If you find yourself getting ready to plan and host a baby shower with an extra large guest list, consider hosting a drop-in shower. Also known as a “come and go” shower, this kind of baby shower is like an open house where guests can stop by to celebrate the mom to be. It’s a unique option that provides the flexibility to accommodate a large number of guests while still offering the intimacy of a smaller shower.
It’s the best of both worlds, and planning couldn’t be easier. Read on for 5 tips that might make a drop-in shower your go-to format for all future events!
Design the invitation with clear instructions
Choose your theme and then design an invitation that clearly states this is an “open house”-style event. You can simply call it a “Come and Go” shower, or you can add a brief description near the event details so everyone is clear on the format. Try something like: “Drop in any time for light refreshments and a chance to celebrate the arrival of Baby Smith.” Guests will understand that they can arrive at whatever time works for their schedule!
You also have the option of assigning specific time slots to each group of guests; this ensures that your guests’ arrival times will rotate more smoothly. Divide the guests into 3 or 4 groups with about 10- 20 people in each group, depending on your guest list total. Guests can be divided into groups based on their relationship to the honoree: a group of close friends, a group of coworkers and neighbors, and a group of immediate or extended family members. You can order different sets of invitations and assign “drop-in” times in 45-minute to one hour increments, or you can leave a space to write in the specific group’s drop-in time on each invitation.
Most of your guests will understand the concept without a lot of questions and will be happy to stop in and spend time with the mom-to-be.
Serve light refreshments
Because guests will be arriving at different times, create a menu that’s easy to refill and replenish. Large displays and buffets might appear “picked over” by the time the last guests arrive, so consider serving the food in easy-to-grab, individual portions. We love the idea of charcuterie jars (pictured above), and the same concept could work for small veggie cups with ranch dip and fruit cups with fruit dip. Miniature muffins and finger sandwiches are classic shower foods that are easy to pick up and enjoy, as well.
Don’t forget dessert: a sweet display of cupcakes can constantly be replenished as guests filter in and out. And you can send guests on their way with a custom-designed sugar cookie as a delicious parting favor.
Make it Festive
Since this is an open house-style shower, we love the idea of creating a focal point the guests will see right when they arrive! Consider creating a balloon display around the entryway, or surrounding a special seat for the guest of honor. This kind of display also makes for the perfect photo backdrop for guests to pose in as they arrive!
A welcome sign display board is also a good idea to have just outside the front door or on the porch, so that guests can be certain they are in the right place!
Skip the games
With a drop-in shower, the focus should be on quality time and conversation. And with limited time, don’t worry about planning a game. Instead, opt for a simple activity guests can complete on their own. One of our favorites? Advice cards that guests fill in with their best parenting advice.
We also love a good guest book alternative: guests can sign their names in a children’s book or Bible with a prayer and a wish for the new baby. Another idea that doubles as a decor: ask guests to sign a canvas or fill a shadow box! My sister in law had a table set up at her baby shower with a shadow bow, small wooden hearts, and markers. Each guest wrote a simple note on a heart and dropped it into the shadow box. That box is now on display in my niece’s bedroom, and it’s the sweetest reminder of everyone who excitedly celebrated her arrival.
Time Well Spent
A drop-in shower is a simple, yet meaningful way to include lots of guests and get to enjoy time with each one. While it may feel like a long day for the host with lots of people filtering in and out, it is sure to be a special day for each guest who drops by to celebrate–and the guests of honor will appreciate getting to see so many loved ones, too.
For more baby shower theme inspiration, check out our PInterest boards and other baby shower related blog posts. And, as always, you can direct guests to RegistryFinder.com to find all of the new mom’s registries in one convenient location!
Featured Image Courtesy of TheBlondeAbroad