If you’re looking to throw a baby shower for a friend or family member, the endless options can be daunting.  We threw a shower ourselves recently and after calling some local spots and realizing the minimum for the number of people – and the fee just to rent the room – we pivoted and hosted it at home, with a to-go order from Taco Joint, a yogurt and granola bar, a gorgeous dessert bar with all the goodies and flowers we could get our hands on at Trader Joe’s, and a mimosa bar…and it was fab.  So whether you’re looking to throw something homegrown, or an event that’s a bit more formal, here are some of our Top Ideas for Baby Showers in Austin.

via The Cathedral ATX

High Budget – or –  Fancy But *Creative with the Budget* 
It’s fun to make plans for a splurge party when you’re just writing it and not footing the bill for it.  But if this is the kind of budget you’re looking to spend, or maybe you have a smaller group and want to rent a table or a tea room which would keep down on the costs over hosting a larger party.  For high tea, we’d check out The Four Seasons, The Driskill, and Goldie’s at The Austin Proper Hotel. If you’re looking to book a table or a private space, high up on our list are Mattie’s, where you can sit in an elegant vintage house and admire the peacocks on property, and The Cathedral ATX for its 19030s East Side charm. We also love Walton’s Fancy and Staple, and hotels like The W, The LINE Austin, Soho House, and South Congress Hotel, many of which have multiple event spaces to accommodate both large and small parties.

More Ideas for High Budget Showers: Fancy Afternoon Teas in Austin | Bee Lavish Vintage | Events at Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Celebration II via Austin Party Cruises

Medium Budget/Lots of Y’all Are Chipping In
We love the idea of renting an Airbnb for a baby shower, or even a local residential pool on Swimply.  You could also reserve The Celebration II from Lake Austin Party Cruises and head to the lake. This boat is complete with two bathrooms, a captain, a large air-conditioned area for guests, a bar, a buffet area for food, and staff to help.

We also think local breweries and wine bars are excellent locations for baby showers.  Guests are happy, there’s indoor and outdoor access at most, and typically snacks, cheese plates, or even full-on meals or catering to choose from. Some of our top picks are Oasis Texas Brewing Company, The Austin Winery, Duchman Family Winery, and Meanwhile Brewing.

More ideas for Medium Budgets:  Miscellaneous Rentals | Takeout Ideas | Balloons | San Jac Saloon | Jester King Brewery

via Radio Coffee and Beer

The Let’s Keep It Tight Budget
Throw it at your house or one of Austin’s parks with building rentals, and have a few of the hosts provide some easily shareable dishes.  Not up for cooking?  There’s always HEB and Central Market for food-to-go, catering, and balloons, and Trader Joe’s for flowers!  We also love the idea of bringing in from Bruger’s Bagels, Taco Deli, or The Peached Tortilla.  If you’re looking for a casual venue, we’d recommend one of Austin’s gorgeous coffee shops like Radio Coffee and Beer, Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden, and Bouldin Creek Cafe.

More Ideas When You’re Working with a Budget:  Ten Awesome Coffee Bars in Austin | The Best Cookies in Austin | Restaurants and Breweries with Giant Yards | Easy Tiger Austin

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