The dreaded moment has arrived.
You've managed to avoid this crisis for some time but now it's your best friend who is getting married or maybe having a baby.
You have been asked (or assumed) to give the girl a shower!"But I'm no good a party planning" you might cry.
"I'm not organized enough" or "I have no clue" may be other phrases tumbling out of your mouth.
Whatever the excuses, your time's up and you need to "step up to the plate" and do this thing.
First order of business - get your attitude right.
The party isn't going to be about you anyway, so you might as well get over feeling inadequate.
This is going to be a time to celebrate with friends and family of the upcoming big event.
The focus is to be fully on the bride-to-be (or mom-to-be).
Don't worry about your inexperience in hosting a shower.
Worry is only going to bog you down so you can't use your time wisely.
There are so many helpful resources out there.
Visit your local bookstore and browse through the home and family life sections to find great books with outlines about planning simple to elaborate parties.
On the web, you'll find an abundance of information and tips (sometimes too much info can paralyze, though, so limit your "surfing").
There are also lots of magazines available now that include time lines, themes, menus and even party favor ideas.
For the die-hards, consider the library.
And who said that you had to do this all on your own?Recruit some help!Within your circle of friends and family, surely there are some talented souls who like to cook, decorate, and generally give advice.
Draw from them.
Get a general theme going and then designate reliable gals to accomplish various tasks.
Pool your financial resources so that one person is not carrying the entire financial burden.
Yes, putting on a shower means spending a little money - but it so worth it when you see the guest of honor's face as she enters and sees all the happy faces and the preparations made just for her! A successful shower does not have to be over-the-top in regards to food, decorations, and entertainment.
It can be if you have the time and the money - but some of the sweetest showers have been when those hosting it have taken the time to really understand what would make the guest of honor happy - what foods she adores, what music makes her feel happy, and who she would most like to have present to share this happy time.
Remember, the focus is on her and not you (at least not this time)! A simple outline to start planning the shower: 1.
Decide where it is being held.
The simplest is at home unless you are expecting a large group.
2.
Pick a date.
Be sure to check with the guest of honor and any key people who need to be there.
It is virtually impossible to pick a date that will be ideal for everyone.
Don't worry about it.
Given enough advance notice, most people can adjust their schedules.
3.
Get an estimate on how many people you are expecting.
These days, there often multiple showers given for the same girl.
Determine if you are going for a select group or if this is going to be an open invitational event (if so, you better think about getting a large place to have the shower).
4.
Set a budget.
In the idea books and magazines mentioned, you will be able to find some cost estimators to help manage the funds.
Nothing makes a host more edgey than knowing she has blown her budget.
A simple cost cutter is to have one of your recruits that knows how to bake make the cake.
Another cost cutter is to use as many "real dishes" as possible.
Paper products can be expensive and you just end up throwing them away, plus china lends an elegant touch to the decor.
Borrow similar styles from your party planning recruits until you have enough plates on hand.
5.
Plan a simple menu.
Instead of making many varied dishes, make multiples of 2-3 main dishes depending on the number guests, and fill in with simple sides of fruits, cheeses, and pastries.
Remember, it is a shower - not a feast! 6.
This may sound corny, but a funny little ice-breaker game can really get guests laughing and relaxing.
You'll be able to find tons of suggestions on-line.
And they're free! 7.
Allow enough time for leisurely opening of the gifts and oohing and ahhing!That is the reason for the shower, right? 8.
It is also a thoughtful touch to think about some party favors.
It can be fun to create some but, that can be time consuming (and maybe a bit stressful).
On-line retailers have a vast variety of cute favors that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
This is money well spent and guests will know that you have appreciated their presence (and presents) at the shower.
Check that one as "done" on your planning list.
9.
Finally, keep reminding yourself that this is a labor of love and your aim is to bless someone else.