Baby Shower Food Ideas For Both Traditional Or New Baby Showers
By Nisha Williams
It's always fun planning a baby shower. From the theme to the games to the food that is served. The goal is to make the mom-to-be feel loved and for the day to go off without a hitch. Such take a bit of planning as well as research. A major element of any party's success: the food.
When it comes to proper baby shower food, you'll want to first consider the time of the shower itself. This will help you determine what kind of food should be served. If for instance, the shower is scheduled around 11 a.m. or noon, it would be appropriate to serve a sit-down meal. Thus, the food should encompass a light lunch, complete with appetizers, a salad course (from tortellini to fruit), a main meal, and desert to follow.
This would be expected of the host(ess), to organize a sit-down meal with tables, chairs, and assigned seating. As for what the main meal should be, think family-style. This will foster a togetherness among all present. Pasta or casserole are good choices and if the shower is co-ed, then a barbecue should also prove popular. The guys of course would be in charge of the grill.
If however the baby shower is held in the mid-afternoon, then a more informal setting is acceptable. Small plates and snacks, a buffet-style setup without tables/chairs is what you'll likely find. To go along with the traditional punch, fun baby shower food may include:
- Vegetable tray: Especially nice for vegan or vegetarian mom. Though not everyone at the party may follow such a diet, the point of the shower is to make it perfect for the guest of honor. A veggie tray will offer delicious, healthy snacks.
- Fruit salad: To dress this idea up, you might consider creating individual fruit mixes in wine glasses. In a buffet-style setup, guests can add toppings, such as whip cream, cottage cheese, and nuts.
- Tea sandwiches and scones: These delicate treats are the perfect complements to a tea-themed shower. If you wish to go all out and have a true high-tea experience, then definitely remember the Devonshire cream.
- Sweet tray: A collection of sweets, from tarts to tea cakes, puff pastries to petit fours.
- Baby shower cake: A must at every baby shower, the cake is typically served after the games are played and before the mother-to-be opens her gifts. Cakes can be most anything you (or rather the expectant mom) wish. A good guide is to know what her favorite kind of cake is. From a pineapple upside-down cake to a carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting, the cake is the pièce de résistance when it comes to baby shower food.
In the end, as you plan your shower, just remember that while most anything goes when it comes to this traditional party, it's good to keep in mind some points of etiquette, too.
What's more, your choice of baby shower food will come together as a result of theme, preference, budget, and preparation time. For instance, a veggie tray can be fun to put together on your own, but if pressed for time, these are readily available at your local supermarket as well.
And finally, have fun and make this day a truly memorable one for your favorite mom-to-be!
