Would you rather host a shower in your home, or at a restaurant/event space? I've attended both kinds and have thrown both kinds and I can tell you what I've learned. Hosting in your home is more intimate, usually, and gives you more control. Hosting at a restaurant gives you less control, but is much easier. (Someone's done all the cleaning for you.) Here's some tips I've learned to make a home-thrown shower the best possible shower for guests, guest-of-honor, and you.
The food: Plan the menu accordingly. Are you going to do appetizers before hand? Finger foods and crudites on tables for guests to pick on? Are you doing hot food? Cold food? For an afternoon shower an easy and crowd-pleasing menu includes a pasta salad, some stuffed breads or quiches, and an assortment of gourmet sandwiches. Also, put the dessert out so people can see what's in store: Cake, cookies, brownies, cupcakes?
Seating layout: Where are people going to sit, mingle, and eat? It can be the hardest thing to figure out. Where are you going to put the food, where are you going to set up the coffee and dessert station? Where is the bride or mom-to-be going to open gifts?
Hire a helper: It took me a few parties to realize the value of this. You can either go through a service, hire a high-school kid (maybe a babysitter you trust), or ask a waitress at your favorite restaurant. Having someone to keep things clean during the party, and especially help clean up after makes the party even fun for you!
The most important thing you can do is plan and prepare--down to what types of napkins you're going to use, and what party store you're going to go to to get them. It's the best advice I can give. Oh, that and have fun! Guests follow the host's cue, so be sure to have fun and mingle with your guests!
Have you hosted a shower? What's your best tip?
I've done a lot of showers, and I like to do them at home if it's not too many people, but we have downsized and I can only accomodate about eight. Another solution is at your church. Most of them have rooms that can be used for showers, parties, etc. It's just a little more challenging to decorate a space like that. My best tip? Stock up on paper goods, plastic dishes and trays at party stores when they are on sale. You can mix and match colors and styles.
I have hosted a shower, my own and a friends. 1 of wich was at my house, the other someone elses. My house is wayyy to small so I try to find other places to hold things.
my best tip is RELAX. its easy to get frazzled with everything going on, plan ahead, make ahead food, and ask for HELP
Thanks! I've thrown a couple showers at my home and been invited to many at their homes. I don't think I've ever been to one that was in a public location.
My best tip? Make sure you have plenty to do to keep the pace up the whole time. Or shorten the shower time. It's uneasy to have some quiet moments and no one knows what to do!
Smarter You: Brighter Whites
- Jenn D.
on May. 5, 2011 at 12:00 AM