lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Guide to Four Great Baby Shower Themes

babysugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:00:19 -0700

'Tis the last day of April, which means our April Baby Showers must come to an end. But before you go off to plan your own festive bash, here's a quick recap of our ideas.

Good Things Come in Small Packages
We gave you ideas for invitations and then dished on what to serve up and what to serve it on. Guests will delight in the lip balm favors and clothespin game and the hostesses will love the manicure and pedicure gift idea.

To see the rest of the clever notions,

April Shower of My Own

babysugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:15 -0700

I threw a baby shower for my bedrest friend yesterday. And, I employed a few of lilsugar's April Showers tips to create the ambiance for this special party.

To find out which ideas I used and to see pictures of the event,

Couples Cocktail Party: Food and Beverages

lilsugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:22 -0700

Like any other fete, there should be ample food at a couples cocktail party and of course, a signature drink to wash the nibbles down.

Ask the bartender to concoct a beverage that reflects both the baby and the parents-to-be. If the nursery is in shades of pink and the father-to-be is a fan of Stoli, perhaps a renamed vodka cran fits the bill. Or if the soon-to-be mama used to sip on champagne and orange juice, go for a "mom"osa. And, of course make sure there's a delicious mocktail version for the expectant guest of honor.

For more edible ideas,

Couples Cocktail Party: Decor

babysugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I love couples showers because they give men, especially the papa–to–be, a chance to bask in the pregnancy spotlight.

And generally, the showers are like any other festive affair — just with an additional purpose — celebrating an impending arrival.

To see how to make a couples shower cute to boot,

Couples Cocktail Party: Invitations

babysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Move over carriages and baby bottles, we're throwing a baby shower for guys and gals to attend this week. Many friends of first-time parents are often still single and sometimes weirded out by the fact that their buddy is about to have a babe. Starting with the invitation, set the tone for this celebration with a twist.

To see what party invitations I recommend,

April Showers: Guide to Planning a Baby Shower (Part Two)

babysugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

We've dedicated the entire month of April to planning showers of all kinds, but if you've been nominated (or volunteered) to plan a baby shower for a friend or relative you should start with the basics.

Once you've picked your venue, theme and invites it's time to move onto the really fun part.

The small details like menu, music and party favors are often what make a great party wonderful and allow you to pay homage to the mommy-to-be's taste and personality. For some easy tips to help you plan the day,

April Showers: Guide to Planning a Baby Shower (Part One)

babysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:02 -0700

Planning a baby shower can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. All you have to do is organize a gathering that makes the mommy-to-be happy and feel celebrated. Location scouting, invitations and worry aside, it's always more fun than it sounds. We've dedicated the entire month of April to planning showers of all kinds, but if you've been nominated (or volunteered) to plan a baby shower for a friend or relative you should start with the basics. For some of the most important things to consider when you start planning,

Bedrest Bash: Games

babysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:09 -0700

While you're lounging in your pjs and snacking on pizza, prolong the girl time by playing some fun (not corny) baby games. Make it worth the ladies' while actually presenting the winner with a bottle of champagne or gift certificate for a mani/pedi.

To see what games I like to play at showers,

Bedrest Bash: Soda Bar

lilsugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:00:43 -0700

Break out the bubbly! But since it's a baby shower and the mama-to-be probably isn't indulging in alcohol, opt for Italian sodas and some old fashioned floats!

All you need is some soda water, flavored Torani syrup, ice cream, root beer and twisty straws if you dare.

The blast back from the past beverages will remind you of childhood and provide the perfect refresher to go with the take-out you are eating bedside. To learn how to make an Italian soda,

Bedrest Bash: Order In

babysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:09 -0700

Everyone has arrived in pajamas and the diaper cake and balloons are festively placed around the room.

Things are looking more like a sleepover than a baby shower. Stick with that vibe and order food to be delivered.

To see what I recommend,

Bedrest Bash: Edible Invitations

lilsugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:00:38 -0700

Past letting people know about an upcoming party, most invitations end up in the trash. So when you're planning the bedrest bash, why not choose something guests will enjoy making disappear. To check out this alternative invitation,

Bedrest Bash: Diaper Cake Decor

babysugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:43:00 -0700

I love the idea of a diaper cake. Unfortunately, I don't like the price they charge for them. So I put my creative juices to work and crafted my own. Making the cake allows you to personalize it to suit the mama–to–be.

To see how to make a diaper cake,

April Showers: Bedrest Bash

lilsugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes pregnancy calls for the mom-to-be to take to her bed. Limiting an expectant woman's time on her feet decreases pressure on the cervix, increases oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and helps maternal organ function.

But that doesn't mean the impending arrival shouldn't be celebrated with a fabulous fête like the ones thrown for mobile moms-to-be. So check and see if your bedridden friend minds if you bring the party to her.

To start planning a bedrest bash,

April Showers: Baby Shower Trivia

lilsugar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:00:43 -0700

We've been showering you with advice and tips on how to celebrate mamas and babes-to-be. Take this quiz to see if you're ready to host an affair.

Tea Party: Hostess and Party Favors

babysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:58 -0700

Torn on what to give your guests at the end of your tea party baby shower? No worries, we've got you covered.

If you invested in inexpensive teacups for the shower, fill them with goodies and gift them to your party goers. Another idea is to wrap up beautifully decorated sugar cubes from Aida Opera Candies in cellophane and tie them off with a ribbon. Or, toss a few Twinings tea bags and the sugary sweets in the teacups to create an even prettier package.

To see another option,

Tea Party: Food and Beverages

lilsugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:00:37 -0700

It's pretty obvious that tea will be the beverage of choice at this baby shower whether you choose to serve it piping hot or iced with lemon.

And, what goes better with the herbal elixir than savory finger sandwiches and sugary treats? From the traditional cucumber to the more worldly roasted turkey and mango chutney, tea sandwiches are a fun way for guests to sample several flavors on a plate.

Get creative with the nibblers by shaping them into bottles, teddy bears and baby feet with cookie cutters. To see what's for dessert,

Tea Party: Sippers

babysugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:00:03 -0700

Tea parties can be old–fashioned, sophisticated or modern and cool – it's up to you. Set the tone for your tea party baby shower with cups and saucers that fit the mood. Spruce up your wares with these designs that keep things simple and aren't a huge expense.

Tea Party: Decor

lilsugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:00:35 -0700

Forgo traditional flower arrangements and make blossoming tea your centerpiece.

Available in a variety of colorful blends that are sold in boxes ($9), the edible eye candy doubles as a conversation piece.

And, the delightful aromas linger in the air leaving your place party ready and smelling like jasmine, lavender, rose, citrus or whichever other scent you prefer.

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To see more blossoming teas,

Tea Party: Invitations

babysugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you're on board with the tea party theme, you might want to check out these simple and creative invitations that I crafted with supplies from my favorite paperie, Paper Source.

To see how to make them,

April Showers: Tea Party

lilsugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:00:09 -0700

Just a spoonful of sugar helps celebrate baby!

Whether you know a mama-to-be that was born with a silver spoon in her mouth or one that is into all things herbal, consider toasting a cup 'o tea in her honor.

Since tea is available in a wide range of varieties, you can go traditional classy with a silver service, petit fours and crumpets or shabby chic with mismatched cups and saucers and flavorful finger sandwiches or modern sassy with sleek sippers and fresh innovative eats. To see other ideas,

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Hostess Favors

babysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:01:48 -0700

Mamas–to–be should thank their hostesses for a soirée thrown in their honor. At the very least the pregnant lady should write a considerate and sweet thank you note. To see what I recommend doling out,

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Favors

babysugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:00:45 -0700

One of the toughest parts of throwing a shower is picking out cute and practical party favors. I always feel guilty when I get a basket of trinkets I'll never use that cost the host a pretty penny. To see my suggestions

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Games

lilsugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Every party needs a lil icebreaker. So the clothespin game is a simple way to encourage mingling at a baby shower.

Hand one small pin out to each of your guests and ask them to secure it to a visible place like their shirt or jacket label. To see how to play,

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Beverages and Placesettings

babysugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

As the saying goes, "Good things come in small packages." I personally believe GREAT things come in small packages, which is why I love the idea of a "small" baby shower. From toothpick skewered veggies to tiny cupcakes, you won't have to serve your guests on platters but tapas sized plates instead!

To see how to sass up your shindig,

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Menu

lilsugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:00:39 -0700

Cave to those pregnancy cravings! Ask the mama-to-be what she's in the mood for and set out a baby buffet of those small bits.

If macaroni and cheese is her item of choice, kick it up by making a gourmet version and scooping the gooey goodness into shot glasses or ramekins and serve it with a shrimp fork. For more ideas,

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Invitations

babysugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:25 -0700

One of the first steps in planning a baby shower is to create a guest list.

It's usually a safe bet to ask the guest of honor for a list of people she would like to invite, but in sticking with "Good Things Come in Small Packages" theme, an intimate group of family and closest friends works well for this one.

To see what else we recommend for a "small" shower,

Grab an Umbrella, It's Time for April Showers!

lilsugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:39 -0700

It's as if we're in the midst of another baby boom with everything coming up wee ones in Hollywood. And, if you're like us, in your own town.

Between Babysugar and I, we've got at least a dozen friends with buns in the oven so we're dedicating this entire month to getting creative with baby showers.

During April, we'll be covering everything from couples events to kid-friendly fetes, There's even one for parents to be with limited space. Along with invitation, decor and menu ideas, we'll keep the party going with fabulous giveaways.

So log on and take note as we shower you with advice on the latest and greatest ways to celebrate impending babes.

To find out this week's theme,