There’s a downpour of blessings and you can’t wait to welcome your bundle of joy into this world. But, before you do, you’re probably stumped with just how to ring in the celebrations. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are some trending shower ideas that fits a theme, and more importantly, won’t necessarily burn a hole in your pocket.

Time honored traditions

A traditional baby shower or godh bharai, as popularly called in India, is a ceremony that is celebrated to shower blessings to the mum-to-be. Along with the blessings, it is a joyous occasion where close relatives and friends come together to celebrate the new life that is about to be brought into this world. Godh bharai quite literally means ‘filling the lap’ of the expectant mother with abundance and joy, and is usually celebrated in the seventh month of pregnancy.

GAMES:

To make the function fun and exciting, you can indulge guests with some games to keep them entertained. For example, your guests could guess the girth of the mother’s belly with the help of a ribbon. The closest match can be announced as the winner. Another game could be to remember the baby items passed around in a tray. Simple games like passing the parcel and musical chairs can also add loads of fun to ceremony.

DECORATION:
Karishman Gowani, owner of Millk, Mumbai, says, “The classic godh bharai has its own charm with traditional hand-crafted lamp shades and jhula (swing) for the mum-to-be.” You can decorate the jhula with cute baby products or just go with the classic floral decoration. Make sure the jhula has a proper backrest for the mother and this is where the traditional puja can also be done, where everyone could bless the mother and the baby. Another exciting way to do up the place is by placing childhood pictures of the expectant parents all over the walls. They will be overwhelmed. You could also use a mother’s favourite toys, books or clothes from her childhood to decorate the venue.

PARTY FAVOURS:
As a token of remembrance, providing your guests with a souvenir would be a nice gesture. You can get some dupattas and bangles for the women, as this is something everyone likes to wear. You could set up a photo booth where all the guests get an opportunity to be clicked with the mum-to-be. Towards the end of the ceremony, guests could collect the pictures along with a decorative frame. They can cherish this memory forever.

Get ready to set sail with your guests and have a contemporary, yet chic baby shower. The nautical theme seems to be everyone’s favourite and is a huge hit with every first-time mother. The reason is its classic red, navy blue and white colour scheme. Make a customised anchor-shaped invitation that will welcome everyone aboard. 

GAMES: Afra Kochra, co-owner, Kiddiegram, says, “For the games, you can use the following ideas like, change a doll’s diaper blindfolded in the shortest time, memory game with baby items, decorating bibs and message in a bottle where you get the guests to put in some useful advice in the bottle for the mum-to-be.”

FOOD:
Food plays a major role in any celebration. Always decide the menu based on the theme chosen for a particular occasion. Afra further adds, “There are a lot of snacks that you can serve adhering to the theme. For example, potato boats, sea shell pasta, fish n chips, seaweed dip, submarine sandwiches and seamosas, are just some options.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
Some options for party favours could be: Afra says, “We gave out bottles of shower gel with the caption, ‘From our shower to yours.’ Other options include, anchor-shaped cookies, bath sea salts packed in glass bottles or scented soaps shaped as starfish or other underwater creatures.

DECORATION:
A nautical baby shower theme offers personalised banners, table decorations in the same navy blue and red colours, as the invitation. You can have the signature anchor decoration all around the place. On the table you can place personalised placemats and candy centerpieces. Custom, colourful ceiling decorations will accentuate the place and highlight the theme.

Ritika Nangia, founder, Funcart.in, says, “For an afternoon and evening filled with elegance, laughter and understated glamour, Vintage is the perfect theme. A vintage-themed garden party is easy to plan and has an unparalleled charm, with minimal preparation.” Going vintage means an elegant affair with the perfect décor, food, favours and games, well within your budget.

GAMES:
Ritika suggests, “You can add a twist to the vintage games like baby shower bingo, a hula hoop contest or pin the diaper on the baby are some of the delightfully nostalgic games that will zing up your vintage garden party.”

FOOD:
Afra suggests, “Since it’s hi-tea, you would not be required to serve lunch or dinner but rather evening snacks. In this case cocktail, bite-sized dishes would be appropriate. For example cucumber sandwiches, scones, cheese platters or individual servings of assorted desserts like profiteroles, cookies or mini cupcakes. You could have a DIY tea or coffee station where the guests could prepare a hot beverage they’d like to sip on.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
“Some options are Vintage-themed lace punched gift tags, leather luggage tags, personalized calligraphy notes, handmade chocolates and exotic teas are some of the great ideas to pamper guests and help them remember your soiree for a long time to come,” says Nikita. Other return gift items according to Afra are, scented candles, pot pourri pouches and marmalade packed in mason jars.

DECORATION:

Ritika explains, “With a few well-placed props and décor items, the party can be a great success without burning a hole in your pocket. Items like vintage tableware, teacups and linen can easily be procured at a low cost from a local thrift shop or online shopping portals.” Vintage doesn’t necessarily mean decking up the location with pastels. Ritika advises that colours like turquoise and red can also be great options. To lay out the food, you can display a shabby chic table, sidetable or even a dresser. She further adds, “A vintage telephone, a leather suitcase or a gramophone are some inexpensive ways to create the illusion of a vintage affair.”

Beach bums

Another theme that is popular among the masses is the Beach Baby shower theme. With this particular theme you can experiment a lot with the colours and décor. It will certainly enliven the joyous occasion. Karishma enthusiastically says, “Beach baby shower is my personal favourite. The combination of teal, gold and white colours make the place look vibrant and extravagant.”

GAMES:
Some game options Karishma suggests are, a beach bag filled with baby products for a sensory game, make a doll ready for a beach party in under a minute and fill in coconut water in milk bottles and find out who finishes first. These games will certainly turn the heat up at your gathering. The best part is that all your family and friends would be rather excited to participate in these games.

FOOD:
Karishma suggests, “Jelly fish and starfish shaped sandwiches, cocktail umbrellas pinned over cupcakes or fruit tarts, non-alcoholic jello shots, coconut water and watermelon popsicles to beat the heat are some of the ideas that you can look through.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
A wooden crate filled sunglasses, striped hand towels, mini treasure chest filled with chocolate gold coins, shell or jelly candles, garlands and floral tiaras can make for some interesting giveaway options. The budget for the party favours can be above `350.

DECORATION:
This theme is ideal for both indoor as well as outdoors. You can add elements of dream catchers, fishing nets, shells, beach photo booth, props like sunglasses and hats. Karishma says, “Lifesized surf board titled ‘Baby On Board’ along with a vintage barrel and tree trunk labelled with the name of mum-to-be painted on it.” She further adds, “As you enter, a backdrop of a beach will be propped up for selfies to save memories forever. Tables will be lined with fish nets and shells as well as mason jars filled with summer flowers. Decorative includes colourful jellyfish, dream catchers and seaweed hanging from the ceiling.”

 

 

The festive season is usually filled with a whole lot of love, laughter and excitement. To get you in the festive mood, we think a bit of change is in order? And what better time than now, to redecorate? We bring you the latest trends in home décor, particularly when it comes to the comfort of your little one’s personal spaces. Read on to know more

 

FURNITURE

Latest Trends
When selecting furniture for your kids bedroom, it is essential to make sure you buy safe, sustainable and high-quality products. Choose furniture that will grow with your baby. Mumbaibased independent interior designer, Ayushi Kanodia, says, “Functionality as well as longevity when selecting the furniture should be a priority. Elements of imagination and fun should be a part of their room. Parents also constantly worry about the kids growing out of the furniture. Hence, having the right balance between fantasy and functionality is what is trending these days.”

Select furniture based on the theme of your kid’s bedroom. Founder and creative director, StudioCREO, Parushni Aggarwal, says, “Do you wish to keep the room playful or want to give it a dreamy outlook? For every theme, an array of furniture is available for children. And they are available in bold and contrasting colour choices. A bed bunk is an all-time kid’s favourite. Couple that with comfortable bedding and a monogrammed or striped headboard and you’re good to go.”

Safety
No parents would ever want to compromise on their child’s safety. Children often run around the house and are active throughout the day. They tend to spend quality time in their room, hence, it is important that the furniture is not sharp-edged. Ayushi says, “This is a first priority when designing a kid’s room. Having furniture edges rounded and smoothened should be the way to go. Besides that, consider using water-resistant wood and inflammable laminates.”

Budget
Invest wisely! As your children grow, their understanding and demands will increase. They will start making a call as to what they would like in their own room. So while they are young, make their room child-friendly as well as budget-friendly. Designer and director, Peek-a-boo Patterns, Garima Agarwal, says, “With the DIY trend taking up a big place in interiors, parents have become creative. This has enabled them to go easy on the pockets too. The overall expenditure has been variant as there is demand for both premium and basics.  At the same time, the range has been wide enough so designers are carefully selecting some accessories that are fun but not expensive along with high-priced units, for example, wardrobes.”

Keep In Mind
● Furniture should be functional and ergonomically designed.  For example, a study table should be at the right height.
● For storage pieces, practicality plays an important role. This would make the room clutter free.
● Parushni says, “Make sure your interior designer has met your kids and have spent considerable time with them to understand their needs. It’s foremost to integrate kid’s room with the interiors commensurate to their personality.”
● A fun piece of add-on furniture is a rocking chair personalised with your little one’s initials.

FURNISHINGS

Latest Trends
Furnishings have become the most important accessory while designing a child’s space. They are a great way to add a dose of texture and colour to a kids room. “This is because the theme can be created by using thematic furnishings like curtains and bedding. They are like icing on the cake—helps in giving a visual appeal to the room,” says Garima. According to one of the founders of My Baby Babbles, Mithila Chirawawala, “One of the biggest trends right now are play tents and play mats which encourage a creative hideaway— a place for your kids to call their own. Add this to a playroom or den and let your child’s  imagination run wild.”

Talking about another trend that is here to stay is personalisation. Mithila further adds, “You can never go wrong with adding fun, personalised accents across a kid’s room. Spell out your kid’s name with attention-grabbing, alphabetshaped cushions in bright fabrics or coloured wooden letters. A name plaque at the entrance door, a pretty wall clock or a funshaped cork board will add charm and personality in your little ones space.” Experimenting with different materials like denims for blinds is also a big hit.

Safety
A kid’s room is susceptible to having paints, colours and pencil marks on different things, especially on furnishings. Hence, Ayushi advises purchasing furnishings that are machinewashable without fading out.

She further adds, “In terms of bedsheets, one can go for the anti-bacterial one which will safeguard your kid from rashes.” “Usage of organic fabrics and natural dyes are in vogue. These are safe for a child’s sensitive skin. Easy maintenance fabrics take frequent washes—that helps in maintaining your child’s hygiene,” says Garima.

Budget
Ayushi advises, “It wouldn’t be wise to spend a lot on furnishings in a kid’s room since we know that at some point there will be crayon or paint stains. Hence, opting for rough and tough materials that is machine-washable should be the way to go.” Have an array on display in your child’s room. From bedding and cushions to rugs and fancy clocks, you can get creative. Despite having one too many items, try not to splurge.

Keep In Mind
● A good window treatment is important to complete the look of the room. The colours of the curtains have to be co-ordinated mainly with the walls.
● It is important that all the paraphernalia of the interior is organised well.
● Parushni says, “Space organisation is a key aspect. Kids usually have a lot of stuff scattered around. Look out for  spaces where you can make room for their essentials. They love when there’s space available for them to wander.”
● A toy shelf or bookshelf just above their bed can meet their discerning demands.
● Experiment with lights, incorporate rugs or carpets to enrich dull floors. Also, you can furnish with interesting tiles for a more colourful outlook..