Who should host a baby shower?

The shower can be hosted by a close friend or relative of the mother-to-be. Traditionally, it was considered improper for a family member to host a shower because it is primarily a gift-giving event. However, today family members commonly help or host the shower.

How many and who should be invited?

A shower typically ranges from 5-20 people. Occasionally, expecting couples request a co-ed shower. It is of course always best to consult with the mother-to-be when making up the guest list.

When should the shower be held?

A good time for the shower is 2-3 months before the due date or after the baby is born. Check with the mother-to-be to see which she prefers.

Party Themes

Shower themes can be carried through to the invitations and decorations, tableware and food. Themes can be as general as "teddy bears", "Noah's Ark", or "storks". Other ideas can revolve around gift ideas to help the new parents stock their nursery:

• Baby Clothes (diapers, sleepers, rompers)
• Baby Toys (rattles, stuffed animals, teethers)
• Bath Items (plastic tub, powders and ointments)
• Baby Nursery (sheet sets, blankets, night light, changing table)
• Mother's Suitcase (nightgown, slippers, robe)
• Personalized Baby Items (booties, birth certificate holder, picture frames, picture albums, blankets, first spoon and fork, first curl box)

Invitations

Invitations are a great way to reflect the spirit and theme of your shower. They should be sent about 6 weeks in advance for out-of-town guests and about 4 weeks in advance for local guests. Here are a few suggestions:

Little Diaper Invites- Cut out triangles from pink and blue construction paper or felt. Write the party details on one side, then fold like a diaper and secure with a diaper pin.

Bubble Gum Cigar - Send your guests a bubble gum cigar with a tag describing the party details.

Building Blocks - Cut out 3 squares of different color construction paper. Draw an "A", "B" and "C" on one side. Overlap them slightly and tape or glue in place. Write the party information on the back. Enclose a baby charm inside.

Store Bought or Custom - Choose from a variety of store bought invitations that match your tableware, or have personalized custom invitations.

Decorations

Using a theme from a tableware pattern is easy because of the matching centerpieces, paper cutouts, banners and other items that are available. Here are a few other ideas to create the right atmosphere:

• Ask several guests to wrap packages of diapers in solid color wrap and draw a large letter on each side in a contrasting color. Stack the diaper "building blocks" in a corner of the room.
• Use a basket stuffed with baby items as a centerpiece. Attach a balloon bouquet to it.
• Tie pink and blue balloons around the room and on the back of chairs. Mix in coordinating mylar balloons. Weigh them down with a stuffed animal or baby toy.

Schedule

A shower usually lasts about 2 hours. Here is a "typical" schedule:

• Have each guest introduce themselves and how they know the mother-to-be.
• Play 2-4 shower games. Playing the games at the beginning makes a nice "ice breaker".
• Serve food or have guests help themselves to a buffet.
• Have the mother-to-be open her gifts.
• Give party favors to guests as they leave