So you've been asked to plan a baby shower? Lucky you; the anticipation of a new baby makes planning and having a baby shower great fun. At the same time, it's a lot of work, a lot of stress, and a lot of details, details, details. The first thing you want to do is start early (you did the right thing by coming here first). It's also important that you are in close contact with the expectant mother regarding her wishes for the day, time, theme, food, and guest list. After all, if she tends to be sick from 3 to 7 p.m. every day, then perhaps an afternoon shower isn't the best idea.

You also want to make sure that, as the public face of the event, you are making yourself available to the soon-to-be-mother's friends and family, even those that you don't know too well, or those that you do know but don't particularly care for. If abrasive Aunt Irma comes a-calling because she thinks the theme is outrageous, it's your job to run interference. You'll also need to develop a seasoned Wall Street negotiator's sense of deal-making, weighing the possible food and banquet hall options, all with an eye toward the tactful but without breaking the bank.

Once everything is said and done, the delicious food, cute decorations, and good friends you decide on will all contribute to a perfect celebration of the new addition to your family or your friend's family. Getting there will take months, but this guide will put you on the right path. So get reading, get planning, and then get partying.

• Organization is the key to a successful party. Some important considerations include:

1. The date: Check with the expectant parents to see what day is best for them, and try to plan the party for four to six weeks before the baby is due to arrive. If the party date falls too close to the due date, you run the chance of the baby arriving early.
2. The time: Plan for a two-hour window of time in which to have the party. This allows for time to feed your guests, play a few games and watch the mother-to-be open her gifts. Make the time dependent on whether you decide to serve lunch, dinner, appetizers or just dessert, and on what is most convenient for the guest of honor and her friends.
3. The location: If you know the number of guests that will be invited, it should make your choice of location easier. Most smaller showers are given in the home of the hostess, but for a larger crowd, consider renting a party house or a meeting room at a restaurant.
4. If the parents have chosen a theme for the baby's room, you may want to incorporate that as your theme for the party. Some popular themes include:
   1. Winnie the Pooh
   2. A Star is Born
   3. Sports
   4. Sesame Street
   5. Noah's Ark
   6. Holidays
   7. Teddy Bears
5. Once the theme has been chosen, it's time to plan and shop for party decorations.

• New mothers-to-be may have more than one shower and may prefer to group certain friends together for each event. Is she interested in having her husband there? Then perhaps a couples shower is in order.

• Once the decision is made, ask the expectant mother to provide you with a list of names and addresses. Address and mail the invitations four to six weeks prior to the date of the party. This will give the guests a chance to check their schedules and r.s.v.p by a given date. Make the response date early enough to enable you to plan the amount of food and drinks that will be needed. Have the expectant mother register at a convenient baby store.

• Unless you are having a small intimate shower and are planning a full meal, then appetizers, finger sandwiches, soups or salads can be made ahead of time and are simple and easy to serve. Oftentimes it is best to serve food that is easy to hold on the lap or to somehow eat without the benefit of a table. Non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, punch and coffee are common. And don't forget to plan on baking or ordering a sheet cake or cupcakes.

• It is customary at baby showers to play games, but it is not necessary. Games help to break the ice and involve the guests with one another, especially if many are not previously acquainted. Choose the games with the guests in mind and make them fun and not too involved. Present your choices to the expectant mother for her consideration and approval.

• A baby shower is a lighthearted and fun way to honor the upcoming birth of a new baby, and to present the parents-to-be with some much-needed gifts to help them prepare for that joyous event.

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