Planning A Baby Shower?
By Claire Bowes, Fri Dec 9th

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to be the babyshower. The mom-to-be gets so much attention and she can justsit back and enjoy all of the fuss. The key to creating thiswonderful event is organization. Here's everything you need tomake your upcoming as festive and memorable aspossible!

Consult, Consult, Consult!

Because the parents-to-be may have more than one shower, it's agood idea to consult with the mommy-to-be. Before you send outinvitations, sit down with the mom-to-be and ask her what shewould like from this event. What is her idea of a fun shower andwho she would like to attend? Most people shouldn't be expectedto attend several showers for the same parents, so find out whatelse is being planned. Let her know that you want her to feelcomfortable and most of all, to have fun.

What if you are having a surprise shower? Don’t let that stopyou from consulting! Talk to the dad-to-be to get ideas of aguest list and an appropriate time. You might even want toconsult with other friends to be sure that everything works outsmoothly. Again, consider the mom-to-be when having a shower.You want her to feel special, have fun, and be comfortable.

After consulting with the mom-to-be, or others, it is time toplan!

The Theme of the Day

This is the fun part – deciding what you are going to do and howyou are going to do it! This can also be the overwhelming partif you have never planned a before or if you don’tfeel that you are the creative type. Luckily, you don’t’ have tohave experience or creativity to throw a great baby shower.

Some showers are simply a gathering of family and friendschatting, mom-to-be opening her gifts, and eating yummy food.Other showers are more elaborate with special games. If you arethinking of being more elaborate and having a theme, here aresome great ideas to get you started:

Consider inviting couples instead of just the ladies. You canplay fun games like who can diaper the baby doll the fastest andmake it the men against the women. This shower is great forfirst-time-dads and helps them feel a part of things as the ‘bigday’ nears.

Does mom-to-be already have everything she needs for baby, butyou still want to celebrate this special occasion? Why not throwa Mommy Shower? Instruct guests to bring gifts for mom herself(bath and beauty products, gift certificates, etc). You mightalso consider a “consumable shower” and have guests bringdiapers, wipes, shampoo, and other items that run out!

A recipe shower is a great idea. Instead of a card, ask gueststo bring their favorite easy-to-make recipes for mom-to-be touse after