Baby Shower Theme: Parisian Bebe

Indulge her fondness for the City of Lights and infuse everything from the food and dessert to the decor and invitation with a touch of France. If you’re headed out, choose a French restaurant or, if you’re staying in, order in a yummy brunch that includes croissants, crepes, and still-warm baguettes.

The Invite: Forget a store-bought invite and get creative. Inspired by France’s fields of lavender, choose a palette of light purple, black, and white. Start with a blank flat card in lavender or white and print out the party details on one side. Then, on the other, decorate using themed rubber stamps of the Eiffel Tower or a fleur-de-lis in purple or black ink.

The Decor: Cover tables in gauzy linens and top them with creative centerpieces, such as a wire Eiffel Tower and pots of fresh lavender. For the guest of honor’s table, spell out the French word for baby (bebe) using decorated wooden letters. The best part? These can be used as decor in baby’s nursery after the shower. Finally, frame and hang a couple sheets of Eiffel Tower Wrapping Paper.

The Cake: A coffee bar with tasty French desserts is tres chic! (Be sure to have decaf on hand!) Display an assortment of pastries on silver tiered trays. Macaroons are a must and can be ordered online in beautiful colors.

The Game: Hand-write or print out the French translations of baby-related words such as mom, dad, rattle, and diaper onto strips of paper. Fold them up and place them in a bowl. Pass the bowl and have guests guess the English translation. Winners receive a prize, such as mini-perfume bottles or a bottle of wine.

The Favor: Lavender-scented sachets are a thoughtful and easy-to-craft favor. Simply cut up 5-inch squares of fabric such as this black-and-cream print of the Eiffel Tower. With the squares facing out, sew a 1/4-inch seam around three sides. Turn the square inside out and pour in approximately two tablespoons of dried lavender. Sew up the final side to finish. Place in a pretty organza pouch with a custom thank-you label.