Winning Entry by Joy Codd

Plan The Perfect Shower For Your "Mother Goose"-To-Be

A baby shower is a time-honored tradition, and nothing says tradition like the classic rhymes of Mother Goose. Throw the perfect celebration for your "Mother Goose"-to-be with these tips.

Consider homemade invitations crafted from cardstock, Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose gift wrap, and vellum paper. The invitation reads:

Hey Diddle, Diddle,
The Cat and the Fiddle,
Jane Smith will be a mom soon.
Please join us June 3rd to honor our friend,
With a baby shower beginning at noon.

In each invitation, include a different rhyme and encourage guests to incorporate it into their gift. For example, "Rub a Dub, Dub" may inspire items for a baby's bath.

Decorate tables with linens made from Mary's Mother Goose fabric. Use rhyme-inspired centerpieces. A toy crown and candied hearts represent the Queen of Hearts. A gingerbread house transforms into King Pippin's castle.

Organize a few games. Try "Famous Characters." Pin the name of a nursery rhyme character to each guest's back. They must ask questions to determine their identity. The first person to guess correctly wins. Play Mother Goose charades or have guests compose a rhyme about the mom-to-be. She can select the winner. Decorate hard boiled eggs and have a "Humpty Dumpty" egg toss. Prizes may include "Ring Around The Rosie" mini rose bushes or "Jack Dandy" sugar candy.

Finally, every great shower needs delicious food. Serve "Humpty Dumpty" scrambled egg bake, "Hot Cross Buns," "Little Boy Blue" berry scones, "Queen of Hearts" lemon tarts, "Peter, Peter Pumpkin" bread, "Curly Locks" strawberries and cream, and an assortment of "Jack Sprat" salads. Don't forget to bake a cake, market it with a "B" and serve it to your guests with coffee and tea. With Mother Goose as your inspiration, the possibilities are endless!