Helmet Party
The idea is to furnish the couple's house with the necessary tools and hardware that every house should have. Guests are encouraged to wear jeans. Buy a pack of plastic kids' tools and attach a tool to each invitation with a piece of ribbon. Print party favors by hand, or use your computer to create something clever.
A toast
The theme is an extended toast to the couple. A fancy written invitation is tucked inside a Styrofoam cup with a ribbon on the stem.
Gourmet shower:
Guests are asked to bring gifts that can be used in the kitchen, such as cookware and cookbooks. Tie the invitations to the pot holders.
Good trip shower:
If the couple is planning an out-of-town honeymoon, make the shower invitations look like luggage tags, then affix them to the couple's destination brochures.
Garden Party:
Use miniature watering cans with a packet of flower seeds and an invitation attached to the handle of each can with a narrow ribbon.
Party working:
Guests must help paint a room or lay grass. The invitation is attached to a small shovel or other suitable tool.
Cookies:
Fill a toilet paper roll with a small plastic bag of mints, wrap with crepe paper cut 3" longer than the toilet paper roll on each end, and tie both ends with ribbon. Glue on a name tag.
Mini cowboy hats:
For a western-themed party, print out the names and attach them to little hats to use as place cards.
Mug with flowers:
If you're hosting a garden party, buy an inexpensive mug that fits the garden theme and place a silk flower inside. Attach name tags, and use as place cards.
When it comes to creating centerpieces, use things you have around the house:
Decorated birdhouse:
For a country garden party, nestle a cheerfully painted birdhouse in raffia.
Chef's hat:
Slip a chef's hat over an empty coffee can, shop for potted flowers like moms, and glue kitchen utensils onto the plant.
Decorated Easter Basket:
Encourage guests to give money at the shower by placing fake currency in a basket filled with decorative grass.
