There are three elements of design that you can use to tie your decorating scheme into your shower’s theme. Color creates a mood and unifies the party space, a mix of patterns and solids creates interest, and theme icons remind guests that this is a baby shower.

Using Color

Any color (even black) can be incorporated in the baby shower decorating theme. When using colors for party décor, avoid a smorgasbord— too many colors is visually distracting. Tie things together by using no more than three colors—a main color, one slightly lighter, and the third slightly stronger or brighter for accent. For example: Use a soft pink with white and touches of black for drama. Substitute bubble-gum pink for the pastel and chocolate brown for the black to create a trendier look.

Using Solids and Patterns

Patterns add interest and depth to the decorating scheme. When using patterns, the scale of the design must be considered. Large, bold graphic designs make a definitive, modern statement, but can also be overwhelming. Small floral and geometric designs work great when used with stripes and checks.

As with all design, too much of a good thing is simply too much—black and white polka-dot napkins can add a perky touch, but a whole room attired in dots is dizzying. Save strong patterns for accents; use solids or subtler patterns for larger areas like tablecloths.

The following table shows some traditional and trendy color palettes that you can consider in your décor. Use this table to select your color palette. Carry the color scheme through in paper goods like napkins, plates and cups, flowers, and favors.

Color Schemes

COLOR	TRADITIONAL	TRENDY
Pink	pale or baby pink with white or ivory	fuchsia or hot pink with white, pale pink, black or chocolate brown, silver, pewter
Blue	pale or sky blue with white or ivory	pale blue or turquoise blue with chocolate brown, copper, stainless steel
Red	fire engine red with primary colors-royal blue, crayon yellow, and tree green and white	Shades of red from classic red to Moroccan red, russet, Indian red, hot pink, burnt orange with black and white, stainless steel, gold, bronze, purples
Yellow	pale or butter yellow with white	marigold yellow with pewter gray, navy blue, or chocolate brown, copper
Green	soft sage or pale apple green with white or ivory	apple green or Godzilla green with chocolate brown, tangerine, Aegean blue, or lemon yellow, white or black, silver
Purple	pale lavender with white or ivory	lavender with pewter gray, aubergine, marigold, apple green, copper

Using Icons

If you have chosen a theme based on a particular image or item—a baby carriage, an angel, a duck, a rattle—you may want to incorporate this into your decorating plans. You can use the icon on invitations, as part of the centerpieces, or perhaps as a featured design on the paper plates, napkins, and cups you plan to use. By using graphic software or even a color copy machine, you can incorporate cute icons into your decorating plans and put your own creative signature on the baby shower.