Throwing a baby shower can be stressful, especially if you’ve never hosted before. Hopefully, the party isn’t tomorrow and you have some time to plan. If it is tomorrow, grab some balloons, some ready-made food, and enthusiastically wing that baby-welcoming shindig. Just do the best you can and have fun.

If you have some time, consider these tips to help you throw a stellar party with minimum fuss.

Get Help

Co-host if you can. If there is someone you get along with well who is also close to the mother-to-be, spread out some of the responsibility. Two minds are better than one, and having two people running errands is infinitely better than letting one do all the work. Just make sure you work well together and can agree on a plan of action. Otherwise, you might be fighting over paper plates versus china and crystal.

Choose a Theme

Beyond blue is for boys and pink is for girls, there’s a world of creative ideas out there just waiting to liven up your celebration. A good place to start is the mother-to-be herself. How did she decorate her baby’s room? If she painted a fairy-tale forest on the walls, you can take her vision and run with it.

Or, you can base the theme on the mom’s favorite things. For instance, if she’s into astronomy you can scatter stars and moonlight throughout your house. Let some of the decorations be party favors the guests can take home at the end of the event.

To make the day special without the work of doing dishes for the next three days, consider a specialty paper plate company. A mail-order place such as Oh Happy Day, has beautiful tableware in shimmering colors and themes, but they are all still disposable.

However, avoid paper table cloths. They’re flimsy, they tear easily, and don’t add anything to a party. Choose some lovely linens with soft colors that don’t take away from your theme. August Table is known for its quality products, and your patronage also supports village families in India. And bonus – you get to keep the linens after the party!

Plan Ahead

If your budget includes catering, then happily let someone else do the cooking. If not, then do the cooking now.

Freeze ahead foods are perfect to help minimize the stress of the day. No party is fun when the hostess is frantically whisking away in the kitchen and leaving the guests on their own. Do everything ahead of time, order a cake, and put out some fresh fruit and cheese. This way, you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than worrying about last-minute preparations. Incorporating healthy morning routine tips into your day can also help set a positive tone, ensuring you’re energized and ready to host. Simple practices like staying hydrated, planning your meals, and taking a few minutes to meditate can make all the difference.

Also, decide now about party games. There are plenty to choose from on the internet, but make sure to consider the mother-to-be. If she’s not into games but adores karaoke, then maybe that’s your party right there.

Make Sure Mom Gets A Few Great Gifts

Sometimes the mother-to-be leaves the party with dozens of burp cloths and a few onesies. And some new moms are overwhelmed and don’t know what they need. Make sure that when the party is over, they go home with the baby basics that will really help them. Consider creating a thoughtful checklist or suggesting items that cover essentials like diapers, bottles, and even baby hair care tips to ensure they’re fully prepared. Simple additions like baby-safe nail clippers or a gentle brush can make a big difference in a new mom’s day-to-day routine. By focusing on practical gifts, you’ll help set them up for success as they navigate parenthood.

An Ergobaby diaper bag is lightweight and has room for all that a baby needs. Maybe get a few guests to pitch in with you and fill the various pockets with diapers, a couple of outfits and bottles. A packed bag that’s hospital-ready will be a big help to the new mother.

In the end, whatever theme you choose and whatever food you serve matters less than the celebration itself. Plan ahead and relax on the day of the shower. Make a space for friends and family to be together and enjoy each other’s company, which includes you, too.