A Sunday Shower

Helped organize a baby shower for my fab sis-in-law last Sunday along with awesome cousin-in-law, Crissa. Tita Gina offered her lovely casa for the day and we had a small and simple gathering. If you love throwing parties, here are a few tips on how to make it more memorable and fun:

Mama Marga, who is due in August! Since she's having a boy, we decided on a blue and white palette. 

1) Pick a theme. It will be easier for you to decide on what decor you need and it makes a bigger impact when everything looks coordinated.

The spread. Everyone pitched in!

Roast pork and potatoes by Tita Gina.

Chicken Fingers by Tita Rose.

Milky Way sandwiches from Andi.

Shrimp and garlic pasta courtesy of Mommy Suzanne.

Conti's choco mousse from Tita Charry.

Yummy Costa Brava cupcakes. You can print out these toppers yourself!

2) Don't want to spend too much? Make it potluck and whip up your own decorations! Go to www.marthastewart.com for tips on how to make paper flowers, pom poms and print your own invitations, signs, tags and toppers! Other party sites to check out for inspiration and unique party themes: www.hostessblog.com and www.saraspartyperfect.com. You can also ask a friend who's creative and has mad computer skills to design an invite, email it to you and then simply forward it to your guests. Saves you money and it's more eco-friendly!

Flower pom poms

One of the fun games that Crissa did: make a collage of how you think the mother-to-be's baby will look like! 

Guess the mummy's tummy...

And an exciting relay game!

For more games, check out:

http://www.babyshower101.com/

3) If you organize parties quite often, invest in a few, inexpensive things 

that you will use over and over again such as a nice drink dispenser, a few ceramic vases and clear votive candle holders. You can also reuse glass bottles or jam jars for a rustic, shabby chic look.

If you like throwing parties, get a cute drink dispenser. People love them and you hardly need to refill it.

4) For prizes and giveaways, put them in glass jars so guests can choose and get what they want. 

It's more fun to put prizes and giveaways (candies, chocolates, trinkets, etc.) in clear jars or plates.

-RCM 

* Photographs by Angel Manzano and Suzanne Ramos.