How to… throw a baby shower

Mums-to-be up and down the country are embracing what is arguably the best US import to hit the UK if you’re pregnant, the baby shower. Shloer, the sparkling juice drink, has surveyed women from all over the UK to identify the top tips for the perfect baby shower so you can celebrate an imminent arrival in style.

It is time for us Brits to show the Amercians that we can throw a fantastic baby shower too, follow Shloer’s top tips for success and celebrate in style.

Invites and guest list

First things first - the invitations and guest list. Why not create a simple invite encouraging friends to come to the shower? We’ve worked with leading website, Bounty, to create some fantastic downloadable invites. All you need to do is fill in the details, print off and send!

Read more...The guest list is all down to personal choice but the usual suspects normally include mum, best friends and sisters. Our research showed that 74% of people who have attended a baby shower believe it should be a girls’ only affair so invite any men at your peril! However, do make sure you invite plenty of mums, 79% of mums to be admitted that another mother has bought them the best baby shower gift. Only 15% of mums to be had been bought their best gift by a friend. Close tip

Presents

To save the mum-to-be from getting twenty of the same baby-grows, it is advisable to set up a gift list. Many of the big department stores offer baby shower gift lists which allow guests to pre-buy and best of all, gifts will be delivered in time for the party. Visit www.johnlewisgiftlist.com.

Read more...Do keep items on the list at a reasonable price though, our research showed that 58% of guests spend under £30, with 21% spending up to £50. Another top tip is to avoid buying the mum to be clothes, 23% of mums to be said this would be their least favourite gift. Alcohol (9%), nappies (13%) and toys( 14%) were also unpopular choices. Top choices included baby clothes (41%) and pampering treats for the expectant mum. Close tip

Refreshment

Food and drinks are an essential for any party, and a baby shower is no exception. Serve canapés for a touch of luxury. Crudités and hummus, smoked salmon bilinis and olives with feta cheese are all tasty and easy to make. Don’t forget to stock up on Shloer, the sparkling juice drink, 79% of baby shower guests surveyed said they would consider buying Shloer for their baby shower.

With many delicious flavours to choose from classic Red Grape to refreshing White Grape, Mango and Passionfruit there is something for everyone. Serve over ice or have a go at making some virgin cocktails. For recipes click here.

Entertainment

Spoiling the mum-to-be is the aim of the game, whether that is listening to her favourite music whilst having a gossip, watching her favourite chick flick or having a wonderful pedicure; work with her to ensure she gets everything she can wish for!

Read more...However, it’s often fun to have a few games ready to get the party started. The Americans would argue that this is the most important part of the party. Ask all guests to bring a baby picture of themselves and play ‘Guess Who’, or how about ‘Pregnancy Pictionary’ with a focus on baby themed words.
 
Guessing the name of the unborn baby is always good fun– each person pops 50p into the pot and registers their guess. The winner gets all the money but if no one is spot on the funds can be used to buy the mum to be a pampering treat. Remember though, no bribery! Close tip

Memories

To capture all the fun of the baby shower, make sure you take lots of pictures. Once the party is over why not pull together a collection of these photos in an album. Years down the line when baby is old enough to understand mum can share the pictures from the day and explain that the big bump in her tummy was them!

Shloer is available in the classic Red and White Grape as well as White Grape Mango & Passionfruit, White Grape & Elderflower, White Grape Raspberry & Cranberry and Apple Shloer. The whole range is free from preservatives and artificial sweeteners, flavour and colours.