New shower themes sprout faster than weeds after a heavy rain, but these ten are perennial winners. Play them straight, put your own twist on them, or use the list to get your own ideas flowing.

  1. Alphabet Shower
Every guest is assigned a letter of the alphabet and asked to bring a gift that starts with that letter.

  2. Around-the-Clock Shower
Guests are assigned a time of day and asked to bring a corresponding gift. Eight in the morning might elicit eggcups or juice glasses; 11pm might mean a nightie.

 3. Around-the-House Shower
Each guest is assigned a room and brings a gift for it. The living room might prompt a throw for the couch, while the bathroom might get you his-and-hers bathrobes.

  4. Holiday shower
Not a good shower for basics, but a festive option if you’re having multiple showers. Everyone is given a holiday and chooses a gift in keeping with the day.

  5. Kitchen shower
Guests are asked to bring a gift to help outfit the kitchen. That could mean simple gifts like a set of dishtowels or a lemon zester, or a more elaborate pick like a mixer.

  6. Lingerie Shower
Another perennial favourite, the lingerie shower is ideal as a second shower. Let the host know key sizes in case guests ask for guidance.

  7. Recipe Shower
Guests are asked to bring a favourite recipe and the key kitchen tools needed to make it.

  8. Stock-the-Bar Shower
A popular option at couples’ showers. Guests help fully outfit a bar.

  9. Home Improvement Shower
Also popular for couples’ showers, this theme allows the couple to get all the screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, ladders, and other gear they will need around the house.

10. Gadget Shower
Guests are asked to bring a gadget that changed their lives for the better.

Excerpted from THE WEDDING BOOK
© 2008 by Mindy Weiss
Used by permission of Workman Publishing Co., Inc., New York
All Rights Reserved