Plan the Perfect Summer Shower

April isn't the only month that will be full of showers this year! As the weather heats up, so will your social life. Couples are always getting married and having babies, and chances are you or at least one of your friends or family members will be throwing a summer shower. To complete the theme, be sure to include these necessities for a bridal/wedding, couples, or baby shower.

Decorations:
The two most popular themes for summer parties are beach and luau. Go crazy with flip flops, sea shells, and sand, or pull out the grass skirts, tiki torches, and leis. Take a look at the location where you will be hosting your event, and begin planning from there. If it's a backyard barbeque, you can decorate with hanging lanterns, twinkle lights for an evening party, and bright outdoor linens and flatware. If your event will be indoors, focus your decorations on flowers (real or fake) and themed party favors. They look great on the table and on your guests!

Invitations:
A wide variety of invitations are available for all occasions. There are endless beach, tropical, and luau themed options, as well as a variety of couples and baby shower options. Spend some time browsing, because there is a good chance you will find an invitation for your specific event with your specific theme! Most invitations are available blank or personalized, so whether you prefer to do it yourself or to delegate the task to someone else you will be covered.

Gifts:
Gifts for a summer shower can be practical and fun at the same time. Pregnant moms-to-be will love you for the light summer dresses and coordinating pair of comfy flip flops you give them. Help that special woman stay cool and comfortable during the hottest and most uncomfortable months of her pregnancy. Cute bikinis and sandals are a fun way to shower a bride-to-be. Engaged couples will also love new home necessities for the outdoors. Instead of the traditional linens and kitchenware, switch it up and provide trendy picnic flatware, backyard linens, fixin's for the grill, and outdoor decorations. Don't forget containers for sun tea and margaritas by the pool!

Food & Beverages:
Plan your menu first and foremost around the couple you are showering. Whether they love a pig roast, barbeque, or fish fry, plan to cook up the dishes they enjoy most on a hot summer day. Include frozen drinks to keep everyone cool, and plenty of ice in the coolers. For baby showers, create some unique tropical or fruity non-alcoholic drinks by taking a beloved classic and adding a twist. (Add some pomegranate juice to your lemonade or give your virgin pina coladas a minty coconut twist!) Also, don't forget to give your vegetarian and vegan friends plenty of options! A cool platter of fresh veggies will please everyone, and adding veggie burgers, roasted vegetables, and various salads (pasta, fruit, etc.) to your menu will be something all your guests will thoroughly enjoy.

Party Favors:
Send each guests away with a little something to thank them for making your favorite friends' showers perfect. Cute themed wine stoppers, candles, mini paper lanterns, and paper fans all make cute additions to your tables and will impress your guests. Send each guest away with a mini pail and shovel or hollowed coconut shell filled with simple goodies, seashells, individual sunscreen bottles, and a small slice of summer fun.

Games:
Each shower is different, and each honoree will have a different idea of what kind of games they want to play at their shower. Some will be all about traditional wedding or baby shower games, while others might want a more relaxed and social environment. When picking out activities for your shower, think about the number of guests you will be having and the amount of supplies you will need. If you pick a game that requires writing or drawing, be sure you have enough markers to go around! Remember, if you're having a diverse crowd that won't really know the other guests, conversation games double as a great way to break the ice!

Help:
Showers are a great way to start a couple off right with necessities for their life together or the new life they are bringing into the world. However, the host(ess) is often the one who needs the most help in making sure everything goes off smoothly. Don't forget to offer an extra hand in cleaning up, organizing, or making sure everyone's drink is topped off. You don't have to be the one putting on the party to be certain that it goes smoothly. Pitch in however you can, because even the smallest job can turn out to be a huge help!



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