To shower or not to shower?

Baby showers are a long-standing US tradition that’s getting big over here too. What a fabulous excuse for a party!

Location, location, location

This is something you need to think about when you're planning numbers. Ideally a baby shower should be held at the home of the host, but this might not be possible. The mum-to-be shouldn't have any hosting responsibilities so it might seem incorrect to host it at her house. If she would like it to be held at her home, just make sure she isn't involved in any cleaning or clearing up! Alternatively, look at local venues such as church halls or hotels.

The budget

You've probably realised that all these things are going to cost money - invitations, food, a possible location, decorations, postage, goody bags, a cake... And, it's really not fair to expect the host to foot the entire bill. Find out from the other girls invited what they would be prepared to contribute, and go from there.

The menu

Treats, treats, treats... you're probably having a daytime celebration so stick to light, delicious, picky food. Picnics and afternoon tea are perfect -- ask other guests to bring a contribution and stick to tasty finger food, and pretty fairy cakes! In the winter, you might choose more warming options such as big bowls of chilli and rice.

The key is to keep it simple unless you want to employ the services or a caterer. If the shower is before the birth of the baby, check what the mum-to-be can and can't eat. This is not the time to get carried away with soft mouldy cheese, seafood and alcohol-fuelled cocktails!

Present time!

This is where the quandary lies... does the guest buy something for the mum or the baby? A manicure set or a babygro? And the answer is, either -- perhaps even a little of both? If you know the mother-to-be really wants something for the baby, you might all join together to buy it. Perhaps each guest could buy a classic childhood book so that the new arrival has a wonderful book collection.

If you're going to buy a present for the mum, bear in mind that she will really appreciate pampering treats. This could indeed be a manicure set, a subscription to her favourite magazine, a foot spa, expensive bubble bath or a lovely new fluffy dressing gown and slippers!

A fun gift is to provide the mum-to-be with a home made 'cheque book' of tokens. These can be for 'a free night's babysitting', 'a home-cooked dinner' etc -- things that she can ask her friends for when she is a new mother and in need of some extra support.

The popular US tradition is to also ensure that each guest takes a 'goody bag' home. Think of it as a wedding favour -- sugared almonds, chocolates and scented candles are all perfect baby shower treats! 

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