How to Plan a Baby Shower

Throw a baby shower for that close relative, friend or coworker. Check Mommy’s interest and include Daddy if having a co-ed party. Have it late in the pregnancy, ideally the eighth month, or if Mommy’s confined to bed, after Baby’s born. Schedule around special guests’ availability. Choose a location that’s easily accessible and free of fumes.

Decide whether or not to have a theme. Get Mommy’s guest list, or form one and have Mommy finalize it. If Mommy has young children, ask guests not invited to earlier showers. Include Baby’s name and gender if known, gift registry information, and party theme if applicable, in invitations. For a "come and go affair," list beginning and ending times, otherwise, list just the beginning time. Select either hand-written or pre-printed invitations; send them a month ahead. Provide a guest book unless Mommy has one. Make or order a corsage for Mommy.

Refreshments can be simply cake and punch or a meal. Buffets allow for food setup ahead of time, giving hostesses more time to tend to guests. Get Mommy’s approval for alcoholic drinks and offer non-alcoholic choices. Party favors are optional, as are games and activities. Make decorations simple or elaborate, depending on menu, location, and theme. Write down gifts and givers as Mommy opens presents.

Mommy just got confined to bed! Instead of rescheduling, change to a virtual shower. Have a party just as if she were there and video tape it. Have each guest open her own present in front of the camera, or stuff a big pillow under someone’s shirt and have her “stand in” as Mommy and open presents. It’s also a wonderful way to reach across the miles if Mommy has moved far away and can’t travel.