Sunday, January 2, 2011

Baby Shower Invitations: Baby Footprint Design

A baby’s footprint says everything: the innocence, tenderness and charm of a newborn.  These values come to mind of anyone who sees it.  No wonder it is a favorite theme for occasions that call for such, like that of a baby shower.  Here is a guide on how to use the baby’s footprint in the baby shower invitation.

Printed

The first way of using the footprint is to print them on the invitation.  You may use a single or both feet as the main design.  Immediately, your guests will know that it is a baby shower invitation, just by seeing the footprints.  Make the print standout by using a complementary color to the background or the paper color. 

As a supplementary to the text of the card, baby footprints can serve as a silhouette background of the text.  As a silhouette, footprints are effective as outlines, instead of filled with colors.  As an outline, only the marks where the baby’s feet press the ground (balls of the toes and heel and sides of the feet) are highlighted. 

For an animated effect use several small footprints in the main design or silhouette background.  To make it appear like a baby just walked across the page, reduce the size of the footprints, as the trail moves from the fore to the rear ground. 

Embossed

Embossing is a process of creating relief on the paper by using a special tool to engrave the paper.  Since this uses a special tool, it is best to leave the manufacturing of this kind of invitation to the professionals. 

Embossed footprint invitations convey an elegant mood for the baby shower.  Most embossed invitations are monochromatic, that is, they use a single color for the paper and the embossed design.  However, some printers have the capability to color the raised portions of the footprint, for an extra fee. 

Design and layout can be similar to the printed kind, but it is best to use the footprint sparingly for a dramatic effect.

Stamped

Rubber stamps have been around for ages, and it is widely used in many applications: business, trade, craft and even politics! As the rubber stamp craft is a well-established industry, you can find rubber stamps of baby footprints, of varying sizes and designs.  When you have chosen a pattern that suits your intended invitation design, you can then use it to stamp single prints or multiple prints inked in a variety of colors. 

For a subdued effect, use the stamp as a seal of approval or a signature of the baby, inviting the guest to the baby shower.

At the party, use the stamps to continue the theme from the invitation.  Stamp them on napkins, thank you cards and game prizes for a unified effect.

Cutout

Lastly, use the footprint design as a cutout baby shower invitation.  This is a very interesting application as it veers away from the conventional 2” X 4” invitation size.  Use the front of the card to announce that there is a baby shower, and the back, for party details and RSVP information. 

Carry the cutout theme to your baby shower by placing baby footprint cutouts on pathways, floors and even walls. 

Use also footprint cutouts for thank you cards, for a uniformed look.

With such a simple idea, there are many possibilities.  Choose the style to fit your mood and use cute baby shower footprint invitation cards today!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

What Baby Shower Food to Serve

A baby shower is a traditional way of celebrating the coming (or the birth) of a new baby and welcoming him or her as a new member of the family. They can be hosted and organized by anybody, usually the close friends/group of friends or relatives of the expectant parents. It was once considered improper for family members to host baby showers (because they usually center on the gift giving), but nowadays it is fine for family members to help (and plan) them.

Baby showers are usually held a month or two before the mother's expected due date (some cultures, however, consider it bad luck to hold baby showers before the baby is born). They are intended not only to welcome the baby but also to help the expectant parents by giving them gifts that they will need for the baby.

Planning for a baby shower can be an enormous task. Everything requires a great deal of planning - from the guest list, to handing out invitations, to the decorations, to the games, to baby shower favors - and, most especially, to the food.

Every party cannot be without food, as they are considered as one of the best parts or the highlight of a party. This applies to baby showers as well.

There are numerous types of food that you can serve during baby showers. Some of them are the following:

·    Bread or sandwiches
·    Dessert (cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc.)
·    Chips or fries
·    Pasta
·    Pies (pizzas, etc.)
·    Salad
·    Drinks (punch, juice, wine, etc.)

Below is a list of several tips and guidelines on food ideas that will surely delight your guests and the parents-to-be:

1. The baby shower food that you serve will largely depend on the time of day when it will be held. A baby shower that will be held at noon or at dinnertime usually requires a full 'sit-down' meal, while early afternoon or early evening showers can do with appetizers, salads, and finger foods. In addition, the amount of food that you need to prepare will depend on the number of guests you will be inviting.

2. Have multiple snack trays for serving different varieties of food - you can have one with an assortment of finger sandwiches, another with sliced turkey or smoked chicken, and still another with sliced fresh vegetables served with a dip that you can place in the center of the tray.

3. Try to match your food and keep them in-line with the baby shower's theme (if ever there is any). You may consider serving scones and finger sandwiches if your baby shower theme is a tea party. Or, if you are having a nursery rhyme-themed baby shower, cakes and pies that resemble the characters from famous nursery rhyme (such as Humpty Dumpty deviled eggs).

4. Put some 'life' in the baby shower foods that you will serve. Instead of serving your fruit salad in a simple salad bowl, try presenting them in a melon bowl (or better yet, in a baby carriage-shaped melon server).

5. Decorate your food table by tossing baby pacifier candies, chocolate bars, and confetti all over it.

6. Personalize your eating utensils. Match their colors with the color scheme of the entire party. Consider using disposable cups or plates for easy clean up.

7. It is important to take into account the special diet of the mom-to-be, so try to avoid serving food that the pregnant mom herself would not eat. In addition to her allergies and food aversions, avoid the types of food that are prone to contamination and food poisoning, such as soft cheeses, uncooked meat and (most especially) alcohol.

By following these food tips, you will surely be able to pull off a successful (and memorable) baby shower.