Need my creative doodle friends.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am hosting my DD's Baby Shower November 6th. At 4:00p,m, after running a Women's Half Marathon for Breast Cancer. Yeah, I know, nothing like doing too much on one day, but several dear friends and a niece are flying in for the Marathon so it was a perfect time to do it.

Anyway, I want this to be beyond the typical baby shower and need as many creative ideas as you all can share. Was there something at your shower that still stands out in your mind? Have you hosted a shower and had something you are especially proud of that you did? Decorations? Activities?

We are doing a very Organic, Natural, eco-conscious party as that is who my daughter is in life and she appreciates the little things like not using plastic, recycled papers and as little waste as possible. We are holding the festivites outdoors and are planting a tree in our yard in DGD's honor, like we did for both our children many moons ago. I planned to have everyone write a wish for the baby on a tag and tie it to the tree with a ribbon, as part of the evenings decorations.

 So far we have invitations on recycled paper, using rented linens, using our own china and silverware, catered with organic foods, Orchids for centerpieces and gifts, handmade soaps made with essential oils and no additives for our thank you's and asking guests to be creative with wrapping their gifts in re-usable things like recieving blankets or towels or something creative.

So, please put on your thinking hats and help me make this extra special for her? She and DH have tried for 3 yrs to concieve and we are all so grateful and excited.

I feel like I am planning her wedding all over again!!!! Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks all.

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I think so too. She is asking for pretty neutral outer shells in case she has a boy next time, but I am making her some really girly frilly ones too. Also making the reusable inserts out of hemp. And I get tons of cloth diapers from the hospital that are going to be disposed of if they look a little frayed and I will cut and sew them to use as inserts too. Totally recycled!!! 

I used cloth way back when, but only because we couldn't afford disposibles then. They were still considered a convenience item back then.  :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Also, do you have diaper service in your area? for one of my friends everyone was asked to contribute to the diaper cleaning service instead of buying a gift. She was pretty happy about that.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

As a newer grandma, I was shocked at how out of practice I was at diaper changing.  Now that Evie is a wiggly 11 month old, my DH and I often tag team it with a toy, just so we can get the darn thing on straight!  Whew! How did I do this successfully when I was younger?  I remember the techniques but don't have the speed.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My Niece is using cloth as well ... maybe it is a trend that is coming back!

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm not good at this, but I believe that Laurie, our "queen of games", will come up with some good ones.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh yes, Where is our Game Queen when you need her?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

My brother and his wife just did this at their wedding but it could certainly work for a baby shower.  They had little quilt squares (you know, the little fabric pieces) and fabric markers.  They had each person write a little message or draw a picture and then they are going to have it sewn together to make a quilt.  It was a cute idea that I had never seen before and would be a nice reminder of the day.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I did this for both my childrens weddings and I am just now planning her quilt. I could still do this.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Here are a couple of cute ideas I just saw on line.

 

Use an organic onsie as the guest book.  Just have everyone use a pen to sign the onsie and then they have it as a keepsake.  Could maybe frame and use in the nursery.  The other was to use a type of heavy string (think close line) and  hang organic baby clothes with clothes pens like a banner above the front door to welcome guests.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Love this !  I was going to have everyone decorate a onsie, however a friend has given her enough clothes for 3 babies to wear, so that idea isn;'t working, but one is nice. We are also having a photo of her made into a 16 x 20 and have everyone sign the mat and have it framed to match her nursery. Actually, here's the photo.

This is her at 6 months and she is having pix done again at 8 adn 9 and then when baby comes and doing a progression photo.

So we will mat this and have everyone sign it and then she can put the baby picture in the frame later.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Also i am making a banner with organic cotton onsies, forgot about that. Ever try to find real clothespins anymore? Target sales-people, kids really, all looked at me with this puzzled look. ONe even asked me what you do with them... Am I THAT OLD!!!!

[Rose Ann and Amante]

try dollar store!