60+ Sweet as a Lemon Baby Shower Ideas
Lemon-themed baby showers have become one of the top trending party themes. As a mom of 5 who's helped plan countless celebrations, I can tell you that lemon baby shower ideas are some of my favorites for their cheerful, versatile charm.
A "Sweet as a Lemon" celebration brings vibrant, sunny energy that works beautifully for any season, gender, and style. This guide covers gorgeous decor, delicious food and drinks, entertaining games, adorable favors, and more—with options for every budget and skill level.
Preparing for baby's arrival? Check out my baby registry checklist, newborn sleep tips, and crafts for kids to keep siblings entertained during party prep.
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Lemon Baby Shower Ideas (“Sweet as a Lemon”)
Lemon Baby Shower Invitations That Set the Tone
Your invitation sets the party vibe, so it's worth thoughtful design and wording.
Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the shower for adequate planning time, especially for travel. Digital invites work with 4-6 weeks notice, but more time is better.
To help you decide on the best approach and timing, check out our comprehensive guide on how to plan a baby shower.
Popular invitation styles:
Watercolor lemons – Soft and feminine
Vintage botanical prints – Perfect for farmhouse rustic looks
Modern minimalist – Clean lines with simple lemon illustration
Photo invitations – Mom-to-be with lemon props
Have fun with punny phrases. "Sweet as a Lemon," "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Baby," and "Main Squeeze" are crowd favorites.
Wording template:
"We're tickled pink (or blue) to invite you to celebrate [Mom's name] and her sweet little lemon. Join us for a 'Sweet as a Lemon' baby shower on [date] at [time]. Let's squeeze in some fun before baby arrives."
For digital invitations, sites like Paperless Post and Evite have gorgeous lemon templates with automatic RSVP tracking. For printed invitations, Etsy offers custom designs for $15-30 for digital files you can print yourself.
Enhance envelopes with yellow options, white with lemon sticker seals, or printed liners with lemon patterns. Include all important details: registry, parking, whether kids are invited, and if it's a surprise.
For more guidance on these details, see our baby shower etiquette guide.
For eco-conscious options, seed paper invitations are perfect. Made from biodegradable paper with embedded flower or herb seeds, guests can plant them after the party.
If you're interested in more sustainable ideas, explore our eco-friendly spring baby shower favors.
Stunning Lemon Baby Shower Decorations
Decorations create your party atmosphere. Both expensive purchases and DIY projects on tight budgets can look amazing with proper planning.
Start with your color scheme—it's your foundation. Yellow and white is classic and photographs beautifully. Add greenery (eucalyptus branches, lemon leaves, green balloons) for depth.
Must-have decoration elements:
Balloon garland or arch – Your statement piece
Table centerpieces – Fresh lemons with flowers
Backdrop for photos – DIY or purchased
Tablecloths and runners – Base for everything
Signage – Welcome signs, food labels, directional signs
Balloon garlands are trending and DIY-friendly. Use a balloon decorating strip (Amazon, $8), 80-100 balloons in yellow, white, and soft green, plus fresh greenery. Takes about 2 hours and saves $150 compared to hiring professionals.
For centerpieces, stack 5-7 lemons in clear glass vases, add water, and top with white flowers or greenery. Simple, elegant, and costs $5-8 per centerpiece.
If you're looking for more floral inspiration, check out our floral baby shower ideas and daisy baby shower ideas.
Photo backdrop options:
Balloon wall – Cover area with yellow and white balloons
Fabric backdrop – Yellow or white fabric with lemon cutouts
Flower wall – Rent or DIY with artificial flowers and lemon accents
Simple banner backdrop – Banner against plain wall
Sometimes simple is best. A white wall with a "Sweet as a Lemon" banner and corner balloon clusters looks professionally polished.
For tablecloths, yellow pops boldly while white feels elegant and highlights centerpieces. White tablecloths with yellow or gingham runners add detail without overwhelming. Gingham provides perfect summer picnic vibes.
Include small details like yellow napkins, lemon-printed plates, and name cards for each guest. Signage ties everything together—welcome signs, food labels with punny names like "Pucker Up Lemon Bars" and "Main Squeeze Lemonade."
Real lemon branches with leaves from floral supply stores ($10-15 per bunch) add authentic, fresh elements. String lights (yellow or warm white) transform evening showers, creating cozy ambiance.
Sweet as a Lemon Dessert Table Ideas
The dessert table often stars at baby showers. People photograph desserts more than almost anything else.
You don't need endless desserts for an impressive table. Quality over quantity works better. Pick 3-5 excellent desserts and style them beautifully.
The cake is the centerpiece. Options include naked cakes with fresh lemon slices between layers for rustic beauty, tiered cakes with yellow buttercream and white flowers for classic elegance, or spherical cakes resembling giant lemons (though potentially heavy on fondant).
For more creative inspiration, browse our baby shower cake ideas.
Best desserts for lemon baby showers:
Lemon bars (always a hit)
Lemon cupcakes with yellow frosting
Lemon meringue tarts or mini pies
Sugar cookies decorated like lemon slices
Lemon poppyseed loaf cake
Yellow macarons with lemon filling
Lemon curd in little dessert cups
Lemon bars are easy to make in large quantities. Dust with powdered sugar right before guests arrive for fresh appearance.
Cupcakes are portion-controlled and easy to grab. Get creative with toppers—lemon slice fondant cutouts, yellow buttercream swirls, edible flowers, or "Sweet as a Lemon" signs.
For styling, create different heights using cake stands, fabric-covered boxes, or tiered serving trays. Flat tables look boring and don't photograph well.
Check out our baby shower dessert table ideas for more detailed styling tips.
Use white or yellow tablecloths, add runners or fabric swoops for texture, scatter fresh lemons strategically, and add greenery or candles. Coordinate dessert plates, napkins, and serving utensils—details matter.
Create labels with punny names: "Pucker Up Baby" for cupcakes, "Squeeze the Day" for lemon bars, "Sour Then Sweet" for tarts. Guests appreciate creativity and photo opportunities.
If you're not a baker, order from local bakeries or buy Costco sheet cakes and add your own decorations. For non-lemon desserts fitting the color scheme, consider yellow-frosted sugar cookies, white chocolate-covered strawberries with yellow drizzle, or vanilla cake pops in yellow candy coating.
The cake topper is your final touch. Custom acrylic toppers from Etsy saying "Sweet as a Lemon" or the baby's name, wooden toppers, or simple fresh flowers with lemon slices all work beautifully.
Set up structure early but add actual desserts and fresh elements within 1-2 hours of party start. For outdoor showers in heat, protect frosted or creamed desserts from melting by keeping them covered or shaded until serving.
Refreshing Lemon Baby Shower Menu and Drinks
Food and drinks are as important as decorations for creating memorable experiences.
A lemonade bar is almost essential. It's interactive, looks amazing, and everyone loves options. Set up a drink station with multiple flavors.
Lemonade bar flavor ideas:
Classic fresh-squeezed lemonade
Strawberry lemonade
Lavender lemonade
Mint lemonade
Raspberry lemonade
Peach lemonade
Blueberry lemonade
Make 2-3 flavors in large glass dispensers with spigots (Target/Walmart, $15-20 each). Set out garnishes: lemon slices, fresh berries, mint sprigs, edible flowers. Provide striped paper straws and nice plastic cups or mason jars.
For mocktails, make "Lemon Drop Mocktails" with lemonade, sparkling water, and pineapple juice. Rim glasses with sugar and add lemon twists. Sparkling lemonade (regular lemonade mixed with lemon-flavored sparkling water) is refreshing and special.
Food ideas for lemon showers:
Tea sandwiches – cucumber cream cheese, chicken salad, egg salad
Cheese and charcuterie board – add lemon preserves and fresh fruit
Caprese skewers – cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil
Lemon chicken skewers – grilled with lemon marinade
Fruit platter – focus on yellow fruits (pineapple, mango)
Pasta salad – lemon herb pasta salad
Veggie tray – with lemon herb dip
Include at least one lemon-infused savory dish. Lemon chicken skewers (marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs) are easy finger food. Lemon pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, and feta is light and refreshing year-round.
For brunch showers, serve lemon ricotta pancakes, lemon poppyseed muffins, quiche with lemon zest, or lemon-glazed coffee cake. Brunch foods photograph well and cost less than lunch or dinner.
Include at least one gluten-free and one vegetarian option, clearly labeled. Use white platters to make food pop, garnish with lemon wedges and herbs, stack sandwiches in tiers, and arrange fruit in rainbow order. For more seasonal menu inspiration, explore our summer baby shower food ideas.
For sandwiches made ahead, cover with damp paper towels and plastic wrap to prevent drying. Remove covering before guests arrive.
If you're planning to make your own dishes, check out our DIY baby shower food ideas for creative recipes.
Label food with the same cute style as dessert labels, especially for allergen identification. Interactive stations like make-your-own bruschetta bars or build-your-own sandwich stations take timing pressure off hosts.
Catering is perfectly acceptable. Panera, Costco, and local caterers offer good options. Your time and sanity have value.
Fun Lemon Baby Shower Games and Activities
Games can make or break your shower vibe. Too many and guests get bored; too few creates awkward silence.
Plan 3-4 games maximum, spaced throughout the party. Don't do all games back-to-back—guests will check phones or look for exits.
Best games for lemon baby showers:
Baby shower bingo with lemon-themed cards
"Don't Say Baby" game with lemon necklaces
Guess the baby food flavor (include lemon flavor)
Diaper raffle called "Squeeze the Day Diaper Raffle"
Baby price is right game
Baby predictions and advice cards
Baby bingo is classic. Find free printable lemon bingo cards online or make your own. Guests mark off items as mom-to-be opens gifts; first bingo wins. For more game ideas that work perfectly with this theme, visit our baby shower games collection.
"Don't Say Baby" uses lemon necklaces or bracelets (Amazon). If someone catches you saying "baby," they take your necklace. Most necklaces at the end wins.
Guess-the-baby-food-flavor is both gross and funny. Buy 6-8 jars, remove labels, number them, have guests taste and guess. Include a lemon flavor.
Diaper raffles help stock diapers. Include invitation notes: "Bring a pack of diapers for a chance to win a prize." Diaper-bringers get raffle tickets for prize drawing.
For prizes, spend $10-15 each: candles, bath products, wine, hand cream sets, or Amazon gift cards. Nice enough to want without being excessive.
Advice and prediction cards are sweet keepsakes. Guests write parenting advice, guess birth date and weight, or predict appearance. Find cute lemon-themed printables on Etsy.
Onesie decorating stations are popular. Set up tables with plain white onesies (various sizes), fabric markers, iron-on lemon designs, and fabric paint. Guests create custom clothes for baby. Buy extra markers—they run out fast.
Photo booths aren't games but everyone enjoys them. Set up backdrops with lemon-themed props: oversized cardboard lemons, "About to Pop" signs, funny hats, glasses, baby bottles, pacifiers. Designate a photographer or leave an Instax camera for instant take-home photos.
For more inspiration on creating the perfect setup, see our baby shower photo booth ideas.
Keep energy up with small prizes for winners: mini succulents, fancy chocolate bars, scented candles, or gourmet lemon candies tied with ribbon.
If you're planning a co-ed celebration, check out our co-ed baby shower games for options that everyone will enjoy.
Adorable Lemon Baby Shower Favors
Party favors are optional but nice thank-yous for attendance. People appreciate leaving with small gifts.
Favors should be useful or consumable. Nobody wants dust collectors. Think about what you'd actually use.
Lemon baby shower favor ideas:
Mini lemon soaps (bulk on Etsy or Amazon)
Lemon seed packets with "Watch Me Grow" tags
Homemade lemon cookies in clear bags
Small bottles of lemon-infused olive oil or honey
Lemon bath bombs
Lemon drop candies in mini mason jars
Lemon seed packets are affordable ($0.50 each) and meaningful. Attach tags saying "Watch Me Grow" or "From Seed to Sprout, Thanks for Helping Us Out."
Lemon soaps from Etsy sellers cost $2-3 each in bulk. Wrap in yellow tissue paper or organza bags with thank you tags.
If crafty with time, homemade lemon cookies are wonderful. Bake lemon sugar cookies, put 2-3 in clear cellophane bags, tie with yellow ribbon, and add cute tags.
For more creative favor inspiration, browse our DIY baby shower favors ideas.
Packaging options:
Yellow organza bags (cheap in bulk)
Small kraft paper boxes with lemon stickers
White favor boxes with yellow ribbon
Mini mason jars are reusable and adorable. Fill with lemon drop candies, homemade lemon curd, or bath salts with lemon essential oil. Check out our baby shower gift bag ideas for more packaging inspiration.
Custom labels elevate presentation. Design on Canva and print on sticker paper, or order from Etsy or Vistaprint. Include baby's name and shower date for personal touches.
Spend $2-5 per favor ($60-150 for 30 guests). If that's not in budget, skip favors—nobody will be offended.
Set up a favor table near the exit with signs like "Thanks for Squeezing in Some Time for Us" or "Take a Little Lemon Love Home."
Lemon Baby Shower Outfit Ideas for Mom-to-Be
The mom-to-be deserves to feel gorgeous at her special celebration.
Yellow is obvious but doesn't need to be bright highlighter yellow. Soft buttery yellow, pale lemon, or yellow accessories with white dresses look stunning.
Outfit options:
Flowy yellow maxi dress (comfortable and photogenic)
White dress with yellow accessories
Yellow midi dress with white sandals
Off-shoulder white dress with yellow flower crown
Comfort is key when pregnant. Soft, stretchy fabrics work best. Maxi dresses are forgiving and flowy. A-line or empire waist styles flatter and accommodate baby bumps.
Try on outfits a few days before the shower, not weeks—pregnancy bodies change quickly.
Yellow flower crowns are adorable and make amazing photos. Buy on Etsy or make your own with craft store fake flowers. Add greenery and small white flowers for contrast.
Baby bump sashes saying "Sweet as a Lemon" or "Mommy-to-Bee" are cute but optional. Some moms love them, others find them excessive.
Comfortable shoes matter. Summer showers: cute sandals. Indoor: ballet flats or dressy sneakers for swollen feet. Prioritize comfort.
Jewelry should be simple and lightweight. Delicate necklaces, small earrings, maybe bracelets. Yellow gemstone jewelry (citrine, yellow topaz) ties into themes without being over the top.
For hair, soft curls or waves photograph well. Simple updos with loose face-framing pieces work too. If using flower crowns, keep hair simple to avoid competition.
Makeup should boost confidence. Extra mascara and blush photograph well. Soft pink or nude lips are timeless. Bold yellow eyeshadow accents can be fun.
White dresses are safe if yellow isn't your color. White maternity dresses with yellow shoes or cardigans look elegant and fresh. White photographs beautifully with any theme.
For winter layers, yellow cardigans or cozy shawls over white dresses work well. Remove layers for photos if needed.
Wear what makes you feel beautiful. If you hate yellow, don't wear it just for theme matching. Comfort and confidence matter more than matching decorations.
DIY Lemon Baby Shower Craft Projects
DIY projects save money and add personal touches. Some look easier on Pinterest than reality, but successes feel accomplishing.
Easy DIY projects:
Lemon balloon garland – Easier than it looks
Paper lemon slice garland – Cute and inexpensive
Mason jar lemon centerpieces – Takes 5 minutes
Painted wooden signs – If you have basic art skills
Fabric lemon bunting – Simple sewing required
Lemon wreath – For front doors
Balloon garland instructions:
You need balloon decorating strips (plastic with holes), 80-100 balloons in your colors, a balloon pump, and greenery.
Blow up all balloons first, mixing sizes (11-inch, 5-inch) for organic, professional looks. Thread balloons through strip holes, tying knots to secure. Fluff and adjust to eliminate gaps. Use command hooks to hang. Tuck in greenery and flowers to fill gaps and add texture.
Total cost: $30-40. Time: 2 hours. Worth it compared to $150-200 for hiring.
For paper lemon slice garlands, find free online templates. Print on yellow cardstock, cut out, string on baker's twine or ribbon. Simple but cute behind dessert tables or across doorways. For more DIY inspiration, explore our DIY baby shower decorations ideas.
Mason jar centerpieces are foolproof. Fill jars with 5-7 stacked lemons, add water, stick flower bouquets in smaller vases or cups inside jars on top of lemons. Flowers appear to sit in lemons from outside. Takes 5 minutes per centerpiece.
For painted wooden signs, buy wooden boards or plaques from craft stores, paint white or yellow, hand-letter quotes like "Sweet as a Lemon" or "Welcome Baby [Name]." Add lemon illustrations if feeling creative. Clear coat when done for durability.
Budget breakdown DIY vs. buying:
DIY balloon garland: $30-40 vs. hiring: $150-200
DIY centerpieces: $5-8 each vs. pre-made: $25-30 each
DIY signs: $15-20 vs. custom ordering: $40-60
DIY paper decorations: $10-15 vs. buying: $30-50
Trade-offs are time and effort. If you enjoy crafting, DIY is satisfying. If stressed and short on time, buying is perfectly fine.
Don't attempt complex cake decorating unless experienced. Leave it to professionals or keep it simple. Frosted cakes with fresh lemon slices top lumpy fondant attempts.
Pinterest offers endless free printables: banners, cupcake toppers, water bottle labels, favor tags. Print on cardstock at home or at FedEx cheaply.
Start crafts at least 2-3 weeks before showers. Don't scramble hot-gluing at 2am the night before.
Lemon Baby Shower Photo Opportunity Ideas
Photos are what you'll look back on for years, so they're worth thoughtful planning.
Photo backdrops are main photo spots. Good photos help moms-to-be remember special days.
Photo backdrop options:
Balloon wall or garland
Flower wall rental with lemon accents
Simple white wall with props and banner
Props make photos fun and natural. People relax when given props instead of wondering what to do with hands. Set up prop baskets or tables with oversized cardboard lemons, funny signs ("About to Pop," "Mama Lemon," "Squeeze the Day"), baby bottles, pacifiers, baby shoes, picture frames with sayings, silly glasses or hats.
Polaroid guest books are great shower ideas. Set up Instax cameras, film, and scrapbooks. Guests take photos, stick them in books, write messages. Moms-to-be get amazing keepsakes with photos and messages. For more creative keepsake options, check out our baby shower guest book ideas.
Lighting matters. Natural light is most flattering. Set up photo areas near windows or outside in shade (not direct sun—harsh shadows). For evening or indoor parties, add soft lighting like string lights or lamps.
Take photos throughout parties, not just during "photo time." Candid shots of laughing, playing games, and chatting are often more memorable than posed shots.
Must-have photo moments:
Mom-to-be's entrance
Opening gifts
Playing games
Cutting cake
Group photo with all guests
Detail shots of decorations and food
If hiring photographers (worth it if in budget), communicate desired vibes. Show photo examples. Make must-have shot lists so nothing important gets missed.
For DIY photos, designate unofficial photographers who are good with cameras and will remember. Give them shot priority lists.
Create custom hashtags and put them on signs near photo areas: #SweetBabyLemonShower or #[BabyName]LemonShower. Guests share on social media and you easily find pictures later.
Instagram-worthy flat lays are popular. Before guests arrive, arrange cute items on pretty surfaces—invitations, favors, decorations, flowers, lemons—take overhead photos. Great for thank-you cards or announcements.
Get moms-to-be in photos with partners, moms, best friends, and important people. These become treasured photos.
Short video clips of people giving advice or well-wishes to babies are special to look back on. Have someone record 10-15 second clips from guests.
Virtual or Hybrid Lemon Baby Shower Ideas
Not everyone can attend in-person, so virtual or hybrid parties remain common. They can be equally fun with proper planning.
For virtual showers, make remote guests feel included. It's not just setting up Zoom calls—effort creates connection.
For comprehensive guidance on hosting successful remote celebrations, explore our virtual baby shower ideas.
How to throw great virtual lemon showers:
Send party boxes to remote guests beforehand
Choose easily accessible video platforms
Schedule reasonable lengths (90 minutes max)
Plan virtually-working activities
Test tech setups beforehand
Party boxes are nice touches. Send remote guests boxes with lemon decorations, party supplies, mini desserts or themed snacks, and game materials. Everyone has similar items and feels connected.
Keep it simple—yellow napkins, mini lemonade packets, cookies, and game cards. Or go bigger with custom goodie boxes. Effort shows care.
For video setups, ensure in-person party areas are well-lit and cameras positioned so virtual guests see what's happening. Have dedicated devices for video calls, not moving phones causing dizziness.
Virtual backgrounds are fun. Create lemon-themed Zoom backgrounds everyone can use. Makes video galleries look cohesive for screenshots.
Games working well virtually:
Baby bingo (send cards ahead)
Trivia about parents-to-be
Baby name brainstorming
Guess the baby photo (guests submit beforehand)
Hybrid showers are trickier, engaging both in-person and virtual guests. Designate "virtual coordinators" ensuring remote guests can hear, see, and participate.
Do coordinated toast moments where everyone (in-person and virtual) raises lemonade glasses together. Shared moments create connection.
For gift opening, position cameras so virtual guests see gifts clearly. Moms-to-be should look at cameras and thank virtual guests by name for acknowledgment.
Record showers for people who couldn't attend (get permission first). Share videos later. Moms-to-be can rewatch too.
Time zones can be challenging. Pick reasonable times for most people. 2pm East Coast is 11am West Coast—not too bad. International guests will join at odd times. Do your best accommodating.
After showers, create shared photo albums on Google Photos or similar platforms. Everyone uploads photos and moms-to-be access all in one place.
Big screens at in-person venues showing virtual guests make them feel more present and keep everyone visually connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go well with lemon baby shower themes?
Yellow and white are classics. Add soft greens, lavender, coral, peach, navy, black, or gold accents depending on your desired style.
Is a lemon theme appropriate for boy or girl baby showers?
Yes, it's completely gender-neutral. Add blues/greens for boys, pinks/coral for girls, or keep yellow/white/green for surprises.
What are some good lemon baby shower puns?
"Sweet as a Lemon," "Main Squeeze," "Squeeze the Day," "About to Pop," "Pucker Up," "Fresh Squeezed Baby," and "Little Lemon Drop."
Can I throw lemon baby showers in winter?
Absolutely. Add hot lemon tea, comfort foods, candles, and warm lighting for cozy winter vibes.
What are some easy DIY lemon decorations?
Lemon garlands with greenery, mason jar centerpieces, paper slice banners, balloon garlands, and vases filled with lemons.
Wrapping It Up
Planning a "Sweet as a Lemon" baby shower offers fresh, joyful inspiration for any season or style. This guide covers decorations, desserts, games, and favors to create memorable celebrations. Remember, perfection isn't necessary—your thoughtfulness matters most.
Lemon themes work for any budget and skill level, whether homemade or store-bought. Don't stress over details; focus on enjoying the process and celebrating new life. Ask friends and family for help when needed. The goal is bringing people together to support expectant parents. Grab those lemons and start planning!
Moms-to-be are lucky to have someone creating such special celebrations for them and their babies.