Ideas for Displaying Favorite Books at a Baby Shower

Sign-In Book

• Use your favorite childhood story as a sign-in book. Guests can sign inside the front cover, on the edges of the pages or inside the back cover. Choose a book with plenty of space for messages and well-wishes for the new baby and her parents. This is a keepsake that she can keep and read throughout the early years of her childhood, and then it can be stored and read to her own children when she gets older.

Centerpieces

• Arrange children's books in the middle of guest tables for interesting conversation pieces. They can be cardboard baby books, vintage books or those of a particular author or subject such as "Hop on Pop," "The Jungle Book" or "The Little Engine That Could." For even more impact, add stuffed animals or other toys such as a Dr. Suess, monkey or wooden train that carries out the theme of the storybooks. Guests will enjoy reminiscing about their own favorite childhood stories and poems.

Buffet Elevations

• Stack assorted children's books on food tables to elevate favorite items such as fruit and vegetable trays, finger sandwiches, dips and chips, and of course, the cake. This will give eye appeal to your food displays and place them at a level where adults can easily serve themselves. Stack the volumes by subject, color or size to add even more interest to your buffet line.

Children's Corner

• Set up a small table in the corner of the festivities for children of guests. Display books from your own childhood that you would like to share with the young party goers. If you are worried about damage to these beloved volumes, purchase replicas and add other storybooks and corresponding coloring pages that you think your tiny guests will enjoy. This will keep them occupied as the shower progresses. Give small books as party favors to your young guests as they leave.