Step1
If you're a mom-to-be and the idea of a traditional baby shower doesn't sit well with you, plan an alternative celebration. You know how many people buy gifts and clothes for a new baby which they don't even know the sex of? To forgo returns or embarrassing situations, plan a post-baby shower. Have a shower when the little one has arrived. That way, everyone will get to see the infant! After all, wouldn't you want to be present at a party thrown just for you?
Step2
Realize that the shower is bound to be overrun with close family members or even those you've never met before. If you're the best friend of a new mom-to-be and none of her relatives even recognize you, understand that for just this once, it's OK to be out of the spotlight. There's no need to feel left out or unappreciated, as your friend wanted you there in the first place for a reason!
Step3
Be patient with older relatives who may give their opinion on the new baby and how you should do this, that, and the other. Though talk of breast pumps and dirty bottles may not float your boat, understand that they just want to help. A young, new mom may have no idea where to begin and this advice may help her in the long run.
Step4
Plan party games that are fun for everyone. You've probably heard the stories of outrageous baby shower games, such as "sample the baby food" to see what vegetable or meat you're struggling to get down your throat. A fun baby shower doesn't have to include traditional games. Twister, anyone?
Step5
The dreaded opening of presents. There is nothing quite like sitting for an hour or two while a new mother opens one pastel bag after another of diapers, rattles and onesies. "Oo's" and "ah's" aside, gift time can make a single gal who feels she's destined to be alone the rest of her life feel out of place. If you're at a friend's baby shower, buy her baby a gift and possibly include something for her. A necklace, a gift certificate (not to Babies R Us), or a new outfit. She'll remember that you not only remembered the new baby, you remembered her.
Step6
Invite some guys. OK, so a baby shower may look like torture disguised as fun for the average man, but it never hurt anyone to bring in some guys. After all, they're more likely to crack some jokes and lighten the mood than an estrogen-only room.
Step7
Offer to help your friend or relative clean up after the baby shower. After all, when the party has ended, there will be mounds of gifts, food, wrapping paper, and who knows what else to clean up. This will give you some time to bond and laugh over the number of bottles she received.
Novice 
