Planning a baby shower is easy, once you find the perfect venue. To take the guesswork out of organising that part of things, we’ve compiled a list of our best-loved spots in Joburg and Pretoria to make hosting this joyous occasion a breeze. 

Gabriella’s Tea Room (Parktown North)

This charming spot is perfect for a garden affair, and has a fireplace for colder days. Gabriella’s Tea Room caters for a minimum of 20 guests and a maximum of 60. Packages average between R220 and R300 per person, with the option of platters, a plated lunch, or a standard high tea menu at R270 per person, with fresh bakes, savoury snacks, fresh fruit, dainty sandwiches and hot beverages.

Miss Grace Country Food House (Eikenhof)

If you’re looking for a sunny outdoor experience, this is the perfect spot. Miss Grace Country Food House is a charming, country-style eatery, flanked by rose gardens with vibrant bird life. There’s a playground for little ones and the venue is pet-friendly, too. The menu changes often and is tailored for your special day. There is a buffet as well as a plated menu, all suited to your budget. They also offer a self-catering option where you can bring your own food and make use of the venue’s amenities. The price includes venue hire and the option of a cash or open bar. Corkage is between R25 and R30 a bottle and standard table settings are included.

Bambanani (Melville)

This family-friendly restaurant just off 7th Avenue in Melville is perfect for a laid-back experience with great service. There are child-minders available and loads of fun activities for kids. The menu is extensive and includes custom-made platters, or you can order off the à la carte menu. Packages are tailored to your specific needs and include venue hire.

The Fat Olive (Lanseria)

Break away from Joburg’s hustle and bustle and treat the mother-to-be to the tranquility of the countryside in a child-friendly setting. This beach-themed venue offers loads of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. While the grown-ups are enjoying gourmet food on the deck, canoe rides as well as entertainment such as jumping castles and water slides are available for kids. If your guests exceed 20 people, the restaurant will require a R100 deposit per person to secure your booking. This includes a standard table setting. You can order from a variety of platters for a large group. Options include a Mediterranean-style platter consisting of fresh flatbreads, hummus, tzatziki, olives, marinated feta and crudites for R450; or the substantial batter-and-fry platter, which includes crispy fish goujons and spicy mince-stuffed roosterkoek for R550. If you would like to bring your own décor, the venue charges R350. Booking is essential.

The Secret Tea Garden (Fourways)

The Secret Garden Restaurant is situated far from the buzz of Joburg city life. This superb venue in a country setting in Fourways is ideal for a relaxed family breakfast, languid Sunday lunch, or delectable afternoon tea. Come for the stress-free, serene environment and stay for the delicious food and attentive service. The main menu offers delicious breakfasts and light meals with a selection of fresh salads, burgers and an assortment of sandwiches. There is also a kiddies’ menu. A traditional afternoon tea, with home-baked cakes, scones, muffins and a range of sandwiches, is always available. The venue offers a high tea option that must be booked in advance. The cost is from R180 per person, depending on which option you choose. Booking is essential.

Jam and Daisies (Nieuw Muckleneuk)

This quaint tea garden is situated in the heart of suburban Nieuw Muckleneuk and is perfect for any special occasion. They offer numerous attractive packages for baby showers, including a brunch buffet package for R235 per person (minimum 15 guests); a quiche-and-cake party package at R200 per person (minimum 8 guests); or picnic platters loaded with macarons, fresh fruit, homemade lamingtons, croissants and quiches from R1,345. Book the garden, main venue or patio from R220 an hour, depending on the number of guests. All basic packages include fresh flowers and a standard table setting. There’s a 10% discount on the venue fee if your event falls on a Sunday, so plan wisely!

Alice in Waterkloof (Waterkloof)

This cosy coffee shop in the middle of lofty Waterkloof is the perfect space for intimate gatherings. There’s a lovely outdoor area where events are hosted and an extensive menu laden with delicious breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and other light options. They will plan your baby shower with you to create a package for your needs within your budget without sacrificing the quality of your special day. Extensive plant-based options are available upon request.