The mother-to-be's best friend traditionally throws the shower rather than relatives, however family members certainly can be recruited to help with the planning of the party. These traditional norms have been changing somewhat in recent years though, and so if the situation calls for a family member such as the mother or sister to host a shower, that is okay.

There is no rule around this, but typically there are between five and twenty people invited to a shower. There can be more or less guests however, but it is important not to overwhelm the mother with too much attention. It is also good to allow time for each guest to spend quality time with her.

The guest list should include close friends and immediate female family members of both the mother & father-to-be's families. The expectant mom may also want to invite business associates. It is best to consult with her to get names, addresses and phone numbers. Modern baby showers are increasingly including the father and other close male friends and family as well. This is a personal call that really depends on your own specific group of friends and family.

These friends should definitely be sent an invitation. Leave it to the friend to decide whether she is "up to" attending the event. If she decides not to attend, respect her decision.

Most showers are held one to two months before the baby's due-date. The shower can also be held after the baby is born if he or she is premature or if mom simply wants to give everyone an opportunity to meet the baby at once rather than having a stream of many visitors throughout the first month or two. So the bottom line is: ask mom what she wants.

Traditionally, baby showers were only held for first-born children as it was assumed the mother would hand down her gifts from child to child. However, in these modern times, there is more of a general feeling that some kind of celebration should be held to herald the arrival of each new child into this world. Parties for second and third children are sometimes called Baby Sprinkles, and guests bring necessities for the child such as formulae, diapers and linen.

Baby showers for adopted children are especially welcome to adoptive parents who are more than eager to celebrate the new addition to their family. These showers are handled in the same manner as regular showers, except they are often thrown after the arrival of the child into the family. It can be risky to throw a shower before the child's arrival, as some adoption proceedings don't always unfold as planned.

Invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks prior to the shower.

In your invitations to the event, specify that guests should RSVP by a date that marks two weeks before the event.

Your first responsibility is to greet each guest, tell them where to place their presents and instruct them on where they can put their bags and coats. Early on in the party, guests are usually served drinks and a light appetizer.

After all the guests have arrived, you can present them with name-cards and introduce them to each other and the mother-to-be. As the hostess you are also expected to organize any games and make sure that party favors and prizes are awarded to the winners.

After guests are done noshing, it is also your job to call everyone to the table or to the party area where all can watch the mother open her presents. At the end of the party, you might take pictures of the guests with the mother and assign rides to guests who may be inebriated. You are also required to pack up mom's gifts for her and make sure she also has appropriate transportation home.

Most showers last about two to three hours. Showers held at the office might only last half an hour to an hour.

It depends on the participants. If the expectant mother is older or quite shy, she might find the playing of games to be distasteful. If you are holding a larger party where many of the guests don't know each other, game-playing is a great way to raise enthusiasm and bonding.

Some showers are sit-down dinners, brunches, buffets and lunches, however typically most showers are held in the afternoon when folks aren't too hungry. It is suggested that you (at the very least) have simple snacks and finger-foods on hand such as chips, pretzels, cup cakes, pie and fruit and vegetables. Coffee, tea and a punch bowl are also common at most showers.

Some showers are sit-down dinners, brunches, buffets and lunches, however typically most showers are held in the afternoon when folks aren't too hungry. It is suggested that you (at the very least) have simple snacks and finger-foods on hand such as chips, pretzels, cup cakes, pie and fruit and vegetables. Coffee, tea and a punch bowl are also common at most showers.