Question:
I'm hosting a baby shower for my daughter. I have a hall rented with tables and chairs. The invites will be sent to about 70 women, we should have a show up of at least 50. I thought I would do some door prizes and skip games because their are so many people. Any ideas? Also, how do I set it up so that people are up and socilizing and not just sitting at table. Especially if I don't do games?
Answer:
Dear Jenny,
Getting a handle on a crowd of 50 or more is a bit like herding cats! We'd better swing right into our solutions!
6 Tips for getting 50 people to socialize:
1. Serve finger food only. No entrees. No sit-down courses. Have a couple of salty snacks on your menu. Salty snacks, like mixed nuts or chips and dip, guarantee that women will get up more often to refill their beverages. Conversations always get started around the punch bowl!
2. Music. With a crowd this large, it's a must. Pick songs that go well with your shower theme. Music sets the party's tone. It works magic on people that conversation alone can't. Your guests will likely dance and sway to the music, which is a great way to loosen up the group. If you've got great sounds going, people are less likely to hide behind table and chairs. If you're able, make sure there is some room to serve as a dance floor. That gives guests room to express themselves.
3. Pick a helper or two who will serve as Shower Greeters. Make sure each guest gets a warm welcome and a cute name tag. Have music going and ask the greeters to smile broadly and enjoy the music as they welcome the crowd. Guests will take their cue for the day right at the front door. That's where you, as the hostess, need to set it up so you make that fabulous first impression.
4. During the planning phase of the shower, pick 5 good friends from your daughter's guest list and draft them into service to function as "Professional Minglers." Have these women circulate through the crowd to make introductions easy and keep conversation going.
5. If possible, appoint a few helpers (Beverage Buddies) to serve the first round of beverages from festive trays. Beverage Buddies working with Master Minglers will help to keep the crowd away from the tables. Have your Beverage Buddies on alert to keep working the drinks trays as often as needed.
6. There are non-intrusive style games that can be used as conversation starters that encourage guests to loosen up and start talking. Have a look at BadaBadaBingo's Bun in the Oven and Pacifier Necklace games.
Afterthought:
You strongly indicated that you don't want to play games. With a crowd this large, I'd ask you to reconsider and play BadaBadaBingo's Baby Bingo Deluxe game - Bingo always seems to get the crowds livened and people tend to look over each other's shoulders to see how close the other is to getting a "Baby Bingo" ... it makes for conversation and joviality.
After planning and preparing, don't forget to let go and party! You can bet everyone present will get a kick out of seeing Grandma-to-Be celebrating Mom-to-Be! I have no doubt that your shower is going to be a great success!
Happy Showering,
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
