Parties, like people, need good bones. They provide a solid structure for everything else to be built on. Every party has similar bone structure, with slight variations to accommodate the type of occasion you are celebrating.

Baby showers are no exception.

Every party has a beginning, a middle filled with party layers, and an end. If you plan around this framework, your party is sure to be a hit.

The Beginning: Invitation and Welcome

For your guests, the party begins when the invitation arrives. It sets the tone, hints at the style, may introduce the theme, and gives the guests the party’s vital statistics. Most importantly, it gets people excited about coming to the shower!

Once the appointed day and time arrive, the invitation is a thing of the past. Now it’s up to you, the hostess, to set the party in motion. How do you do it? Be prepared to greet the guests — actually open the door, shake their hands, lock them in a warm embrace, and even compliment their shoes. Welcome them into your home and say, “I’m so glad you’re here!”

While it is often chaotic at the moment the guests arrive, make a concerted effort to practice this welcoming ritual. You will be surprised at the positive effect this single gesture has on your occasion.

When all (or most) of the guests have arrived, the hostess(es) must officially begin the festivities. While it’s nice to try to give everyone a beverage before the introductions, don’t delay or forego this important moment. You are the party cruise director. Assemble the group, and let them know who’s who and what’s coming.

If the group is unacquainted, ask each guest to introduce herself and tell how she knows the mommy-to-be. Taking the time to introduce or reacquaint the guests is not only a great icebreaker, but a perfect note to start your party on.

The Middle: The Party Layers

Once you have gone through introductions and welcomes, people will be on the move — after all, it’s a party. Every shower will have its own specific layers that will make it unique and fun, regardless of your style, budget, or venue.

• Tummy fillers. You can serve cake and ice cream or a lavish five-course dinner, but you should serve something.

• Décor. It can be as simple as decorative napkins and party plates or as elaborate as flowers, candles, and a pink or blue silk-swathed tent. Make the day special with a touch of décor.

• Music. Music adds an energizing layer to the party. Unless you are having the shower in your cubicle or a library, bring an iPod, portable stereo, a guitarist, an orchestra — whatever suits your style and budget.

• Conversation opportunities. Your introductions have opened the door to great conversation. Now give your guests some time to talk before rushing them on to games, activities, or entertainment.

• Game, activity, or entertainment. This gives guests a chance to interact and to share an experience. Showers have a built-in activity — the present opening; however, there is no rule against having another one. Pick something you know your particular group will enjoy.

The End: Goodbyes, Good Wishes, and Thank Yous

At a baby shower, when the last gift is opened, it is usually the signal that the party’s over. The mommy-to-be should take a moment to thank the guests for coming and the hostess(es) for throwing such a lovely shower. She and the hostess should help guests with coats, favors, and goodbyes. If a guest leaves early, the hostess should walk them to the door and thank them for coming. This simple gesture is as important as the welcoming greeting.