Serving alcohol is never required, but it is mandatory that you provide nonalcoholic beverages if you are serving liquor. It's also a nice touch to have a pitcher of water with a floating lemon slice in it on the table. But as for alcohol, unless you'd like to spend the big bucks, it's far easier to spike the punch than to provide beer or wine or champagne for the whole crew.

Although most wedding showers feature nonalcoholic beverages, you might choose to add some alcoholic ones to your party. The only rule about alcohol at parties is that the hostess must watch for overconsumption and take appropriate measures to avert disaster.

Many cookbooks offer splendid recipes for alcoholic punches. For a party of all women, you would likely choose a light, fruity alcoholic punch.

Generally, the amounts you should plan on are as follows:

• 1 bottle of wine = 6-8 filled glasses

• 1 quart of hard liquor = 20 1½-OZ. drinks

• 1 20-oz. bottle of champagne = 8 glasses

• ½ keg of beer = 260 8-oz. glasses

• 2 gallons of punch = 64 4-oz. punch cups

Fish House Punch

Dissolve sugar in lemon juice and brandy. Add rum and wine. Stir. Refrigerate. Pour into a punch bowl over ice. Add club soda just before serving. Approximately 25 servings.

Cape Cod Punch

Dissolve sugar in juices in a large bowl. Add vodka. Stir well. Pour over ice into a punch bowl. Add water before serving. Approximately 30 servings.

Claret Cup

Combine ingredients and pour into a punch bowl over ice. Garnish with fruit. Approximately 15 servings.

Bishop's Punch

Bake oranges on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until soft. Heat liquors and spices, but do not boil. Place the oranges in a punch bowl. Add wine and cognac.

Approximately 12 servings.