Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby Shower and invites all the women close to the mother-to-be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby. While this is still the idea, the etiquette has changed from generation to generation.

Proper etiquette is very specific about the Baby Shower – never should the mother-to-be’s family throw the shower, lest people think they were asking for gifts.

Skipping the surprise shower can really ease the planning of any Baby Shower. If it’s not a surprise, the parents-to-be can help out with the guest list and help you avoid scheduling conflicts.

Grandma and Grandpa may not be the guests of honor, but you don’t want to find out too late that the most important guests can’t attend. So check with the parents-to-be to make sure you haven’t left out anyone who should be included, and lets get this party started!

Once you have a general idea of the number of guests, you’ll want to start thinking about where to have the Baby Shower. You can host at your own home, reserve tables at your favorite restaurant, rent a reception hall, picnic at a park if you’ll be including children, or if this is a small group of female friends, why not make it a day at the spa with a catered lunch?

If you’re planning to rent or reserve space for the Shower, check on these details when looking around:

• how many guests will this location hold
• is it available on your chosen date
• can you decorate prior to the shower
• what is the cost
• what does it include
• who is responsible for clean up

It’s always a good idea to schedule the Baby Shower about two to three months in advance of mom’s due date. Unless, of course, you are having the shower after the baby is born.

“Hello World, Here I Am” Showers are a popular way to ensure everyone gets to see the new baby, and you’ll want to wait at least a month after the baby is born for this one.

The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and can be used to determine appropriate food and drink. If you just don’t know, ask the mother-to-be what part of the day she usually feels her best, and go from there.

Finger foods set around the room work great and encourage guests to mingle. If you don’t want to prepare the food yourself,  many bakers or grocers make deli trays of vegetables, fruit, or meats and cheeses.

They’re arranged beautifully for any occasion and can be a life-saver, as well as a time-saver. When choosing drinks to serve, remember to include non-alcoholic and decaffeinated alternatives.

Coordinating is the easy part, but you probably don’t want to do everything by yourself on the big day. Depending on the number of guests, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and miss some of those small details that mean so much.

With all your planning, don’t forget a gift for the parents-to-be. Maybe your gift to the parents-to-be will be the Baby Shower itself, but if you’re looking great gift ideas, try a customized Special Baby Gift Basket, diaper cake or something just plain adorable from the baby gift store.

Don’t lose sight of what this day is all about…a celebration! So remember to relax and have fun with your planning and hosting.

For more ideas for shower games, see the guide Best Baby Shower Games On The Internet.