Affordable Baby Shower locations in Chicago!! Help, Help!

[Olives]

Hello everyone,

I have to plan a baby shower for my sister-in-law in chicago from out of state and I have no idea where to start.  She is due the same week as I am except this is her first.  The guest list is 20 people that she is for sure going to make it... she was wanting a place for a brunch or lunch... something nice but my pocket book is more on a country budget than big city  I need you Chicago mamma's to give me some good tip, please I'm begging.

Any suggestions would be oh so helpful!

[honeybunmom]

Does she have any friends here who would be willing to host?  That's what my out of state planners did.  I had a local friend who was willing to host and two out of state planners.  To make it easier on the physical hostess, the used a catering service.  With this, you're obviously only looking at food costs as opposed to food and location.  And Whole Foods has a great catering department which may be less pricey than using a restaurant.  HTH!

Alternatively, can you get in touch with a local friend who would at least be willing to help you with the leg work for finding the location?  Maybe there is a room for rent at a reasonable fee at her local neighborhood park district house.  Or at her place of worship?