HELPING OUT AT SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOWER

If you are one of the fortunate souls who just gets to show up, hand off a gift, and enjoy the fun, good for you! But there are a few things you can do to make the hostess' evening more enjoyable.

Don't ask what you can do to help, just do it.

If wrapping paper is going to be all over the floor, move the trash can closer or pick up the paper whenever the bride unwraps something. Do it discreetly and don't draw attention to yourself. If people are mingling and the hostess is setting out food, take a plate and follow her.

If you don't know the hostess that well, ask what you can do to help. If she turns you down, go and be with the guests, but look as though you mean it when you ask her. Sometimes frustrated hostesses will insist on doing everything themselves rather than to take advantage of what seems like an insincere offering of help.

f you know the hostess well, offer to be there an hour or two early to help her with the food or setting up the table. You can even welcome the girls as they come in, if she's busy in the kitchen. Just find some way to be useful as well as have fun.