Throwing a green baby shower

1) Picking the place - the home of a friend or family member is usually the best location of any baby shower, however, if that is not an option or if there are to many people in attendance to fit comfortably in someone's home, then use these tips for picking a public location. Check with local churches or community clubs. If choosing a restaraunt, look for a locally owned establishment with natural foods on the menu (locally growned and/or organic are the best). Another great location might be an outdoor park.



2) Decorations and utensils - no paper plates and plastic silverware at this shindig! Throwing a baby shower is a fabulous time to use your best china and silverware. If renting space at a church or community club, dishes might be available for your use. Renting dishes from your local rental company is always an option, or just ask around and see which guests can bring dishes to use. Nothing is prettier than a variety of beautiful decorated china - with different placements at each setting.



If you are considering cut flowers as decorations, make sure you buy organically grown flowers, or better yet, go for a long walk in a beautiful field and hand pick daisy's and other wildflowers.



If you want fancier decorations, reuse ribbons and tableclothes for other party events, or use fabric for tablecloths and give to mom to make bedding or curtains for baby's nursery after the event.

Consider making table centerpieces out of small diaper cakes (made from chlorine free diapers of course) or make centerpieces out of baby socks, washcloths, or other small items wrapped in a pretty ribbon and add a cute rattle or small stuffed animal. Mom gets to keep all the baby goodies used. If you wish to have an elaborate diaper cake, check out this beautiful cake from BabyShowersByMail. It is both beautiful and functional and is full of organic gifts for baby.



3) Invitations - consider e-mailing invitations so there is no waste. Otherwise, use recycled paper for printing invitations, try Twisted Limb Paperworks. Electronic services include evite !



Make sure you include on the invitation the date, time, place, and who the shower is for. Include places (stores and websites) where mom is registered, and also explain that mom is planning a healthy lifestyle for the new family and wishes items to be green.

4) Games and activities - look for games that don't waste paper or other goods.

5) Food - a wonderful salad made from in-season organic fruits is always a delightful dish. If those hostess is busy and there are a lot of guest expected, don't be afraid to ask others to bring an organic dish to share. If the party is being hosted at a restaurant then the food part is easy !

6) Gifts - some guests may need a little help choosing a green gift and the shower host may need to be available to help out with this. If mom is registered somewhere please let all the guest know to help make shopping easier. Remind guests that standard gift wrapping is no-no, and to opt for wrapping gifts in a soft organic blanket, or recycled paper. Reusing old paper is definately okay. Magazines headed to the landfill can be cut up and used to decorate a plain brown paper wrapping. Or use a non-toxic ink and a rubber stamp to make your own decorative brown paper wrap. Finally, tie up the package with a piece of jute from the local hardware store.