BABY SHOWER CAKE IDEAS: FOR A GREAT CENTERPIECE AND DESSERT

A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the family. Although baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

·    "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be

·    "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

·    "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is common for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake, and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method - this is done by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

·    Angelfood cake
·    Butter cake
·    Butterfly cake
·    Carrot cake
·    Cheesecake
·    Chocolate cake
·    Chiffon cake
·    Cupcake
·    Devil's food cake
·    Fruit cake
·    Gingerbread
·    Ice cream cake
·    Mooncake
·    Pineapple upside down cake
·    Pound cake
·    Spice cake
·    Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Remember that the 'goal' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.

Tips For Planning Great Baby Showers

Baby showers are parties thrown for friends that are pregnant. This practice has significantly changed over the course of the years and has gradually become more and more elaborate and planned.

Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn’t abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.

Inviting the Guests

Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. It wouldn’t hurt if she gets a first look at the guest list so that she can suggest who should be invited. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.

If the child is not a firstborn, you may opt to keep the number of guests down to the closest to the mother. Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother’s first time.

The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.

You could use informal ways to invite these guests: email, phone and others. Invitation cards and other letters are the best way, however, as they provide a tangible, traceable evidence of invitation. Plus, it is the most sure and formal way to invite a person – and in many cultures – the only way.

What About the Guys

The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine. It also depends on the men, since the party may dwell on topics such as pregnancy, children, and other motherly topics, they might not be that excited to join. All in all, it depends on the preference of the organizers.

Venue

Anywhere! As long as it can keep with the placid and fun nature of the occasion, any place would be fine. The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful. Just make sure the venue is not crowded and stressful to the mother-to-be. It also pays to make sure the venue is set long before the actual baby shower happens.

When to Throw a Baby Shower

Usually this is one or two months before her due. The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. It has to be well-timed though – not too close to the due date, and not to far as to whittle down the excitement.

Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. It takes a lot of the stress of expecting a child off of their minds and provides a means for friends to show support and concern (and of course, baby gifts) to expecting friends.

A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children.