Baby Shower Themes: Decorating & Tableware Ideas

A baby shower is a special moment to celebrate new life with friends and family, and a theme can help tie everything together, from decorations and tableware to the overall atmosphere. We’ve put together ideas for styling five of our favourite modern themes: Woodland Wonderland, Neutral and Minimalist, Safari Adventure, Celestial and Starry Nights, and Peter Rabbit Classic Storybook.

For timeless, traditional celebrations, you may also enjoy our Classic Baby Shower Themes: Pink, Blue & Neutral Ideas, and for detailed themed food and drink inspiration for the five modern styles, see our Baby Shower Food & Drink Inspiration by Theme.

Woodland Wonderland

Mood & Style: Natural, cozy, and rustic. Moss and faux ferns, soft greens and browns, and woodland creatures.

Decorating ideas

  • Small figurines or plush animals: foxes, hedgehogs, squirrels, badgers.
  • Fairy lights draped through greenery garlands.
  • Rustic crates or wooden boxes to elevate desserts or display gifts.
  • Balloon displays in natural browns, tans, and moss-green, and a touch of gold.
  • Wooden tree slice platters for cakes and treats.
  • Red & White material Fairy Toadstools (not real ones!) dotted about the room.

Tableware Suggestions

  • Linen or hessian napkins.
  • Table runner of moss or faux grass, with non-toxic or faux greenery. A woodland wreath with decoration of dried orange slices, rosemary and cinnamon sticks.
  • Wooden cutlery and napkin holders add to the rustic feel.
  • Plates with subtle leaf motifs or ceramic crockery in soft, earthy tones.
  • Wooden tree slice platters for cakes and treats.
  • Handwritten calligraphy table signs on recycled brown card.


Neutral & Minimalist

Mood & Style:
Clean, elegant, understated. Perfect for parents who prefer simplicity.

Decorating Ideas

  • White, beige, cream, soft grey palette with metallic accents (gold or silver).
  • Simple balloon clusters in muted tones.
  • Single statement floral arrangements in white or blush or a simple ceramic vase with eucalyptus leaves.
  • Minimal bunting or banners with geometric shapes.

Tableware:

  • Matte ceramic plates and cups.
  • Linen tablecloths or runners with subtle textures, in neutral colours of cream or beige.
  • Simple jute table mats.
  • Minimalist place cards for guests.
  • Small candles in glass holders for a cozy, sophisticated glow.

Safari Adventure/Jungle Theme

Mood & Style: Playful and fun, with natural earthy textures.

Decorating ideas

  • Jungle foliage garlands with palm leaves, ferns, and eucalyptus - non-toxic or faux if used on food tables/around small children.
  • Small plush safari animals on tables.
  • A balloon display arch of greens, oranges and beige for a jungle feel, or beige and brown for more of a safari feel.
  • Animal-print cushions, sofa-throws or table runners in beige and muted green.
  • Wooden crates to display gifts or desserts.

Tableware Suggestions

  • Bamboo plates or wooden platters.
  • Linen table runner with leaf or palm embroidery.
  • Mini woven baskets for cutlery or snacks - a lovely rustic addition that helps keep the table organised.
  • Woven placemats in jute or seagrass - these bring an earthy, safari texture to the table and pair beautifully with greens and neutrals.
  • Animal-print napkins in muted tones of beige, cream and light brown.
  • Soft green glass tumblers feel natural and subtly evoke jungle tones.
  • Rustic cake stands for themed cupcakes with jungle animal icing toppers.

Celestial and Starry Nights

Mood & Style:
Elegant, dreamy, twinkling and magical.

Decorating Ideas

  • Deep navy tablecloths with gold or silver accents.
  • Star-shaped balloons in dark navy and silver/soft gold, and glittering table confetti (unless you have babies or small children present).
  • Moon-shaped centerpiece or crescent moon props.
  • Starry projection lights and/or fairy lights across the ceiling. Hanging old-style ceiling lamps give a lovely effect.

Tableware and Textures

  • Metallic or shimmer-accented plates.
  • Midnight-blue linen napkins with gold napkin rings.
  • Glassware with subtle glitter or gold rims.
  • Sparkling candle holders or tealights for a twinkling effect.
  • Star-shaped ceramic trinket dishes that could hold sweets, nuts or macarons.
  • Navy and gold cutlery - matte navy handles with brushed gold heads.
  • Zodiac constellation table place cards.

Peter Rabbit & Classic Storybook

Mood & Style: Whimsical and charming.

Decorating Ideas

  • Soft pastel balloons with blue, gold, and white accents.
  • Fresh flowers in blues, lilacs, whites and creams
  • Peter Rabbit figurines and themed tableware.
  • A Peter Rabbit hamper as a central gift table display.
  • Storybook pages displayed around the room.
  • Reading corner with cushions and beanbags for guests to enjoy stories.
  • Little “garden” centrepieces with mini carrots or faux vegetables.

Tableware Suggestions

  • Ceramic plates with delicate floral or animal motifs.
  • Linen napkins in soft pastels.
  • Wooden or wicker trays for desserts and sandwiches.
  • Blue and cream table runners.
  • Gold paper confetti in circle or leaf shapes (please don't use if any babies or toddlers are attending)
  • Personalised Peter Rabbit napkins or name tags.


Next, explore theme-based food ideas for your baby shower , return to our main Baby Shower Theme Guide or read our full overview on how to plan a baby shower.