Food

• If everyone comes to your house after the church service, you probably need to serve lunch. Try a cookout if the weather is nice; grill hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken. Or, if you prefer to have an indoor affair, consider catering. You will be busy that morning with the event, so let someone else cook for you. You can even rent out a social hall at the church or a local banquet center so you don't have to clean up at your house afterward.
  
  You may want to have a special cake made to honor the day. Religious cake options are available at most retailers; consider one in the shape of a cross or one that is decorated in white with blue or pink flowers for your little man or lady.
  
  

Guest Activities

• This is a special day for your child, but chances are he's too small to fully participate. Take plenty of photos so your guest of honor will be able to look back on this day later.
  
  Create a scrap book of the event. Take Polaroid photos of guests as they arrive and paste them into the book. Then ask guests to write their names and favorite Bible verses or sentiments for the guest of honor underneath their photos.
  
  Make this day memorable for your child for years to come by asking guests to sign a memory book. Or set out stationery paper and pens for guests to write letters, congratulating him on his special day and expressing their feelings about the importance of the christening.
  
  You may also want to ask your priest or minister to say a few words at the party. He or she can talk about the significance of the day and remind church and family members of the commitment they have made to raise your little one as a member of the church.
  
  If the party includes children, consider setting up a kids' table. They can make crafts and enjoy age-appropriate snacks like fruit and juice boxes. You can purchase religious-themed craft kits at most craft stores; one kit can provide enough supplies for all of your younger guests to enjoy themselves while the adults socialize.
  
  

Decorations and Gifts

• You can go with an all-white theme to match the sacred situation (and probably the dress or outfit your little one will wear). Or include blue or pink to go with your child's gender.
  
  Consider purchasing a Bible for your child and asking all of the guests to sign it. Or you can get her a special piece of jewelry that she can wear when she is older, such as a cross necklace or bracelet.
  
  As guests leave, you can present thank-you gifts. Consider a goody bag filled with all-white pastries, cookies or candies. Or include individual handkerchiefs with your child's name and the date of the christening embroidered on them or a special Bible verse to mark the occasion.