans and basket-bows to carry the theme.

Beverage & Fun

A spiked lemonade and virgin iced tea were served in oversized vats as well as lots of bottled water to keep guests hydrated. 

Table Dressing

Existing tables were decorated with home-picked flowers in matching containers surrounded with goodies for the guests with easy to make hangtags. The cake and dessert table was converted from "simple-to-sensational” with a Tablevogue enhanced by a monogrammed table runner. Fabric elements were used as part of the cake decoration and homemade cupcakes and oatmeal pies finished with light blue filling was the showcase of the day!

Results

Happy couple, lots of useful - thoughtful gifts. The men (and children) enjoyed the amenities and waterpark while the ladies enjoyed gift opening and chatting about the upcoming delivery. The venue provided an easy fresh take where traditional shower games were replaced by the ambience provided by the venue. Showers, no matter the type can be seen happening in lots of new places with fun twists including….theme parks, miniature golf, beach pavilions, park pavilions, restaurants, lakeside, clubhouses and any place you think the parents-to-be and their guests will enjoy. As the saying goes, rules are made to be broken and whether you take a page from tested traditions or create your own vibe - you should feel free to create the event you envision for the people you love.