Calling all Americans! Organising a baby shower for my U.S. neighbour - advice needed!

[themothership]

Hi there

It's fallen on me and another friend to organise a baby shower for my neighbour, who's American with a British husband. She's only been in the UK for a couple of years, and doesn't know loads of people, so we really want to do something for her - must be tough being pregnant with all your family and close friends so far away.

However, we're new at this, and need some tips from all you American mums out there about what to consider.

We were going to hold it at my house (I'm literally next door) so that she doesn't need to be the hostess and clear up etc. but what else???

Did you watch Sex and the City?? The episode where Charlotte holds a baby shower for Miranda?? I think she did a load of her favourite food etc Dont some showers also involve games (related to the baby etc) For example all the guests bring a baby photo of themselves and everyone has to guess who is who (sorry, not much help - just what i have seen on telly
There is a lot of sitting around opening the presents as well i beleive!!!

there's lots of ideas on various websites - try doing a google search on 'baby showers'

you could theme it - get everyone to bring their favourite child's book, or something for different times of the day - or let everyone bring whatever they wanted.

you could play some silly games like take the labels off baby food jars and guess what they are, or take guesses as to sex/size/weight/due date of the baby ( will be lots of games ideas on googled sites I'm sure)

Have been to a few showers some low key ( ie no games just a chilled out afternoon with the preg lady and close friends) and some others that have been a bit OTT with too many games and stuff.
Nice thing to do - hope you have fun!