With spring underway and summer approaching, a baby shower on the patio or in the backyard can be the perfect venue for a mom-to-be. Outdoor baby showers generally allow more space to spread out and enjoy each other’s company than an event stuffed in your dining room. And as an added perk, the outdoors add plenty of natural decorations to create a soothing environment for the new mommy and her friends.
Decide on a Theme
Boy or girl? Pink and yellow, or blue and green? How do you decide on a theme for a baby shower? For boys, a number of popular themes have been used in the past. They are classic themes, sure to delight any new parents:
- Cars, trucks, and trains
- Jungle theme
- Monkeys
- Under the sea
- Cowboys
- Blue baby feet
- Teddy bears
Girls have as many or more options when it comes to baby shower themes. The following themes are also popular:
- Princess theme
- Ladybugs
- Puppies and kittens theme
- Pink bows and baby feet
- Bunny theme
- Pink and black zebra theme
- Cowgirls
- Flowers and gardens
If the baby’s gender is a surprise it may be a little more difficult to decide on a theme that is gender neutral and pleases the new mother’s taste. Non-gender-specific colors such as yellow, pale greens, orange, and red make it easy to create a color-based theme that doesn’t highlight any particular color (such as blue or pink) suggesting the baby’s sex. Also, since you are hosting it outside, a green or eco-friendly theme would be perfect for the venue. Also, having a green shower might generate some money-saving and baby-friendly ideas for the mother-to-be!
Clean up the Clutter
A week before the date of the shower, begin to prepare your house. A general cleaning both inside and out is needed. Even though the actual event will take place outside, guest will be using your home for restrooms and refreshments, and it’s important that the space feels clean and comfortable. Move furniture against the walls to make a clear path to the outdoors. Sheds can be invaluable for getting rid of outdoor clutter. Move superfluous furniture into the shed along with toys, gardening tools and anything else you think will distract from your shower’s theme.
Decorate the Yard
Set up long tables for food and gifts and cover them with color-coordinated tablecloths on a level area in your yard. If you are going with a natural theme, leave wood tables uncovered to blend into the outdoor setting. Place folding chairs and small tables in groups with enough seating for all the guests. Drape crepe streamers over low-hanging branches of trees and decorate the shed. Consider using potted plants as center pieces since the tables are set in a garden.
Keep your food refrigerated as long as possible. Set the party food up before hand on platters and serving trays and secure tightly with plastic wrap. Consider choosing chilled foods like fruit trays, cold finger sandwiches and fresh lemonade. The cool foods will be perfect for warmer weather and reminiscent of a picnic. As guests arrive, bring out the food along with serving implements. Be sure to cover and store food again after people have finished eating to avoid flies and food poisoning.
Planning a baby shower indoors or out takes time, but it is well worth the effort. Capture the happiness of the new mommy with plenty of pictures. Guests will remember the effort you put in to create a pleasant and enjoyable baby shower.
Holly is an Indianapolis native who blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she trusts. She enjoys playing soccer and baking treats for her friends and coworkers.
