It was common practice years back to have baby showers at someone’s house, maybe the host’s or hostess’ or a family member’s. Nowadays, people have learned to be practical enough to have their parties in restaurants. Some may still see this as unacceptable, but it is perfectly fine.
So why are people having baby showers outside their homes now? Well, first of all, houses are not as big as they used to be. Whereas it used to be easy to just throw a nice party for fifty at home, the sizes of normal houses these days may be just enough for six guests. Homes used to hire housekeepers and have maid services. That’s just not the case anymore.
When you really think about it, everything you need for a nice baby shower is already at a restaurant. Even your local McDonald’s could be a good place for a baby shower. You can actually have them host the party for you, complete with balloons and prizes and games, not to mention the cake and standard meals. They have the private room and decorations all set up for you. All you would really need to do is come on time.
Have an “8 Going On 28” party and tell your guests to come dressed as kids. You can even tell them they can act like kids at this party too. Play music reminiscent of your childhood days to add to the festive atmosphere.
For a more demure baby shower, check the restaurant’s facilities. How big is their private room and do they have a nice, comfortable rest area, just in case the expectant mom needs a break from all the fun? If they meet your requirements, go ahead and reserve the area. This way, you can still be as loud as you’d like to be and your guests can relax knowing they’re contained.
Keep your decorations simple and unobtrusive. Little things like party hats or centerpieces are good enough, maybe a streamer or balloons here and there. Paper could stain the tablecloth, so stay away from paper décor.
If the restaurant does not have a function room, they could probably block off a few tables for you away from the rest of their customers. They might even be able to put up some dividers for you to give you the privacy you want. However, please be conscious of other diners in the area and keep your noise level to a minimum. You might also opt to have your party at an off time, like between 2:00PM to 5:00PM when there isn’t much going on. They would most likely appreciate the business during this sleepy time.
If you are hosting the event and paying for the bill, then it is perfectly fine to pre-order a set meal or buffet for your guests. Restaurants would normally have party menus ready for large groups that would already include drinks. If you would like to bring your own drinks, ask the restaurant about corkage and if they can waive it, considering you’re already giving them a lot of business.