The first question that comes to mind is who should throw the shower. Now traditionalists say that only friends of the mother to be should throw the party and that it is inappropriate for a family member to do so. If you are looking to be proper a family member should not throw the shower because some people may feel that action sends the message that the family is trying to illicit gifts. However, this is usually not the case and in today's world it is just as common for a parent or sibling to throw the party as it is for a close friend.

The invitation list must be decided early on. Close family and friends for both the mother and father to be should be invited. A traditional view of a baby shower is to keep the lit intimate, less than 25 people, in order to allow the guest of honor time to spend with each guest. However when big families and lists of close friends are involved this may not be possible. Make sure before you finalize the list you allow the mother to be to go over it to make sure that no one was left out and that everyone being invited is someone she is comfortable sharing her special day with.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you want to have traditional women only party or if this couple would prefer a more modern co-ed party. Parenting itself has become less about the mother and more about the parental unit and so some people are following suit when planning baby showers. If you decide to venture into co-ed land be sure to plan the party for both sexes. Translation: Lay off the pink. Whereas a traditional baby shower is full of pastel colors and pretty favors a co-ed is less like a shower and more like a party. You can still do baby themed decorations but you will need to alter activities, games, decorations and food choices to accommodate both sexes.

If you are interested in the men being able to celebrate but still want a traditional shower, you can throw two showers one for the women and one for the men. The women's shower can be as girly as you choose and the men's can be more like a small get together, the men going out to eat, see a sports event or out for drinks. The gifts that they receive may be more basic like gift cards, which is fine, new parents can always use a gift card to finish buying all they need for their new little angel.

The next thing that should be determined is when exactly this party will take place. A good time for the part is between the sixth and the seventh months. This will ensure that most likely the mother to be will not go into labor before than and after the party to expecting parents will have time to organize all their gifts, finish getting the nursery ready and be able to determine what they still need to purchase. Invitations should be sent at least 2-3 weeks in advance for in town guests and 4-6 weeks in advance for any out of town guests.

The invitation design can be anything from a basic white to a theme that is being used in the nursery. If possible the invitation should either correspond with the nursery theme or the party theme. The invitation should include the guest(s) of honors name, where and when the shower is being held, a map to the shower, the hostess's name and number, when to RSVP by, the sex of the baby is known, the shower theme if any and any places the parents to be are registered to and under what names.

Finally, the shower! The length of the shower varies but should be at least two hours and probably should not exceed four hours. You may want to put aside the first 30-45 minutes to greet guests. Appetizers and finger foods should be available at this time. One that period is over if there are any games planned they should be done now. You can either play all the games in succession, or you can have them while the guest of honor is opening presents, as breaks between these activities. Another thing to consider is presents for game winners and door prizes.

There you have it, the basics of throwing a successful shower.