Baby shower for daughter in law

[Lady D]

Ok, I'm out of the loop here, as a grandmother to be at age 51, my daughter in law mentioned to me earlier that she is worried about a baby shower but stated she only has a couple of friends here and the one that is supposed to be her best friend is a girl named Shawna who has not bothered to come see her once since she has been here for 2 to 3 weeks now. I know she is not supposed to have a shower for herself. What is the rule of etiquette on having a baby shower? I have only been to one and that is many years ago like when I was a teenager. Should I put this together myself and give her one? I know none of her friends other than this Shawna and another woman. Most of her friends are in Clarksville and I know none of them at all, don't even know who they are? And when should one be given as to how close to the time of the baby's arrival? Thanks.

 

[BeachbumAggie]

Baby showers are generally given about 2-3 months before baby's arrival. Typically the mother nor mother in law (nor grandmothers or grandmothers in law) would be involved in giving the shower. A sister or sister in law or aunts/cousins would be very acceptable hosts however as well as friends of yours. If it's done in the family and you'd like to help but not be listed as a hostess, then that would be fine as well. Or that's how we'd do it in Texas-rules might vary a bit in your area of the South.

Showers can be as simple as cake and punch or snacks or brunch at someone's house or church or could be held out at a lunch spot or tea room. Some folks even hold the shower at the couple's house to show off the completed baby room but the party is still hosted by others.

I don't know how far Clarksville is from Memphis but maybe someone there would want to host and could do it at someone's house in Memphis?

I hope it works out, a pregnant girl doesn't need added stress!

 

[Lady D]

Baby showers are generally given about 2-3 months before baby's arrival. Typically the mother nor mother in law (nor grandmothers or grandmothers in law) would be involved in giving the shower. A sister or sister in law or aunts/cousins would be very acceptable hosts however as well as friends of yours. If it's done in the family and you'd like to help but not be listed as a hostess, then that would be fine as well. Or that's how we'd do it in Texas-rules might vary a bit in your area of the South.

Showers can be as simple as cake and punch or snacks or brunch at someone's house or church or could be held out at a lunch spot or tea room. Some folks even hold the shower at the couple's house to show off the completed baby room but the party is still hosted by others.

I don't know how far Clarksville is from Memphis but maybe someone there would want to host and could do it at someone's house in Memphis?

I hope it works out, a pregnant girl doesn't need added stress!

Clarksville is about 200 miles from Memphis and she is 26 weeks now. She has a aunt here and cousin I know of but there is very little communication between her and them. Don't know whether there are other relatives here or not. I think when she mentioned that to me it was sort of a hint on her part. Thanks for the suggestions. I will have to get with my son about this.

 

[luvbug]

I know there are also people who plan parties and such for you so you don't have to do it yourself. As far as her not having many friends, perhaps some nice people on here would volunteer to come and make friends with everyone. I am not sure about that, it was just a thought. I would come if it is at a time I can. I need to make new friends myself and I am your age. It does not have to be anything fancy, what is important that she gets what she needs for the baby! I don't know how others feel about this, but I think it would be a nice thing to do for someone who has not lived here long. How does anyone else feel about this?

 

[Scooter]

I am now a proud grandmother (GiGi) at 53. My daughter-in-law gave birth to a beautiful little girl on Monday night. I gave her a baby shower and invited all of my friends and her mother. It was simple with cake, finger sandwiches, cheese, grapes, cookies, veggies and dip. We played baby bingo while opening presents. Also had champagne punch - Korbel with Ginger Ale and punch - Lime Sherbert with Sprite. We decided to mix the two and found a wonderful new drink. Fun was had by all!!!!!! Never thought being a grandmother (GiGi) could be so amazing!!!!!!!! Good luck!

 

[Lady D]

Congratulations on the new granddaughter, luckily I have found a local friend of hers here who just sent me a message that she would love to help and gave me her number so I could call her and we could discuss what to do. Yay.

 

[luvbug]

Grandmother

I am now a proud grandmother (GiGi) at 53. My daughter-in-law gave birth to a beautiful little girl on Monday night. I gave her a baby shower and invited all of my friends and her mother. It was simple with cake, finger sandwiches, cheese, grapes, cookies, veggies and dip. We played baby bingo while opening presents. Also had champagne punch - Korbel with Ginger Ale and punch - Lime Sherbert with Sprite. We decided to mix the two and found a wonderful new drink. Fun was had by all!!!!!! Never thought being a grandmother (GiGi) could be so amazing!!!!!!!! Good luck!

I wanted to congratulate you on your new little grandaughter. I am sure she will be spoiled (as she should) by her new grandma! I also love her name! I hope all goes well and she is a healthy little girl. I am sure she is beautiful!

 

[Beach Runner]

Congratulations, Scooter and Lady D!

I was a hostess at a baby shower for one of my best friend's daughter last spring. We had a lot of food, including a fruit tray and a veggie tray, as well as a brunch casserole, and cake. But these were hardly touched, as well as the lemonade and iced tea. The women devoured the homemade cheese straws, and the mimosas were the most popular item.

Lady D, I know you'll enjoy this special time of your family's lives.

 

[seacrestgirl]

Congrats!

I would keep the fare light, as people don't really eat much at parties these days. A sampling of fingerfoods is sufficient. I think Mimosas are essential to any shower, and I would offer a non-alchololic beverage as well.
I have used this punch when needed...it's super easy and not too sugary sweet!

Equal parts of Fresca and Pineapple juice....alter to taste.

Ya'll have fun!

 

[Rita]

I know there are also people who plan parties and such for you so you don't have to do it yourself. As far as her not having many friends, perhaps some nice people on here would volunteer to come and make friends with everyone. I am not sure about that, it was just a thought. I would come if it is at a time I can. I need to make new friends myself and I am your age. It does not have to be anything fancy, what is important that she gets what she needs for the baby! I don't know how others feel about this, but I think it would be a nice thing to do for someone who has not lived here long. How does anyone else feel about this?

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I may be confused but isn't the dil in Memphis and folks from this message board from all over the country? Isn't it either a shower for friends and family of the expecting couple or a sort of charity event to help someone out with getting their nursery started? The "charity" route seems like a whole different ball game.

Lady D, how about some of your son's friends and family hosting a shower. He's as much a part of the excitement and good news as the mother. right? ..

Congratulations to them and you!


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