Whether traditional or modern, party themes are an easy way to tie together the invitations, decor, menu, and more. They can also bring a greater sense of festivity to a baby shower. But remember, the theme you choose doesn't have to be over the top: The star of the show will always be the new mom.

Celebrate the mom-to-be's love of literature with a whimsical menu, darling decorations, and plenty of fairy-tale fun.

The letters that a child will someday delight in learning are the building blocks of this elegant party in honor of the mother-to-be.

Combining bright balloons and sweet flower shapes is an ideal way to celebrate the anticipated arrival of a bright and beautiful baby. You can set the party indoors or outdoors, where a sunny day and garden can decorate the shower for you. All you need are a few special touches.

Many expectant mothers begin the "nesting" process -- cleaning house, preparing baby clothes, assembling furniture -- as their delivery date approaches. Entertain them with a baby bird-themed dessert shower.

To celebrate the motherhood of a woman in a modern way, dispense with the fusty color code, invite the soon-to-be dad (as well as male friends and family members), and offer zero-prep-time foods instead of the usual tea-sandwich fare. The result? A party that's cliche-free and easy as ABC.

A baby shower with polka dots as the theme guarantees plenty of fun to go around. And a simple graphic theme makes it easy to coordinate decor, favors, and food.

Since the mother-to-be will have little time to spoil herself after the baby is born, now is the perfect time for her and her friends to indulge in healthy spa food, nourishing treatments, and luxurious bath accessories.

If the expectant mother doesn't live nearby, you can still shower her with love and good wishes by creating a "baby shower in a box." Choose a theme such as Baby's First Bath, Decorate the Nursery, or Pampering Mom, and invite friends and loved ones to contribute.

The color white signifies goodness, innocence, and purity -- all of which describe a baby. Give a white-themed shower and you will honor mother and child in style. Creating a white theme is simple. Fill a living room or dining room with white balloons and streamers. Ask guests to bring their gifts wrapped in snowy hues. Glass and white porcelain serving dishes complete the theme. Include a candy table where guests can nibble on sweets and later bundle their favorites in swatches of white tulle or muslin to take home as favors. The only centerpiece needed is a towering white layer cake.

Something is brewing at this baby shower. Have guests leave their shoes at the door as they step into a room steeped with charm. Decorate tables with cherry blossom branches, and use a low coffee table for the tea service.

A simple and cheerful flower inspires an outdoor baby shower with fresh-picked decor, favors, and food. The daisy is easy to replicate in decor and favors, but not every detail is flower-shaped; yellow-and-white favors -- lollipops, rubber ducks, and paper cones holding penny candy -- are just as fitting; a gingham tablecloth adds to the summery theme.

The expectant mother need not be delivering two by two to have a wonderful time at this animal-themed shower. Adorable lion and lamb cupcakes and whimsical balloon animals make the party complete. Invitations can be in the shape of an ark.

This shower theme was inspired by the French countryside in summer, where the fields are carpeted in lavender and the sky is nursery blue. Most of the food, which includes potato-leek soup, pissaladiere, madeleines, and chocolat blanc, is easy to prepare and can be eaten out of hand at room temperature. And the decorations are few: embroidered linens, a tiny arrangement of forget-me-nots, and a few dangling wired wreaths, making planning a breeze.

Brunch by nature is relaxed and easy, making it a perfect setting for a baby shower. Classic baked goods and an egg strata conjure up memories of childhood meals. The recipes can be transferred onto keepsake recipe cards for the mother-to-be and guests to take home.

Treat the mommy-to-be to some well-deserved pampering before the baby arrives. Find a spa that offers prenatal massages, as well as manicures and pedicures for all your baby shower guests.

It's a girl! Well, not quite yet. A pink-themed shower is a perfect way to help the mother-to-be prepare for a little girl.

A baby shower with a library theme kicks off the process of stocking the nursery's bookshelves. The party's host may ask guests to bring their favorite childhood story with an inscription to the baby explaining why it was particularly magical to them. Or, the parents-to-be can create a library wish list of their own favorites at a local bookstore or through any major online bookseller.

There are endless possibilities when planning the menu, decorations, and favors for a baby shower. This checklist breaks down the essential steps to make planning easy.