Here's everything you need to make your upcoming baby shower as festive and memorable as possible!

ONE TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT

__ Set a date.
__ Make a guest list/decide on the number of guests.
__ Women only
__ Couples
__ Choose a location (home party, restaurant or hotel).
__ Formal/catered
__ Informal/buffet/potluck
__ Plan Menu.
__ Decide on a theme (if desired)
__ Choose invitations.

TWO TO THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT

__ Prepare map or directions to event.
__ Prepare and mail invitations with directions to event.
__ Finalize the menu.
__ Place order for the cake (if applicable).
__ Place order for any special vendors, entertainment, or surprises.
__ Choose and purchase decorations and party favors.
__ Centerpieces
__ Welcome Sign
__ Confetti
__ Wall or hanging decorations
__ Party favors
__ Banners
__ Special balloons
__ Party cameras
__ Plates/napkins, utensils, etc.
__ Streamers
__ Purchase prizes for games.
__ Order party rentals (tables, chairs, linens, serving accessories, theme decorations, etc.)

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT

__ Determine an accurate guest count (make follow-up calls, if necessary).
__ Prepare table assignments and name tags (if desired).
__ Purchase gift for guest of honor or organize the purchase of a group gift.
__ Place order for balloons.
__ Place order for food platters/sandwiches to be made by vendor.
__ Choose background music. Make sure equipment is working properly.
__ Prepare printed menu and cocktail menu or menu cards (if desired).

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT

__ Purchase food and prepare platters and/or pick up any special food platters ordered.
__ Purchase beverages.
__ Make telephone calls to confirm with all vendors.
__ Have cash on-hand to tip vendors (if desired).
__ Make sure camera has film and/or video camera is loaded and has batteries, etc.
__ Wrap gifts for game winners and review instructions for games.
__ Wrap your gift.
__ Buy flowers.
__ Pick up cake.
__ Prepare street signs leading to party (if necessary).
__ Pick up any party rentals not being delivered.
__ Clean house and party area(s).

DAY OF THE EVENT

__ Decorate
__ Place name tags out (if applicable).
__ Place flowers out on tables, on buffet table, and/or restroom.
__ Buy bread or rolls (if applicable) and any last minute items.
__ Buy ice (if needed).
__ Display foods out on buffet table.
__ Prepare area for gifts (gift table).
__ Pick up or prepare balloons (if they're not being delivered).
__ Set up tables and/or any seating arrangements. Place party favors on tables.
__ Set out beverages, glassware, blender, ice, coffee and condiments.
__ Put out street signs 15 minutes before people are expected to arrive (if applicable).