Celebrating the highly anticipated arrival of a new baby is the best kind of party to attend. If you need help making sure your baby shower hosting duties go smoothly, here’s your step-by-step guide to planning the perfect baby shower with resources in Kansas City.
Choose a Way to Personalize
Start by selecting a theme or way to personalize the shower that reflects the new mom’s personality and interests. This is about her and her family, and personalizing will make her feel seen and cherished, which is ultimately much more important than any tangible gift she will receive! Tried and true themes to help you get started with your planning include:
Whatever you choose, plan to stick with a small color palette of three or less colors, and incorporate it into everything from the flowers to the food, invitations and decor. Pinterest is amazing at helping to pinpoint a special theme or way to personalize and give suggestions on how incorporate in a way to fits your style, venue and budget.
Send Invitations
Opt for invitations that align with the theme. I personally love a printed and mailed invitation, as it is a way for the honoree to have a memory from the day and then add it to a baby book. Sites like Minted, Canva and Paper Culture have chic and modern invites that can fit any budget. These sites can also help personalize evites as well, especially Canva.
Veteran Mom Tip
Within the invitation, ask guests to bring a book for the baby instead of a card with their gift. They can sign inside the cover with a special message for the parents and baby that will be seen over and over.
Things to Remember:
- Invites whether printed or emailed should be sent at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Include registry information so guests know what to purchase.
- Let guests know what will be served for food and drinks.
Decorate Thoughtfully
Decorations set the tone for the celebration. They do not have to be grand to make a statement or be beautiful. Focus on your centerpieces, the photo backdrop, tablescape and food arrangement. Those four categories are all you really need!
Centerpieces. Fresh flowers are always a good idea. My favorite affordable tip is to go to Trader Joe’s or Costco the day before and gather an armful of flowers that are all within the same color palette. Fill clear vases (or even drinking glasses!) and it will be beautiful. Go heavy on greenery in different textures and heights to fill larger vases without breaking the bank! Add coordinating ribbon if you would like. Arrange them at varying heights and in groups of three for a big statement.
If hiring the flowers out makes life easier, these florists are amazing resources in Kansas City:
Backdrop. A photo-worthy wall with balloons, banners or greenery will make pictures of the day standout. Balloon arch kits from Momo Party, Pop Fest Co. or even Amazon are easy to put together and make a cute statement. For those who don’t want to DIY, Jubilee Balloon Company in Kansas City is a Kansas City Mom Collective favorite.
Table Settings. Coordinated tableware, napkins, and placemats on white table cloths feels fancy without being stuffy, and it also provides a cohesive look. Pink Antlers can help make any table setting look beautiful without breaking the bank! Using the dishes you already have in your cupboards, a ribbon tied around a generic white napkin and simple tea lights along the table looks classic and classy always.
Veteran Mom Tip
Use a paper table runner (cut to size) or paper placemats from Pink Antlers as your base for the table, add in your flower centerpieces and coordinating napkins and you are set! It also makes for easy cleanup.
Food Arrangement. Ordinary food looks unique and special when it’s arranged at varying heights, housed in pretty dishes and set amongst vases of simple flowers.
Special Touches. Use a Polaroid camera to take pictures of the guests as they arrive and during the party. Double stick tape the pictures in a blank book and use as the guest book and a way to write sweet messages to the guest of honor.
Plan the Menu
Food is a central part of any gathering. For a baby shower, consider the following for ease of hosting:
Afternoon Tea with Light Bites. Avoid having to cook or cater an entire meal by hosting an afternoon tea between 2 and 4pm. Finger sandwiches, charcuterie boards and a bowl of fresh fruit are all you need. Accompany it with mocktails, tea and coffee. Provide a champagne option if the mom-to-be is comfortable with it being served.
Sweet Treats. Most pregnant ladies love sweet treats, right? Host a dessert shower with all of her favorites. Cut in small portions so everyone can sample without feeling overly full. Add in a few savory options like a bowl of mixed nuts or individual grazing boards to counterbalance the sugar with something salty. This is an easy option to have catered.
Kansas City Vendor Suggestions. For those who would rather cater than cook, Kansas City is full of dependable vendors who love to help you host events.
- McLain’s Bakery. Known for their cookies, cakes and cupcakes.
- Graze and Gather KC. Makes a beautiful charcuterie board delivered right to you.
- Village Boards KC. Provides themed grazing boards perfect for showers.
- French Market. Everything from this shop in Prairie Village is to die for.
- Hy-Vee. They always do a great job at an affordable price!
Planning a baby shower is all about celebrating the joy of a new life while making the mom-to-be feel cherished. With these tips and local Kansas City resources, you are well on your way to hosting an unforgettable event. Don’t forget to check out our guide on where to shop for adorable baby clothing and gifts in the metro.
