Baby showers have long been considered customary. Hardly a child is born nowadays that isn't first welcomed into the family by a shower, and usually before the birth takes place.

Baby showers also have a more practical application than just being a good reason for a celebration. Very often new parents don't have the supplies necessary for a new child. A shower will provide some very needed items such as strollers, clothes, and diapers.

But baby showers take a huge amount of planning and can sometimes seem to be a daunting task. From choosing the guests and sending out invitations to planning the food, there's a lot to think about.

Of these, what food to serve is the biggest decision that has to be made. Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Consider the food you will serve when you choose the time for the party. For example, a shower that is in the evening usually requires a sit-down meal. But during the early afternoon, finger food and dessert (there always has to be dessert!) will suffice.

2. Also keep the amount of food needed in the back of your mind when making out the guest lists. Snacks for 15 are a lot easier to prepare than food for 40 or more.

3. If your baby shower has a theme, try to create food that matches it. You can have a custom-made cake, for example, that has a nursery rhyme character on it.

4. Try to serve the food in a creative way. One shower I went to, for example, had a cake shaped like a basket which was filled with strawberries.

5. Don't forget to decorate the food table. Candles often create a homey atmosphere. One shower I went to in October had the table decorated with hollowed-out baby pumpkins containing tea light candles. You can also scatter a bit of confetti on the tablecloth for an extra festive touch.

6. To win extra points with the parents-to-be, let them give their input as to their favorite food or their dislikes.

7. Don't forget to provide a large trash barrel if using disposable plates and cups. And consider having an easy way for allowing your guests to recycle.

By providing a spread that is appealing to both the taste and sight, you'll contribute to the warm and festive atmosphere that your baby shower should be, and give the parents-to-be a memory that will last them for years to come.