Article : Baby Showers. Five easy steps to success

Baby Showers are always so much fun to attend. An exciting time for our friend or family member, and we get to play a small part in making this time in their life more special.

We run to the store, or hop online, to find that perfect gift that will welcome baby with style and our hope is that our gift will be both memorable and helpful for the new mom.

But what about when it is our turn to play hostess? Now it is our job to ensure a good time is had by all and that the baby shower we are hosting for our friend is the very best it can be, and that everything is taken into account to ensure everyone has a good time.

Here are some suggestions for a successful and stress - free / less shower hosting experience.

#1) Remember - this is a FUN time for everyone. Their attention is on the new mom, not you - so you can relax knowing that the guests are not coming to judge you, your home, or your hosting abilities.

#2) Plan ahead. Making sure everyone is invited ahead of time, attendance reserved, and then all are reminded, puts you ahead of the game, and lets you know exactly who/what to plan for.

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#3) Keep it simple. By preparing fi nger foods and punch for your guests, you alleviate the need for dirtying all of your dishes and will reduce the preparation time by about 2/3. Making available napkins and small paper plates will ensure every guest is comfortable. I always suggest making sure there are some fruits or vegetables available for those who may be on strict medical diets, and then some fi nger sandiwiches are great along with the cake. (HINT: It is always nice to fi nd out the guest of honors favorite type of cake ahead of time, so you can serve the one she likes the most.)

#4) If it is a surprise, make sure everyone is told it is a surprise when you invite them. There is nothing worse than a spoiled surprise. However, to plan a surprise and not notify the ones attending, increases the chance of disaster by 100 fold. It can be tough to keep a surprise of this nature, because frankly she is probably expecting it ... but this just makes it all the more fun to try!

#5) Games and prizes - Having 3-4 games for everyone to enjoy through the evening / afternoon, makes for a lot of fun for your guests. Making the games simple, so all may participate and ensuring there is a take home prize for all guests, whether they win or not is a great complement to a wonderful time.

GAME SUGGESTIONS:
Guess the size - Have each guest write down how many inches they think the mommy to be's tummy is around. Then enjoy the laughs as someone measures her waist with a tape measure. The one closest to the actual size wins.

Dress the baby - Prepare ahead with a stop watch, doll, a diaper, diaper pins, tshirt, pajamas and bib. Have each guest take turns dressing the doll completely, while being timed. The one with the fastest time wins.

Who's the mama - Prepare ahead of time by placing photos of babies and toddlers on a post it board. Be sure to include ONE photo of the mom to be, as a baby or toddler. Place a # by each photo in the collection, so they can be easily identified. Have each guest write down which # photo they think is the guest of honor.

I hope these suggestions will make your hosting experience a little more relaxed and rewarding. HAVE FUN!