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How to throw a baby shower

Whether you're a shower-hosting rookie or an old pro looking for new ideas, here's how to fete any mom-to-be with style

By //
Originally published in Today's Parent November 2010

So you want to host a baby shower. Good intentions aside, there are great expectations (sorry, we had to) when undertaking such a feat. So we’ve asked etiquette expert Jennifer Lawrence for her tips on everything from whom to invite to whether to throw a shower for a second- or third-time mom. Good luck!

Who should host? In days of yore, friends were the go-to hosts for baby bashes. Today, showers are thrown by family members, close friends and even good office chums. Another tradition that’s undergone a facelift? Women-only showers. While it’s still largely the fairer sex hosting and attending baby showers, men are getting in on the action, says Lawrence, thanks to the recent popularization of Jack and Jill-type celebrations.

Who gets invited? If the gathering is a surprise, hit up momma-to-be’s partner, family, best friends and colleagues for suggestions, and if you know of another party being held in her honour, connect with that host to avoid invitee overlap. As for invitations, feel free to go the traditional route and mail personalized stationery, or embrace the wonders of technology and send a quick and convenient e-vite. (Just be sure you have the e-mail addresses of all invitees before taking that road.)

How much gets spent? Baby showers can be as extravagant or as low-key as the organizer wants, but keep in mind that providing food, decorations and favours fall under the hosting duties umbrella. If money is a concern, consider enlisting some co-hosts to divvy up the cost, and go cheap where you can. For example, ready-made platters of fruit, veggies or cheese can be pricey, so cut up and arrange the trays yourself, and skip expensive store-bought cupcakes, brownies and squares by getting baking-inclined friends to bring their wares instead.

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