Summer baby showers are the best and can be the most fun because you have the option of also going outdoors, to the backyard or at a picnic spot and enjoying the fresh air.

They aren’t necessarily less stressful to plan, however.  The decorating part doesn’t have to be too burdensome. More and more companies are making it easier for party organizers to decorate events by selling some “out-of-the-box” packages of decorations. 

For example,  Big Dot of Happiness (www.bigdotofhappiness.com) offers variety of high-quality unique and customizable party themes and makes it simple to throw a decked-out event that’s sure to impress. You can search for themes, for custom boy or girl parties or build one from scratch, including shower game novelties and other cute cut outs and ideas. 

Check them out its Pinterest board for more baby shower, birthday party and wedding shower ideas.

And for a refreshing alternative to alcoholic cocktails, serving mocktails with custom names unique to the parents or impending arrival is also a hit trend.

The folks over at  Soda Stream wanted us to share with you these fun recipes to try for those with their soda stream machines and products. If you don’t have them, feel free to substitute in club soda or a similar drink.

And congratulations to Bellyitch Bumpwatch  mom-to-be Scarlett Johnasson for becoming Soda Stream’s first global ambassador. Good for her. 

Enjoy these recipes:

SodaStream Diet Pink Grapefruit

Pomegranate Syrup or grenadine

Splash of lime

 The Storkie

SodaStream Cranberry Grape

Orange Juice

Splash of Lime

Lullaby

SodaStream Club Soda

Tangerine Juice

Splash of Lime

Cucumber “Mama” Mojito

SodaStream Mojito

1 cucumber, sliced

ice