How to Organize a Baby Shower

Expecting a new baby is a wonderful, exciting time. For first time mommies, preparing for the new arrival can be a little overwhelming. If you are the friend or relative of the expectant mother, you may want to volunteer to host a baby shower for the mom-to-be. If you've never hosted a shower before, or you are a seasoned pro, these tips will help you organize a stress free and successful shower the new mommy will appreciate.

Things You'll Need

• Thank you cards
• Invitations
• List of guests
• Menu
• Game supplies
• Notepad and paper
• Themed supplies: plates, forks, napkins and cups
• Camera
• Themed Decorations: table cloths, centerpieces, banners and balloons

Instructions

1. Decide the best time to schedule the event. Weekend showers are suggested because more people are available than during the week. Also plan the shower six to eight weeks before the expectant mother's due date.

2. Decide whom to invite. You may enlist the help of the mom-to-be on this task. She will be aware of any other showers that may be hosted and keep you from duplicating the invitation list.

3. Invite between 10 and 20 guests depending on the location of the shower and the number of people it will accommodate. Mail invitations three to four weeks before the event. Give people enough advance notice and request a response so you have time to prepare for a specific number of guests.

4. Plan the shower menu. Non-alcoholic drinks or punch are shower staples. Finger sandwiches, fruit trays, vegetable trays, and a chip and dip or cheese ball are always favorites.

5. Decorate with a theme. This can be, "It's a Boy", "It's a Girl", "New Baby" or a room theme the mother has already chosen. Include a cake or petit fours decorated with the theme.

6. Plan the amount of time you want to spend on each activity. Begin with food and conversation as your guests begin arriving, and allow 45 minutes to an hour to eat and enjoy the company. Next, incorporate any games you intend to play. This is not required, but it can be a lot of fun for the expectant mother and guests! Follow this activity with the opening of gifts.

7. Designate a couple of the guests to help during the shower. Ask one to be in charge of taking photos to capture the memories, and ask another to keep a list of the gift and giver to give to the mother-to-be. This will allow the shower to progress and give the gifts to the mother to be opened.

8. Give your guests another opportunity to congratulate the expectant mother. Thank your guests for coming, and conclude the shower.

Tips & Warnings

• Baby showers are a special event, and formal invitations should be mailed. Avoid emails as these are impersonal and often missed or overlooked.

• If the sex of the baby has been determined, you may theme your invitations accordingly.

• If you are inviting more than 10 guests, feel free to co-host the shower with another friend or relative to off-set the expense. Never ask the mother to contribute financially!

• Decide on a time frame for the shower. Two to three hours is a sufficient amount of time without dragging on for too long.

• Provide the guest of honor with thank you cards that match the theme or invitations.

• Make sure you have the seating arrangements complete before your guests begin arriving. You don't want to do 'housekeeping' once your guests arrive.