How to Host a Jack & Jill Baby Shower - Tips for Hosting a Co-Ed Baby Shower

Traditionally, baby showers are thrown only for the mom-to-be, and only her closest female family members and friends are invited. Well, times are changing and in this day and age it is becoming more and more popular to throw a co-ed baby shower. Co-ed baby showers, also called "Jack & Jill" showers, are thrown for both the mom and dad-to-be, and all close family members and friends - including all of the boys - are invited.

So you've decided that you're going to host a co-ed shower, and if you were planning on a floral scheme with a lot of pink, you're going to have to make some changes. Since baby showers are hosted for women, everything - from the invitation to the location, the meal to the games, is usually feminine. Here are a few ideas for making the baby shower man-friendly too.

Baby Shower Invitations - Start here. Be sure you clearly state that it is a co-ed shower, and if you're sending it to a couple, address it to both of them. Try to veer away from really girly invitations and be sure to avoid frills and pinks. You want the men to feel like this is a party they'll enjoy too...you don't want them to feel like they're being dragged along with the women.

Location / Venue - The best location of all is in your home, if you have the space. Something casual and comfortable is welcoming for both male and female guests. People can sit back and relax in the living room, eat and chit chat in the kitchen, and mingle and have a drink outside if possible. Move some furniture around to create more space, and put the snacks in easy to access locations. Put fresh veggies on the kitchen table, chips and dip on the coffee table, and cheese and crackers next to the couches.

Baby Shower Decorations - Again, try to stay away from pale, pastel colors that scream "girly" or "baby shower." Instead, try deeper hues, such as navy blue or hunter green. This is especially great if the baby is a boy. If a girl, perhaps try a lime green or a yellow. Something a little more colorful will make the environment a bit more appealing to the guys. You can still use balloons, and maybe some streamers, but try to keep it to a minimum. Remember, less is more.

Food - A simple, hearty menu that everyone can enjoy is the best option. Just because you and your girlfriends are on diets, doesn't mean the men are - they're not going to fill up on Chicken Caesar Salads. Chips & dips, subs from your local deli, chicken and pasta salad - these are classic options that are great for a low budget, too. If the weather cooperates, have a barbecue. What man doesn't enjoy a couple of steaks, burgers or hot dogs? And if you're really unsure of something that everyone will enjoy...who doesn't love pizza?

Baby Shower Games - They're not necessary, but if you're inviting guests from different sides of the family they can be a great ice breaker. Be sure to choose games that get both the guys and girls involved, such as the bottle or diaper changing race. For fun ideas, check out our Baby Shower Game Ideas article.

Baby Shower Favors - No matter what the event, it's difficult to find a favor that both men and women will love. Your best bet is giving something edible. After all, what man doesn't love to eat?! We have personalized mint tins, gumball machines and boxes, and our favorite: chocolate dipped and decorated brownies and rice krispie treats. Yummy!

A co-ed baby shower should turn more into an intimate gathering of family and friends; a casual get together where people can catch up. Try to get the men involved with everything - for example, when it comes to opening up the presents, have all the guys team up to assemble the big ticket items such as the crib or dresser. The last thing you want is to end up segregating the men from the women. The guys shouldn't be watching football in the living room - or at least, not for the whole time!

© 2010 Kelsey Bowen, Little Things Baby