Is It Tacky to Hold My Baby Shower in My Own Home?

No, it is not at all tacky! My friends held my baby shower in my home too - for the same reasons as you are considering: central location and low cost. It never entered my mind that it was tacky - I guess I'm just too practical! :)

I don't think so - My friend/ family hosted mine in my house largely due to location and a pet allergy. BEsides.. you aren't hosting it and you don't have to transport presents!

I don't think so at all! It's usually more cost effective, and honestly, it's easier for you (once you get through prepping the house for the event) since you don't have to relocate the gifts after it's over! My friends hosted my baby shower (3 years ago) at my home and it was great... and I didn't get any negative feedback!!! :)

I think it is fine.

Where I am from in MO, showers, either bridal or baby, are held in someone's home, in a church hall, or, if someone is lucky enough to live in a community that has a "clubhouse," they're held there. Finger foods are served.

When I moved here and started attending showers, I nearly stroked. Full meals in restaurants? Seriously? I still think this is insane!!! I totally do not get this and it is a wonder that anyone has showers for their friends...it literally costs hundreds if not thousands of dollars. I always think that the showers are like wedding rehersal dinners.

Maybe I just run in fancy circles (I really hope not, no one seems extra-fancy, so I'd hate to see how the fancier people do it.) I honestly think that there is now a certain "one up" that people are trying to do. If I were invited to a shower at the bride or mom-to-be's house I would think one thing: "Wow, she had to clean her house for this." LOL!

I think it's a great idea, you will not have schlep your stuff home. It's easier on you, your hubby, and since you're centrally located, it's easier on your guests.

Good luck and I hope you do decide to do it at your house. There needs to be a trend back to "reality" when it comes to these events.

edited to add: What is tacky is the 50/50 raffle for a "diaper fund." Please don't do that. (And yes, one of those fancy-schmancy restaurant showers did indeed have a 50/50 raffle for diapers. For parents who don't *need* money.)

I think the invitations should say "hosted by friend" and make sure the RSVPs go to her, not you. And during the party, you should act like the guest of honor, not the organizer. (for your own enjoyment, too!)

I have received so many truly tacky shower (wedding, mostly) invitations, the location of the shower is just not an issue for me.

I had my baby shower at my home. It was sooooo much easier on me. You don't have to lug any presents back home and you are comfortable. My MIL thought it was tacky, but everyone in my family thought it was a great idea. I refused to have it at a restaurant or banquet hall, it just gets too impersonal for me, and my parents live in Florida. I had a great time and I know my family and friends enjoyed it. I also know most of my hubby's family made negative comments, which don't both me in the least. No matter what I do, there will be comments. So do what is best and easiest for you and your friend.

Our favorite family babysitter had her baby shower (hosted by best friend) at her house and it turned out beautifully...was in centrally located spot and she was in third trimester and starting to feel achy so it was the most comfortable spot for her as she could sit in her favorite chair to open her gifts...everybody was very happy for her in expecting her first child...no comments at this shower about the location of it...

C. L, mom of 3, prenatal yoga teacher

Hi N.,

I don't see how it could hurt. We had my mom's 60th birthday party at my parents' house because it also was centrally located. My sister even came down early to help clean the house so my didn't feel like she had to prepare the place for guests.

Have a great time and congrats!

M.

I don't think it's tacky. My SIL had her's at her house that her friend threw for her. The only problem was that my SIL ended up doing most of the work (cleaning, decorating...). So I would just caution that if your friend wants to throw it for you that you are not the one that does all the work just because it's at your house.

I know what you're saying. I had the same delema. My two girlfriends hosting my shower either lived too far away or didn't have the space. We eventually decided to host it at my house in the backyard and it worked out very well. I think my favorite part was that the guests got to see the baby's room before my son was born. I will say that being 7 and a half months pregnant and making sure that my house was ready for all of my friends was a little stressful, but I think that it all worked out beautifully. Good luck!

I don't think it's tacky at all. I would love to be having my baby shower in my own home, that way you don't have to transport the gifts. Plus I think people like the chance to see the nursery.

If your friend isn't offended then why not? However if she is I'd be careful. I have been to many showers and people will drive where ever they have to go. It's important to know how she feels exactly.

Hi N.,
My sisters hosted my baby shower 11 years ago at my house. It is very acceptable. They organized it all. I had absolutely nothing to do with it except be there, of couse. It was really nice to sit and rest while they got everything ready. It turned out beautifully.

I don't think it is tacky at all, and if your friends want to bring the food and such and help with the clean-up before and after and it's not stressful for you, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Another plus, you won't have to haul all the gifts home!! It's time for all of us mom's to stop worrying about what everyone thinks and do what's best for us!

I think it is perfectly fine, too. I've known many mamas to be who have had it at their own house, but was hosted by someone else. All of your reasons make good sense, so I would go for it. Congratulations!

My mom and my sister threw my baby shower, but we had it in my backyard because neither one of them have one. I don't think it is tacky at all.

I dont think its tacky at all. If its easier for everyone to get to then do it there. One thing nice about doing it ar your house is you dont have to worry about having a car to bring all your presents back to your house.

So not tacky - I thonk it is a great idea. The important thing is how comfortable with it you are - if you are comfortable, everyone else will be too. You could also use it as an open house opportunity for those that have not seen the house and besides, everyone will want to see the nursery!! Have fun!

I would say...and this is my gut reaction and not overthinking it.....if the guest list is just close friends and family.......not loaded with casual acquaintances and folks that would otherwise not be visiting your home at some point, then I would say everyone should understand. The need to be formal and stand on principles that are just not practical, is not there. However I do feel strongly that it is your friend that should extend the invitations and take the "RSVPs" and should be the one "explaining" the rationale for the shower's location, not you. Good luck with your new baby!!! Showers are such great events.

I think that is perfectly fine! It's not like you are throwing it for yourself. I threw my sister's baby shower at her house. Similar situation to yours. Plus, all the gifts won't have to travel anywhere!!

I think it is an awesome idea. Just packing up the car, unpacking the car, and putting everything away is a pain and you are more than 1/2 way done having it your home. People can see what will be the babies room it is more comfy, homey in my opinion to have it at your home as well.

I don't think it is tacky at all--sounds like a great location and a good way to introduce others to your new home. Try to forget any perception that may or may not be there and think about the practicality as well as saving your friend some $

Have fun!

absolutely not. I had mine at our home. I didn`t like the ones in some restaurant or country club. I love my home and I could make some of my ethnic foods, plus I at least felt more comfy at 8 months. Depends of course how many guests. We have a big family and still it worked out well. good luck

I don't think it's tacky but there will be people who will. If you are okay with that then I say go for it. I wanted mine to be at my house but SIL thought it was tasteless and MIL had it at a restaurant instead. It is getting to be more common now but just be aware there will be those who will find it tasteless. It's on how comforatble you are with it.

I had two showers, and one was at our house. I thought it was great, because then we didn't have to transport all of the gifts back to our place! As long as it's clear that someone else is actually throwing/hosting the shower, then I don't think it's tacky. (IE: their return address & their phone # for RSVP's on invitations.) Good luck, and congratulations!

Trends are changing, and what's "acceptable" is so different now than it was even 5 years ago. I see no problem with having it at your house. I hosted my daughter's (five years ago), along with two of her friends, and there were people that commented on that, but no one else was taking the steps to make it happen.

I like what other posters have written - that you won't have to transport the gifts. That's a biggie - that's alot of hard work. Also, about the guests seeing the nursery - have your friend add that to the invitation: "Exclusive invitation to visit the nursery of baby ___". Something like that. Make it a big deal that they get to see the nursery.

Best wishes, and an early congratulations to you!

Honestly,
I don't think it is tacky at all. My cousin is having her baby shower at her new house next week. I think if you having it at your house is being very considerate of all your guests and your friend who is having the shower for you. Not tacky at all.

I am actually going to a shower at the mom to be's house on Sat. She is having twins...I wish I would have thought of it so much less hassle!

I think it's fine. My sisters threw my baby shower at my house. Everyone had a great time. My one sister took me out to lunch while my other sisters decorated and got everything ready. My home was really convenient to all the guests and it was so much easier on me.
Have a great time!

Hi N., I don't think its tacky to have a baby shower in your home. I have been to several in the mom-to-be's home including my own. I think its actually easier on the mom. You don't need to luge anything back home or pack up the car and I think you are more comfortable in your own home. Plus I think its easier on the guests ince they probably know where you live and don't need to go to someplace they haven't been before. Its a great opportunity for people to see your home and even the nursery if you have it ready. Enjoy it in your shower!!