One of the fun aspects of having a baby is planning your baby shower. Sometimes called a ‘new family shower’, you can make this event into whatever you want – more like an extra birthday party where all the attention is on you and your imminent new arrival.

You may have heard terrible tales of squealing women playing strange games while the menfolk are sent to the pub, or the interminable exchange of labour stories while cake is trodden into the carpet and the mum-to-be suffers from indigestion. If this isn’t for you, don’t despair. How about you and your partner inviting over a few good friends and close relatives for a low-key relaxed celebration? Or even better, a friend or family member may wish to throw a baby welcoming party or shower for you.

No matter who hosts it, set the scene with good food, suitable drinks and a few pointers to get you in a baby-welcoming frame of mind. Depending on the time of year, you could either have your event at home in the evening or at a favourite outdoor venue at lunchtime. Another option is to go to a restaurant for an early dinner and come back home for dessert and drinks.

To keep the conversation away from ‘ghastly birthing stories I have heard’ you can plan a few simple activities. A sweepstake to guess the date of birth, weight and gender of baby (if you don’t already know) always generates a lot of discussion - www.kiwifamilies.co.nz have some interesting ideas in their pregnancy section and www.kidspot.co.nz have some different ones in their pregnancy - third trimester section.

Get started now by putting together an invite list, and downloading our handy babyshower invitations. 

Preggy-friendly food ideas

In terms of catering, the nice thing about a close gathering is that there isn’t a mountain of food preparation to do. Assuming you’re not planning a full blown dinner party, try some pregnancy-friendly nibbles like crostini. Slice up a French stick, drizzle with olive oil and bake in a 180^oC oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Top with your current favourite foods like thin slices of home-cooked steak and horseradish or fresh vine tomatoes and basil, or aged cheddar cheese and onion marmalade.

You can cut ready rolled puff pastry into squares and top with combinations like ricotta cheese mixed with parmesan and chives (ensure they’re washed well with water before adding). Bake at 200^oC for 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden. Alternatively make your own hummus by putting a drained can of chickpeas into a food processor. Add two tablespoons each of lemon juice, sesame seeds and olive oil, plus a teaspoon of garlic and whizz till smooth. Serve with crispy fresh vegetables like carrots, celery and cucumber.

If you fancy making up a cheeseboard allow 60-100g of cheese per person, remembering to avoid the surface ripened cheeses like brie and camembert, and cheese made with raw milk when you’re pregnant. Teamed with some delicate wafer biscuits or crispy mini toasts, seedless grapes, quince paste, dried apricots, unsalted roasted cashew nuts or plain Brazil nuts there are plenty of goodies for you to choose from.

If in doubt, everyone loves the sausage rolls you buy in frozen logs and bake at home. Great with tomato sauce, you’ll develop a taste for them as they’ll frequently appear at children’s birthday parties through the years!

The drinks can be simple too. A glass of bubbles is suitable for your guests – it’s a celebration after all. Sparkling grape juice is an option for the hostess (you can tie a ribbon round your glass so it doesn’t get mixed up with the strong stuff), or you can get your fix of the antioxidant lycopene by making a tomato juice based Virgin Mary. Mixing your favourite cordial with soda or tonic water can make a refreshing change…and it’s good for the drivers in the party too.

Endorsed by our New World Nutritionist  ||   Proudly Partnering with Parents Centre

Thinking about antenatal classes? Parents Centre run excellent Childbirth Education Classes throughout New Zealand. Contact your local centre or go to www.parentscentre.org.nz for details.

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