Hosting a Baby Shower

Step 1

Make a guest list, including the expecting mother's friends, co-workers and relatives. Decide whether young children will be invited, and whether the shower will be for women only. If the shower is a surprise, solicit the input of the expectant mother's significant other, her siblings or her parents to help with the guest list.

Step 2

Pick a location that is large enough for the number of invitees. An intimate shower can be hosted comfortably in someone's home. Larger showers may be hosted in private rooms at restaurants. Very large showers may need to be hosted at a local banquet hall.

Step 3

Set the date of the shower. The shower is typically held seven to eight weeks before the baby's due date. Be flexible with the date and work with various location options if you can't get the date you want on the first try. Consult with the couple or with the couple's parents when choosing the date, to lessen the chance of scheduling conflicts.

Step 4

Help the expecting parents with their gift registry. Drive them to a local store to help them pick out gifts. Or encourage them to register online. The registry information should be sent along with the invitation to help guests pick out gifts the parents need and want. Include the gender of the baby if you know it.

Step 5

Mail the invitations six to eight weeks before the shower to give guests ample time to shop and save the date. Include an RSVP postcard in the invitation, as well as a phone number and email address guests can use to RSVP or ask questions.

Step 6

Plan the menu. Order finger foods and a cake from a local caterer or grocery store, or plan to make them yourself. Provide fresh fruit salad, salad and one warm dish to serve at the party. For showers held in restaurants, pre-plan a light menu with the restaurant. Supply the beverages or pick up any beverage tab when hosting the shower at a restaurant or banquet hall.

Step 7

Start making decorations and favors as soon as you know you will be hosting the shower. Use circles of tulle, ribbon and Jordan almonds to make easy shower favors. Make a poster board with photos of the expecting couple, including photos of them as children.

Step 8

Formulate a basic schedule for the baby shower in advance to help keep the party running smoothly. Plan time for guests to mingle and talk to the guest of honor. Schedule time to sit down and eat. Serve cake or dessert while the guest of honor opens gifts. Host baby shower games in between other events. (See Resources.)