The real basics

Take wishes of mom-to-be into account at every stage. That includes games, food, invitation list and all other aspects of baby shower.

You can have baby showers either before or after baby is born. Generally, they’re held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they’re also held after baby arrives because of medical or other reasons.

These days, it is perfectly ok for a close relative or even couple themselves to host a shower. Those “rules” about only non-relatives hosting a baby shower are quite dated now.

Before deciding on kind of baby shower you plan to have -- girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on -- consult mom-to-be and find out what she prefers.

Who can be invited? Generally, anyone mom-to-be feels she should call. She’s best guide here.

Do you always need to send written baby shower invitations? It is usually better choice. With a written invitation, guests have all details at their fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can (and usually should) include directions on how to get there.

At same time, it is fine to just inform people on phone. Do tell them well in advance, though. So they have enough time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. And leave your contact numbers with them so they can reach you easily if they need any clarifications.

Can you hold a surprise shower? Sure. It can be a wonderful feeling for expectant mother. But do consult someone close to her (mother, sister, etc) to know about her likely preferences in all areas.

The devil is in details

Here’s more in depth information on baby shower etiquette that’ll help you host a truly great party.

Send out shower invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them even earlier for out-of-town guests. Request an RSVP by a date 2 weeks before baby shower.

If you’re having a coed shower, you might turn guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Stick to attractive, stylish invitations.

Greet all guests at door as they walk in, provide them with name tags (if there are many guests) and introduce them to others to get conversations going.

Register for gifts at only one place. Even if there are reasons like another store being closer to some guests. Else mom-to-be may end up with duplicate gifts she may have to return. And guests will be disappointed if they find that someone else has chosen same gift they have.

As happens every year at this time, little fur-ball emerged from his burrow, as he’s done since 1886 - wow, he must be really old by now – to give us updated winter forecast.

Yes sports fans it’s official, good old Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter.

Now your reaction to this news will vary depending on what part of country you live in. Here in Northeast, many of us – this author included – do not jump for joy.

If you happen to be one of winter sports people you know ones who ski, ice skate, snowmobile etc. this was probably welcomed news.

However, speaking strictly for myself – and anyone else that might agree - thought of having to continue going out into a cold morning and cleaning off my car or having to dress like I’m crossing tundra just to take my dog out for a walk doesn’t exactly excite me.

Even my pets have had enough. Paths have had to be shoveled out in yard for Toby – our little Shetland Sheepdog – if we didn’t do this a red flag would need to be attached to his tail so he would not get lost in snow.

Now cats, you’ve heard expression “Cat Fight”, well it’s happening a little more frequently here these days. Normally four of them get along fairly well, but I think they have had just about enough of these close quarters