Baby shower ideas London

By Jen Barton Packer on 26/4/2019

Some things from across the pond, like Michelle Obama, SoulCycle and Hamilton, we can't get enough of. Others, like baby showers, seem a bit naff. Then again, the bash Serena Williams threw pal and mum-to-be Meghan Markle at the posh Mark Hotel in NYC, with flower arranging and food by the Jean-Georges Vongerichten, didn't seem too shabby. In fact, it sounded like a lot of fun.
In the spirit of our American Duchess, and the fact that baby showers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, here are some baby shower ideas for you and yours. Elegant, relaxed, interesting, stylish... there's not a chocolate nappy poo game in sight. We promise.

Throw a baby shower at home with goodies from Meringue Girls

A baby shower doesn't have to be a super-fancy affair – after all, it's about the people, having a giggle while guessing whose baby photo is whose and eating all the goodies. Since alcohol is off-limits for the mum-to-be (and any other pregnant guests in attendance), make up for it in the best way possible: with copious amounts of delicious-looking, and tasting, sugary fabulousness. Meringue Girls has it all, like rainbow cakes, meringue kisses, rainbow roses and unicorn meringues. Perfection.

Have a casual lunch at a yummy vegan food spot like Kalifornia Kitchen

What all pregnant women secretly crave? Not pickles, or burgers, or ice cream (the heartburn!). They actually want a really delicious, healthy meal that makes them feel energised and not totally enormous after they've consumed it. Which is why we love the idea of a fun baby shower lunch at London's favourite vegan hotspot, Kalifornia Kitchen. And just think of the Insta pics of those gorgeous rainbow-hued salads. Yum.

WHERE

19 Percy Street, London, W1T 1BZ

Go to a classic London hotspot like The Ivy

When it comes to throwing a great baby shower, picking a reliable, elegant venue – where you know the food is going to taste great and there are lovely tipples for non-pregnant guests – is key. Which is why The Ivy, with its many London outposts and different decor styles, is a winner. The Chelsea Garden location on Kings Road, with its floral scheme, is perfect for celebrating a lady in full bloom – and there's a private room that seats up to 30 guests.

WHERE

Locations around London and across the UK

Opt for the five-star hotel experience at The Berkeley

A baby shower is the perfect excuse to indulge in a little luxury, which is why anything involving a five-star hotel in London like The Berkeley is always going to be a hit. Enjoy a meal, sample a stylish tea or book in a spa day for the girls while the mum-to-be has her own pampering treat: a much-needed, relaxing, pregnancy massage.

WHERE

Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL

Use it as an excuse to learn something new at McQueens Flower School

Why can't a baby shower be an excuse to spend an afternoon doing something totally fabulous, like learning a new skill? Take a leaf out of Meghan Markle's book and try floristry; McQueens offers a one-day masterclass (£260) where you'll pick up tips on flower care and create your own glorious bouquet to take home with you.

WHERE

229 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, E2 0EL

Spend an afternoon at Cake Boy cookery school

Another activity-based alternative for a baby shower you'll love? Something pastry-based, of course. At Eric Lanlard's Cake Boy, you can spend an afternoon frosting cupcakes or baking with chocolate. Or book in for an indulgent afternoon tea and save your energy for tasting instead of baking.

WHERE

Unit B, Kingfisher House, Juniper Drive, London, SW18 1TX

Have high tea at the Shangri-La

An afternoon tea is a popular choice for a baby shower because it ticks the most important boxes: food and drink the mum-to-be can consume without stressing they're on the banned list, plus a gorgeous setting. The Shangri-La at the Shard is offering a royal high-tea experience in celebration of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's bub. It includes an overnight stay for two at the hotel, breakfast, use of the Sky Pool and Gym and scrummy high tea with nursery-rhyme inspired mocktails, from £585. One to gift your bestie?

WHEN

through 31 May 2019

WHERE

31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU