Baby showers are a fairly modern concept and their popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. The whole occasion is about celebrating pregnancy and sharing in the mother-to-be's excitement at the impending birth, while at the same time 'showering' her with gifts to help her prepare for the arrival of the baby.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to a baby shower and, like the expectant mother's belly, they come in all shapes and sizes. So a baby shower is a great opportunity for you to put on your thinking cap, come up with some fantastic ideas and make this a party to remember!

Below are some guidelines to get your creative juices flowing. But first, a brief guideline on baby shower etiquette...

Baby shower etiquette

Who is the baby shower for?
Traditionally, baby showers were only held for the first child, but today they can be held for the second, third, fourth and so on. After all, every pregnancy is special and exciting and those close to the mother will want to celebrate the good news with her.

A baby shower may also be held in the case of an adopted baby. It's a lovely way to show your support for the parents' decision and welcome the baby into your lives.

Who hosts a baby shower?
Anybody (except the pregnant mother!) may host a baby shower, although it is usually a family member or close friend. There is also nothing wrong with having more than one shower if the mother has several different groups of friends. There could be one shower hosted by work colleagues, another by old school friends, a third by members of her book club and so on.

Who comes to a baby shower?
Showers tend to be fairly intimate parties for up to 20 guests but this is entirely up to the hostess and mother. The hostess usually consults with the mother on the guest list unless the shower is to be a surprise. Usually only women attend a baby shower but there is a new trend towards having a shower for couples - after all, it's an exciting time for dad too.

A word of advice: tread very gently in the case of friends or family members who have suffered a miscarriage or infertility. If you don't invite them they may feel further isolation so the best advice is to discuss it with them, saying you would love it if they can come but understand if it is too difficult for them.

When should the baby shower be held?
Baby showers are generally held around 6 to 8 weeks before the due date of the baby, although in the case of a multiple birth where premature delivery is more common, earlier is better than later.
Alternatively, a baby shower may be held a few weeks after the birth if the mother is superstitious or wishes to know the sex of the baby before receiving gifts.

Organising a baby shower
Organising a baby shower is lots of fun and allows you plenty of room for creativity. The first thing you need to decide on is the time of day and whether you will be providing a full meal or finger food.
A baby shower can be a breakfast, lunch, light supper, dinner, brunch, morning or afternoon tea, and it can be as formal or as casual as you like.

It can last around two hours, guests play party games, and finger food or a light buffet-style meal is served. However, if the mother is not the game-playing type, it can simply be an enjoyable get-together. Decide beforehand, too, whether the mother will follow the tradition of opening the gifts in front of the guests (so they can all 'ooh' and 'ah' over those cute little outfits) or after the guests have left.

Baby shower themes
The very best baby showers are those with a theme to give the party a stylish 'look' and a well-coordinated feel. The theme enhances the celebratory atmosphere and creates a fun and memorable event. And there are so many themes from which to choose.

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