Baby Showers – the Basics

Your best friend calls with fantastic news. She's pregnant! There are many details to discuss and, in the heat of the moment, you say you'd love to throw her a baby shower. Then you hang up the phone — and panic sets in.

A baby shower is, above all, a celebration of the couple's decision to have a baby. The party combines needed gifts for the expectant parents with good wishes and good advice. So don't hesitate to throw a baby shower — just forget those boring showers you may have attended, put away your panic, and throw a great party. Plan the Guest List
Prepare your guest list by talking to the mom-to-be first. She'll know who should or should not be invited. If you're planning a surprise shower, the couple's parents or close friends will be happy to furnish you with a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers. Ask for that information well ahead of time.
If you know the mom-to-be through a club or organization, if you work with her, or if you have a group of mutual friends, you may already have a ready-made guest list – the guests may already know each other. Nevertheless, always consult with the mom-to-be before finalizing the list.

Choosing a Location
The location and availability of a given venue will influence your shower date and guest list, so think about the “where” well in advance. Also consider that while your home may be a convenient and inexpensive shower site for you, the location may be inconvenient for many of your guests. If that's the case, consider a more central location.

While restaurants and clubs are obvious party spots, don't hesitate to try someplace different, such as a day spa or bed-and-breakfast. Try to find a place that will create the right ambiance for your celebration or that offers an activity your guests will enjoy.

Invitations
Depending upon the style of the shower and the size of the guest list, you can either send written invitations or invite people by phone. A written invitation insures that important party details are communicated correctly. (It also serves as a nice keepsake for the baby's scrapbook.)

Be sure to include the following items on written invitations: the date, time, and address (including directions) of the party; the name(s) of the expectant parent(s); your name, address, and phone number; gift registry information; theme information; and RSVP information. If you ask guests to RSVP, they're expected to notify you whether they'll be attending. If you write "Regrets only," guests are expected to respond only if they won't be attending. You should also give a deadline for the response. To get a good response, mail the invitations at least three weeks before the shower date. Give guests plenty of time to make arrangements to attend.
Remember, baby showers aren't just for celebrating first babies. Every baby deserves a special welcome. Besides, it's likely that the more children expectant parents have, the more they will appreciate baby-related gifts.

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