Some cultural traditions get so worn, with the same old agendas. The bridal shower is one such tradition. It’s kind of like a birthday party where the kids play pin the tail on the donkey. The traditional activities get worn out. Everyone who receives an invitation feels they must just buck up for the sake of the bride and participate graciously. This is a shame, because your wedding is such a joyous occasion. A bridal shower shouldn’t be relegated to a paint-by-numbers affair. Here are some imaginative ways to host a bridal shower that walks the talk.

If you’re going to be hosting a bridal shower, you want the bride’s party to be memorable, to stand out as a genuine celebration she won’t forget. This calls for some updating on the usual bridal shower activities. Of course, you want all of the guests to feel comfortable and be truly entertained.

You’ll want to have food that’s munchable, buffet style so that everyone can grab a bite in between chatting. A sit-down style dinner tends to add a formal note that’s not conducive to partying. Plan a menu that consists of exotic appetizers that everyone can sample at their leisure. Empanadas, dolmades, stuffed mushrooms, Coquilles San Jacque and crab cakes will satisfy the most discerning appetite. Have a good supply of small paper plates to encourage guests to taste here and there.

If you’re hosting a bridal shower, you probably know the bride well. What rocks her world? Is she an extrovert? What’s her favorite music? Try a Karaoke style entertainment theme. Let it all hang out. Everyone will join in. If she’s the introverted and shy type, don’t embarrass her with activities like this. Scale your entertainment to suit your guest of honor. For example, if she’s the poetic type, have your guests present her with gifts of hand written romantic poems and a nice leather journal to keep them.

Hosting a bridal shower takes imagination, at least if it’s to stand out in her memories. As for gifts, try to think outside the box. She’ll probably receive more toasters and blankets than she can use. Again, think of her personal interests and the romantic aspects of her coming marriage. If she’s a music freak, organize a gift registry of your own with your guests. She’ll love a collection of CDs to enjoy on her honeymoon. If this couple lives to scuba dive, organize a registry of scuba diving gear and paraphernalia. Take up a collection to fund a mini-getaway.

When hosting a bridal shower, the bottom line is that you want to truly honor the bride and make sure everyone has fun, according to the bride’s dreams. This party happens once in a lifetime.

Buying gifts for men can be difficult. Buying for women is so much easier! You know the routine. “Dad, what would you like for your birthday?” “Oh, I really don’t need anything, but thanks! A birthday cake will be fine.” Hmm. Men are so reluctant to give you a clue and they typically do not admit there’s anything they need or want. So, before you go out and get your groom another tie, check out these ideas for some macho gift baskets for men. You can make it yourself or purchase online.

When you’re brainstorming the gift baskets for men concept, you want to define the basket part loosely. Think of this as an assortment of wonderful goodies you know he’ll use. Be creative on the container. Remember, you want him to actually make use of the whole gift.

Every man has food and beverage favorites. Some men even like to cook. The traditional food gift basket may seem like an obvious choice, but you don’t need to fill this basket with the usual lineup - sausage, cheese, jams and fruit. Maybe your man loves nothing better than a good cup of Joe and oatmeal cookies. Give him what he likes!

Let’s say your guy does a lot of fishing. A big tackle box makes a macho presentation in this gift basket for men. Men who fish cannot have too many bait jars, lures, line and weights. A visit to the fishing section of any sports store reveals many interesting lures and types of bait.

Some men are after-shave and men’s cologne connoisseurs. They somewhat secretly collect new scents, with judicious dabs that hopefully wow the ladies. They like to experiment with different fragrances. Go to an upscale department store and engage the help of a clerk at the men’s counter. Let the clerk know you’re looking for unusual, designer or new after-shaves and colognes. These gift baskets for men can get pricey, but hey! He’s worth it. Get a sturdy rattan shelf style basket that can sit on a table or hang on the wall.

If he’s the scholarly type who’s always reading, there are what might be called book accessories. Try starting with an assortment of bookmarks and bookplates. If you’ve never shopped this market, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful products that are available. A magazine-style basket might be a good choice in this man’s gift basket. Tuck a bag of gourmet coffee or a bottle of his favorite liqueur inside and you’re set!

You can see that gift baskets for men can be customized to suit your man’s tastes. Look online for ready-made gift baskets for men. You’re sure to find something that’s just perfect!

Okay ladies. Your man needs a bachelor party. It’s a rite of passage for him, as much as finding “the dress” is a rite of passage for you. Let him go out on the town with his guys. His friends give him something you never can…guy love. Okay so there are no kisses when they see each other, and unless your man and his guy friends are on a sports team matching out fits are most likely out. But male bonding is nothing to scoff at. So let him have an evening out!

Okay Ladies for generations we’ve had Bridal Showers. Lots of fun for us, but not so much fun for our boy toys. The recent trend of Man Showers is working to change all that. A man shower gives your groom a chance to get all the man toys he’s been wanting. Odds are your groom has asked if you can register at one of the following places:

• Best Buy
• Lowe’s
• Circuit City
• Home Depot
• Bass Pro Shop
• Radio Shack

While many guy oriented stores do not yet offer the fully featured wedding registry services of a department store, when it comes to tools and electronics most men know what their “doomed” friend would enjoy. So encourage the Best Man or your future Father in Law to throw a Groom Shower. If the Super Bowl is any indication, when men put their mind to throwing a party they can out do us ladies easily.