Baby showers are a traditional way to celebrate the arrival of a new baby, but they do so much more than that. They help new parents prepare for the next addition to their family. Let’s face it: Babies are expensive! If you or someone you know is expecting a baby, you should mostly have a baby shower.

The goal of this article is to give you some general tips on how to throw a successful baby shower.

1.) Be sure to mail invitations at least two weeks before your scheduled time. Why? You want to make sure that the guests you have invited have enough time to plan to attend, but that they are not invited so far in advance that they completely forget about it and don’t attend. Two weeks is the perfect length of time for invitations to ensure that the largest number of people attend. Remember, the shower is ultimately for new parents to bring home as many baby items (gifts) as they can.

2.) You can shower anywhere, the only requirement is to make sure there is enough room for the guest list. You don’t want to have 30 or 40 people waiting, only to have to squeeze them all into a small living room with no room for guests to sit. Plan accordingly. If necessary, a party room can and should be rented. If the weather permits, consider taking a shower outside on a patio. You’ll need to make sure you have enough chairs for guests to sit still, but being outside tends to get a bit claustrophobic.

3.) Food is a must, however a full meal is not. SNACKS AND FINGERS ARE PERFECT FOR A SHOWER. You can plan the menu according to the theme you have selected. For example, if you’re having a cowboy-themed shower (side note: you can choose any theme you’d like), you could plan the menu around casthwest food. Drinks can also be kept to a minimum. Lemonade, iced tea, and coffee are great options.

4.) The cake is a great place to showcase the theme. You can order fancy cakes from a bakery or make your own. Separate cupcakes are a great way to make it unique.

5.) Play in the shower! Now on the minimum plan for some kind of activities. This helps make guests feel more comfortable, but it also keeps the shower moving and not having that “calm” that can sometimes occur at these types of events. If you play, make sure you get prizes for the winners.

Contrary to popular belief, Baby Showers can be fun! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful baby shower for that special mom-to-be.