Use arrivals for quiet activities
Advice and prediction cards can be waiting at the seats as guests come in. Put pens nearby and tell people they can fill in a card whenever they have a moment. Avoid starting a timed game while guests are still greeting each other.
A word search also works on an arrival table. If you plan to score it later, explain that before anyone begins; otherwise the early arrivals get extra solving time. An untimed puzzle avoids that problem.
Give the shared game a clear start
Choose a moment after people have food and a place to sit. Explain the rule first, then pass out sheets. For a scramble, allow time to distribute pencils and check the winner as well as time to solve the puzzle.
As a planning example, you might set aside ten minutes for a three-minute round plus setup and answers. Try the puzzle beforehand and change that allowance if it feels rushed. The guide to a simple game plan helps you choose which activities deserve a group announcement.
Attach the remaining activities to real moments
Gift bingo belongs alongside visible gift opening. Hand out cards before the first present is opened, and give guests time to fill blank cards if that's the version you chose. Skip gift bingo when the parents plan to open presents later.
Draw a diaper-raffle winner before guests start leaving, at the time you announced. Collect keepsakes before clearing the tables. Put those jobs on your preparation checklist so the host doesn't have to remember them while serving food.
Written for the ShowerPrintables printable set. About this project. For print settings, test one sheet on your printer before making the full quantity.