With baby showers, as with all important events, often the details can get in the way of the hosts enjoyment of the party! Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and enjoy yourself. A baby is on the way and the baby shower is your welcome home gift. Answer these questions before you begin and your baby shower is sure to be a success.

Who Does What?

Assign tasks. Delegating duties will let you direct and handle mishaps rather than handle everything as well as mishaps. Of course, enlisting friends and family requires their agreement so ask them well in advance of the baby shower.

How Much Will You Spend?

Set aside a certain amount of money for each part of the baby shower and stick to it. Make sure your list is thorough and that your expected expenditures are realistic. Don't forget the paper plates and cups and napkins! Assigning others to bring things you need will help you cut down on baby shower expenses.

Who's Coming?

Ask the new parents who they want at their baby shower and get the addresses at least a month in advance. You will need addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Get the invitations out no less than 3 weeks before the day of the baby shower.

What's Your Theme?

1930s Flapper baby shower? Maybe a picnic in the park? Whatever you choose, make sure that your guests know what to expect.

What Food Will You Serve?

The food for your baby shower should reflect the theme, but make sure you choose something that the Mom to be likes. Pregnant women have aversions and cravings and catering to these is an essential aspect of the baby shower.

Where Should You Hold the Baby Shower?

Wherever you choose, it should be easy to find, comfortable for the number of guests you've invited and inexpensive to you.

When Should You Hold the Baby Shower?

It's the new mom's choice! She may want to hold it in the middle of her pregnancy or wait until after the baby is born. When you pick a date and time, stick with it!

What Games Will You Play?

What prizes will you give away? What will you need so that all of your guests can play the games? Make sure you choose plenty of back up baby shower games in case things go a little too slow and need some livening up!

About the author:

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides baby shower tips on www.baby-shower-roundup .com.