| One of the most exciting events an expecting | | | | invite couples. Be sure to check in again with the |
| mother looks forward to is celebrating her baby | | | | guest of honor to ensure that the theme of the |
| shower.Deciding to Throw a Baby ShowerBaby | | | | party matches her preferences.Themes and |
| showers are often thrown by a friend or family | | | | ThrillsDeciding on a theme isn't necessary, but can |
| member. Formal tradition dictates that someone | | | | add fun and excitement to the party. The theme |
| other than a family member throws the baby | | | | of the party for an expectant parent who is |
| shower, but this certainly does not have to be | | | | having a boy baby might be something as simple |
| the case and many modern women go against | | | | as a color, such as "green". Guests might be |
| the grain and welcome any offers from family | | | | encouraged to bring gifts that correspond with |
| willing to throw a party on their and baby's | | | | the nursery room theme as well. Many parents |
| behalf.Preparing Ahead of Time: The First Critical | | | | for example, design baby's room with a certain |
| StepsPlanning and throwing a shower can be a | | | | theme in mind such as ducks. Guests might |
| cumbersome task if you go into in unprepared. It | | | | consider brining items that match this idea. Even |
| certainly does not have to be however, if you | | | | the cake and decorations can be designed to |
| keep a few things in mind.One of the most | | | | incorporate a selected topic or idea.No baby |
| important considerations is planning where and | | | | shower would be complete without incorporating a |
| when the baby shower will take place. The | | | | few fun games. Deciding on games doesn't |
| majority of baby showers are held before mom | | | | require a degree in rocket science. One popular |
| gives birth, but this is not always the case and | | | | and traditional game involves having everyone get |
| certainly does not have to be. Some mothers are | | | | together in a circle and write down one piece of |
| superstitious and prefer to have the baby shower | | | | advice for the mom to be. Another one might |
| after birth, to ensure the happy and healthy | | | | have everyone right down one prediction for the |
| delivery of their newborn. Be sure if you are | | | | new baby's future. These cards can be collected |
| planning the happy event to check in with mom | | | | at the end of the party and stored in baby's |
| to be to ensure you plan it at a time that is | | | | memory book for review at a later date, |
| comfortable for her.Most showers are held in | | | | providing a wonderful memento for mommy to |
| someone's home other than that of the new | | | | be and baby.Though it is not required, some hosts |
| mom. Typically the person throwing the baby | | | | provide gag gifts for anyone participating in a |
| shower hosts the party at their house or at an | | | | game. This can be a fun way to allow mom and |
| alternate location such as a park or reception | | | | guests enjoy the gift giving bonanza.One last tip |
| hall.Invitation ListThe next step in planning a | | | | to consider prior to throwing the party is finding |
| shower is figuring out who to invite. The guest list | | | | out where an expectant mom is registered. |
| should be the responsibility of the guest of honor. | | | | Including this information on the invitation or |
| Letting mom develop the invitation list will ensure | | | | having it available to give out to guests will truly |
| that no one gets left out.Most parties held are | | | | help mom receive special gifts that will match her |
| women-only parties, though this trend is rapidly | | | | preferences for baby's first year. One of the |
| changing. As fathers continue to become more | | | | reasons for throwing a shower is to help new |
| involved in the planning for new babies, many | | | | parents collect much needed items for baby's first |
| couples are starting to hold co-ed parties that | | | | year. |