A Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Memorable Baby Shower at The Bluegrass Family Farm

You want to throw a baby shower that feels special without spending weeks coordinating details. Whether you're a best friend, sister, or proud grandmother planning this celebration, you're probably wondering what to focus on first and what can wait. At The Bluegrass Family Farm in Winchester, KY, we've hosted countless baby showers and gender reveal parties. Here's what actually matters when you're planning one.

What Makes a Baby Shower Work Well

The best baby showers we've seen have three things in common: comfortable seating where guests can actually talk, food that's easy to eat while mingling, and enough open space for activities without feeling cramped. Everything else is extra.

Picking the Right Space for Your Guest List

Baby showers typically range from 20 to 80 guests. If you're keeping it intimate with close family and a few friends, the Carriage House & Patio Garden gives you an indoor-outdoor option that feels cozy without being tight. For larger gatherings with extended family, coworkers, and multiple friend groups, the restored event barn provides room to spread out. The Bluegrass Family Farm can accommodate up to 250 guests with our table and chair setup, though most baby showers fall somewhere between 40 and 60 people.

The Paddock Garden and Circle Lawn work well if you're planning a spring or summer shower and want guests to enjoy the farm views. We're located at 3947 Lexington Rd in Winchester, in Clark County's Bluegrass Horse Country. The property sits right off I-64, about 12 minutes from Hamburg, so guests coming from Lexington or Richmond won't have trouble finding us.

What's Already Handled When You Book

Your rental includes the venue space, all tables and chairs, access to a prep kitchen, parking attendants to direct arrivals, and handicap accessible facilities. The Bluegrass Family Farm event staff takes care of setup before your shower starts and handles cleanup after guests leave. That means you're not hauling folding chairs out of your car or wiping down tables at the end of the day.

We're open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, and all day Saturday for events. Call 859-583-6198 to check availability for your preferred date.

Deciding on Food Service Style

Most baby shower hosts choose one of three approaches: a seated brunch or lunch, a dessert and appetizer setup, or a full buffet. Your choice depends on timing and budget. An 11 AM shower usually calls for brunch-style food. A 2 PM shower leans toward desserts, finger sandwiches, and light bites. An evening shower might need heartier options.

Catering is an optional add-on here, which gives you flexibility. Bring in a caterer, have family members contribute dishes, or work with someone we recommend. The Bluegrass Family Farm prep kitchen provides counter space and basic facilities so food can be plated, warmed, or assembled onsite without anyone working out of their trunk.

If you’d like a bartender for a mimosa bar or mocktail station, this can be arranged as an optional add-on. Just let us know when you book.

Games, Gifts, and Guest Activities

Some hosts skip games entirely and focus on conversation. Others plan three or four activities to keep the energy up. If you're doing games, think about where guests will sit and whether they need table space for writing. The barn layout allows for both seated game play and standing activities without requiring a full room flip.

Gift opening usually happens after food. Place the mom-to-be near good lighting with room for a gift table, and ask someone to help organize ribbons, bows, and cards. Our staff can help arrange furniture to create a clear focal point.

Adding Decorations Without Overcomplicating

You can hire decorating services through us if you want tablecloths, centerpieces, backdrop setups, or themed decor handled professionally. If you'd rather DIY, bring your own decorations, and our staff will help with placement. Either way works.

Photo opportunities matter more at baby showers than you might think. Guests want pictures with the mom-to-be, and the parents will want shots with family members they don't see often. The restored barn's interior and the outdoor landscaped areas both photograph well. If you want a photo booth as an add-on, we can arrange that. Nearby, the Bluegrass Heritage Museum and Civil War Fort at Boonesboro offer additional scenic spots if your group wants to take pictures before or after the event.

Coordinating Optional Extras

Horse and carriage services are available if the parents-to-be want a special entrance or exit. Floral arrangements for tables or a bouquet for the mom to be are available through our in-house options. A photo booth keeps guests entertained and gives everyone something to take home. These are all add-ons, not included in the base package, but they're easy to coordinate if you want them.

Managing Last Minute Changes

Guest counts shift. People RSVP yes and then can't make it, or someone brings an unexpected plus one. Let us know if the guest count changes, and we'll adjust seating. With space for up to 250 guests and flexible table arrangements, we can adjust seating easily if guest numbers change.

If you've added services like florals or a photo booth, we coordinate those details directly so you're not chasing vendors. We've been hosting events since 2017, and our 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews reflects how we handle the little things that matter.

Beyond Baby Showers

We also host birthday parties, corporate meetings, quinceañeras, family reunions, and church gatherings. The same approach applies: you get the space, the staff support, and the flexibility to add services based on what your event needs. If you're planning something beyond a baby shower, the process works the same way.

Conclusion:

Call 859-583-6198 or visit thebluegrassfamilyfarm.com to check availability and discuss your plans. We're here Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, and all day Saturday for events. We'll walk you through what's included, answer questions about add-ons, and help you decide which spaces fit your vision.

Host your baby shower at The Bluegrass Family Farm in Winchester, KY. Contact us to reserve your date and tour our event spaces.

FAQs

What's the typical timeline for a baby shower at your venue?

Most baby showers run 2 to 3 hours. Guests arrive, mingle over food for about an hour, participate in any planned activities or games, then watch gift opening before heading out. Our event staff handles setup beforehand and cleanup afterward, so your actual time onsite can be as short or long as you need.

Can we bring our own food and handle catering ourselves?

Yes. Catering is an optional service, so you can bring in your own caterer, coordinate potluck-style dishes with family, or work with a provider we recommend. Our prep kitchen gives you space to organize food without working from your vehicle.

Do you provide decorations, or do we need to bring our own?

Decorations are not included in the base package, but we offer decorating services as an add-on if you want professional help with tablecloths, centerpieces, or themed setups. If you prefer to decorate yourself, you're welcome to bring your own items, and our staff will assist with placement.

Is there parking for guests, and is the venue accessible?

Yes. Parking attendants are included and will direct guests as they arrive. The venue has handicap accessible ramps and restrooms, so guests with mobility concerns can navigate the space comfortably.