When planning a baby shower, it is sometimes the special touches that help make a baby shower special. Not only can your shower run a little smoother, but your mom-to-be and guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

When you are planning a baby shower for a close friend or family member keep these ideas in mind.

	Place helium balloons outside your front door to greet your guests and expectant mom. Or visit an Outlet Store with Party Supplies that provide customized memory banners to welcome your mom-to-be.
	When decorating, don’t forget the guest bathroom. Adding a little extra touch with a scented candle or special soap and lotions can add warmth to the room.
	As your guests arrive be sure to introduce them to one another. If you plan on having a seating arrangement, place people who know each other or have common interests together.
	Arrange a designated driver to pick up your mom-to-be so she can feel pampered and relaxed on the way to and from her shower.
	Ask someone to be the shower’s designated photographer. Have them take a picture of each guest with the mom-to-be. Consider having someone video tape the shower too.
	Insure there is a designated gift recorder to keep track of who gave which gift.
	Provide your expectant mom with a guest list (including last names and addresses) to help with thank you notes. You can take this one step further and create a game. As guests arrive have them write their name and address on envelope and place them in a bowl. Later draw an envelope where the winning guest is given a prize. These envelopes can then be passed onto the mom-to-be all ready for her thank you cards!
	If you are hosting a Jack and Jill shower, ensure there will be plenty of men in attendance for the dad-to-be. When picking invitations, decorations and party games keep the men in mind and stay away from lace, the color pink and anything overly frilly.
	Ensure you have enough favors on hand for all your guests. It maybe a good idea to have a few extra just in case.
	When it is time for your expectant mom to open her gifts, have each person come up and hand her their present. While she is unwrapping she can introduce the gift-giver to the group and tell a little story about how she knows them. This is a great way for everyone to get to know one another.
	Surprise your expectant mom with a special keepsake from her shower. Frame one of her shower invitations and display it at her party. After her shower let her take it home as a gift.