Punch made its debut centuries ago in India, but in the 1700s British sailors loved it so much that it became a tradition at social functions.

Picking a punch to serve doesn't have to be a daunting task. Start with the theme of the baby shower. There are countless punches that are a wide array of colors. If you are throwing a "Pretty in Pink" baby shower, a creamy pink punch is your answer. Likewise, if you are throwing an elegant baby shower, but don't know the gender of the baby, a green or yellow punch would be the perfect choice. Keeping the mother's first trimester in mind, you can serve a Ginger Punch in memory of her nausea and the ginger that she used to cure the morning sickness.

Punches don't need to be hidden off to the side of a gorgeous baby shower. Gorgeous punch bowls are quite inexpensive, especially if you scour thrift or consignment stores. A new punch bowl could be a wise investment if you plan to host many parties. Garnished with healthful fruit or edible flowers, the punch can serve as a beautiful centerpiece.

Punches can be made from a variety of ingredients. The obvious are fruit juices and carbonated sodas, but ice cream and sherbet make stunning add-ins. Punches can also be embellished with fresh or frozen fruits. By freezing the fruit in water in a gelatin mold makes an added art form for the punch bowl. Make sure when serving a punch that has spirits as one of the ingredients, to label the punch bowls, so there is no confusion for the guest of honor or any children that may be in attendance. Make sure that each punch bowl has at least two ladles and also make sure that you have plenty of punch cups for easy distribution.

Don't leave your baby shower guests thirsty. Quench their appetites with a fruity punch.