So here I am, beyond excited that I’m about to be an Aunt.
SOOO EXCITED!!
And then I start to freak out!…
I’m the big sister. This means I’m in charge of the baby shower. OMG. And my little darling of a sister wants a co-ed one. Not just any co-ed shower, but a 40+ South African baby shower (baby Daddy is South African hence the nationality of most of our guests).
I can absolutely NEVER go half way on anything. If it means working my ass off, going into debt or having to work extra hours to get the job done at midnight, I’ll do it. Call it pride or OCD or perfectionism… probably a bit of all three. But I just have to make everything as perfect as I can!
The last baby shower I recall attending was YEARS ago. There were ten of us women in attendance amidst a scene of flowers, shades of baby blue and pastels, girlie snacks, mimosas and baby gifts. No man wanted to set foot within a fifty yard radius.
I’d never heard of a co-ed baby shower back then. Heck, until recently when I attended my cousin’s co-ed shower, I had no idea they even existed.
I’m definitely all about the coexistence of men and women at family functions, but I kinda feel sorry for the guys “forced” into attending a traditionally more “girlie” event. So what could I do for the men at my sister’s baby shower?
I brainstormed A LOT!
- BOOZE. For sure men (definitely in this crowd) appreciate alcohol and its effects in a time of uncertainty and stress- yes baby showers apply :). Btw: hire a bartender! Otherwise you will be serving, hostessing, running around like crazy and cleaning all at once. Our bartender Ben is a family friend and his hard work allowed me to meet everyone and make sure the party ran smoothly.
- ENTERTAINMENT. I tried to think “outside the box” and get creative on this one. I booked Wild Wonders conservation company who brought us five gorgeous animal ambassadors to meet and greet. My next crazy idea, face painting! Kris Creations painted attendee’s faces for the first hour of our party. The men really got into it which surprised me in a great way!
- FOOD. I made plenty of healthy food like hummus and artichoke dip, salad and sea weed pasta, vegetables, grilled fish and chicken (for the carnivores) and vegan desserts.
My mom helped me decorate the night before! Which, btw, I totally recommend setting up early and having help. This way you are all set to go and can do all the cooking, errands and last minute prep the morning of your event.
Decorations are a super important detail not to be forgotten! The restaurant venue I’d booked months prior was not ready to open at their new location so they cancelled us a few weeks out. Thankfully, our condo has a great big party room so I reserved it. The room is very basic and boring so Mom and I spent hours spicing it up with every safari themed Party City baby shower decoration possible. The parents-to-be walked in and were so surprised. Daddy Rod especially loved it!
The party flew by! Between the face painting, eating, chatting and animal meet and greet, our party was over before it had begun. The animals were a huge hit.
Dear to my heart, we all listened in on what Jackie had to say about conservation across the globe and what many of these little creatures had been through in their lives already. Of course, getting up close and personal was definitely one of the best parts!
We waited to do presents until towards the end of our gathering so that some of the men and people who didn’t want to stay, could leave guilt-free. I think this is a great idea. Our family and closest friends stayed as others departed which made it nice having a more intimate gathering for gift opening.
SIDE NOTE: Mommies to be, don’t forget to have your Mom, sister or BFF write everything down so when you do your Thank You’s, you know who to thank for what! For me, thank you notes are a MUST! I bought my sister matching safari stationary so she could personally thank everyone for all of the beautiful gifts bestowed upon her and her family.
We received some amazing feedback about our baby shower for weeks after the event! I must confess I was SOOOO relieved to have made my sister and her fiancé so happy. The room was full of love and positive vibes the entire time!
The biggest advice I can give you when planning a party for your family and friends? GET CREATIVE! THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Do something crazy (but safe) that no one has ever thought of or done before. It’ll captivate your guest audience and make your party a special, memorable one they will never forget!
xx Shanna