[minidiamond]

I would like to have some kind of celebration of our impending arrival but the idea of a bunch of women sitting around talking about babies/playing games and oohing and ahhing after each bunny rug is opened, doesn't hold a great deal of appeal to me. I completely appreciate that it's really nice idea for some but just not my cup of tea; I'm not really a girly-girl.

So I want to have a gathering of our friends, anyone done any alternatives ? I have read of 'Blessingway' but it's a little too earthy for me. Of course we could have just a baby welcome party but if anyone has heard of any other names for gatherings, or has bright ideas it would be appreciated !

A BBQ might be a bit tricky as it'll be cold, maybe a champagne brunch ?? Our place is probably a bit too small as well, so might have to be an alternative venue. We are in Sydney.

Any suggestions appreciated !

This post has been edited by Liltuss: 25/04/2012, 04:36 PM

[Lainskii]

I had a high tea for mine as the 'baby shower' that was planned didn't happen due to dd being born 8 weeks early.

It was a really nice break from the hospital trips and a great way to catch up and relax. There was some ohhing and ahhing over presents I received though, but you could specify 'no presents' if you really don't want any.

[autumn sun]

You could call it a Baby Blessing - people might still refer to it as a baby shower as that is just the usual term. I can't think of venue ideas unless you have a relative or friend who is happy to host.

You don't have to play games - some yummy food and a chance to chat is great. People do like to see you open the presents though.

Do you want baby presents or are you all set? Otherwise you could have a children's book theme party and ask people to bring a book for your child's library. I love kids books - so I wish I'd done that! (Though the baby stuff was handy too)

It doesn't have to be an all-girl affair either - guys can welcome your little baby-on-way too.

Have fun!

[autumn sun]

Did you know you can hire parts of the Darling Harbour aquarium or the Australian Museum (skeleton room! how stupendous would that be!) for parties. The National Parks hire out islands in Sydney Harbour for the day. Depends on your budget! I'd love to hire an island for a day!

[roses99]

My gorgeous work colleague threw me a lovely champagne afternoon tea on her stunning back deck.

It was wonderful.

There were no games. Just a group of friends sitting around sipping champagne (except me - non alcoholic) and chatting.

I don't think you have to call it anything. Or even if you call it a baby shower, it doesn't have to be a traditional baby shower in terms of having silly games etc.

[charlottesmum04]

What about a spa morning with a few close friends?

I can imagine as i get bigger the idea of a pedicure would be pretty good ( dont imagine i could manage to reach my own feet by then. )

I am in no way a girly girl just trying to be practical that by then my feet might need a little TLC.
Would be alot less the traditional baby shower just alot of girls together gossiping..

[minidiamond]

Thanks for the suggestions- just to be a bit clearer, I'd like men & women. I'm not into a 'girly' gossip thing (ie generally turns into baby/kid chat & I have a few single friends so don't want them feeling like I used to at baby showers !) so the spa, high tea etc might not suit the men so much.

Autumn sun, I read about baby blessing (similar to blessingway which has the native american tradition) but I also want to avoid religious overtones.

I know I sound like I'm being fussy so sorry if it seems I'm 'rejecting' some of the suggestions !!

I would love to hire somewhere, just not sure we have the budget - and yes, I do need a few baby things, but it's not imperative, we can afford to buy our own !

[CubaLulu]

Why not just book a restaurant for a lunch or dinner with a group of close friends? Instead of gifts everyone can just pay their own way (you can often arrange a banquet deal for a large group with a fixed price per person)...

[Mrs_Princess]

You could have a BBQ or Picnic with heaps of delicious food, pretty blankets and everyone BYO's a chair and have it somewhere really nice or meaningful to you or your DH.

You could go on a boat that is hired out for functions either for lunch or pretty night time dinner cruise.

I wouldnt call it anything, just invite people to help you celebrate the fact you will be having a new baby soon Im sure you could find some nice wording on google.

[Guest_Retro_Mumma_*]

Im going to do a high tea, ive got a friend who does candy buffets with lollies, chocolates, maccaroons, flowers etc and ill let her do her magic and just have the girls over. No pressies or games just to show everyone the nursery and catch up.

Or maybe a BBQ with kids and partners, im not sure yet.