Having a theme to your party ties everything together and gives guidance to how you decorate your party - plus it's fun! Basically, you need something that is repetative and creates a feeling of continuity. Here are some ideas:

Nursery Colors
Use colors from the nursery for your theme. This option gives the flexibility to use any type of tableware, napkins, decorations for the party. Because of this, it is the least expensive route. You don't need to buy decorations all in the same patterns.

Nursery Theme:
Similar to the nursery colors, but this one uses the actual theme of the nursery. "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon", "Noah's Ark", are examples. Ask the mom-to-be what she plans for her nursery decor and go from there. If her decor is lace and cream, then keep to that same look and feel for the party, decorating with that color and pattern.

Around the Clock:
This theme focuses on the gifts that are brought by the guests. In the invitation, assign a guest to bring a gift that baby or mom would use at a certain time of the day (ex: assign 1:00 naptime - the guest might bring a blanket or something to do with naptime). This is a fun way for guests to shop for the mom-to-be and always fun at the opening of the gifts. Hint: have the guest place the time assigned to her on the gift card or on the gift.

Build Baby's Library:
Ask that all gifts are books for the baby. Let guests know this in the invitation. Possibly ask them to bring their favorite childhood book and sign it inside as a keepsake. Great for second baby showers! Also, a fun party to plan - invitations in the shape of a book and bookmarks for the party favors! Get creative!

"The theme of the shower for my daughter was build a library... The invitations were made from an antique postcard, a cute little baby sitting on a book, I asked each guest, instead of a card, to bring a child's book..signed. I made each guest a bookmark, using the same picture as on the invitation and I gave miniature books as prizes for games. I believe firmly that early books and reading to infants help establish a life-long love of reading..thank you for your website" - Carolyn

Noah's Ark:
Great for twins! Make a Noah's Ark cake! Check your local bakeries to see if they will make one for you, or if you can bake cakes, try to do it yourself. If your party is large, then place sets of stuffed animals on each table next to or weighting down some balloons. Buy two for each table. So, one table would be the giraffe table (with two giraffes), one could be the elephant table, etc... If it is a rather large party and you will be having assigned seating, then this could even be more fun. On the seating cards, instead of numbers write the animal table that they are assigned to. A great ice breaker!

Pamper Mom:
Great for moms-to-be having their second, third, fourth, etc..baby. After months of pregnancy and taking care of the older kids, she deserves some pampering and a fun time with "the girls"! Create a day-spa theme. Ask guests to bring lotions, chocolates, gift certificates to a spa, etc..as gifts for mom. You could even hold a "spa-session" in your home for guests - bring in a masseuse to massage guests shoulders, a manicurist to shape their nails, or even a make-up consultant for fun. Play nature music in the background and some soothing fragrances in the air. The mom-to-be will be able relax with the gals and the guests will have a great time. Definitely a mommy shower to remember. Please keep in mind your guests and their comfort level in attending a "spa-party".

Baby Safety Shower:
You've prepared everything for the baby's arrival. The nursery is ready, you've taken your childbirth classes, diapers are stocked, but are you informed enough on how to keep your baby safe in your home? Mommies and mommies-to-be: gather together friends with children and other expectant parents and throw a "baby safety shower". It could be one of the most important parties you attend. For more information on this type of party, please visit cpsc.gov

A "Sprinkle" :
Sprinkles are perfect for second baby showers. Instead of "showering" you with the large baby items needed for the first child, your guests can "sprinkle" the little things that need replenished. Such as: diapers, baby wipes, bottles, baby shampoo and lotions, diaper cream, pacifiers, baby socks (they always seem to get lost in the dryer) and countless other necessities. A nice way to gather together and celebrate the second pregnancy. ****Also good for grandmothers-to-be.

What is your favorite baby shower theme? Share it with us - click here