Planning a baby shower may be exciting but can also be overwhelming, especially when deciding on the menu.
Whether on a budget, looking for something simple, or going all out with a themed baby shower, there are endless food options sure to delight your guests and make the day unforgettable!
Here’s a guide to help you choose from various baby shower food ideas and create the perfect spread for this joyous occasion.
Navigate through the ideas:
- Easy and affordable baby shower food ideas
- Finger foods: effortless and elegant
- Brunch baby shower food ideas
- Savory food ideas
- Dessert table food ideas
- Global foods for the baby shower
- Drinks menu
- Tips for crafting the perfect baby shower menu
- Baby shower menu examples 🌟
Easy and affordable baby shower food ideas
Having a baby shower on a budget includes relatively inexpensive and simple foods that will minimize the headache of planning.
It is a brilliant idea to choose simple finger foods so that the options will be tasteful and attractive yet not too pricey to break one’s wallet.
Mini sandwiches 🥪 can be handy at such times. They can be made with various fillings to suit every imaginable taste—from classic turkey and cheese to cucumber with cream cheese to ham with Swiss.
These small, easy-to-handle sandwiches minimize the amount of waste generated and can allow for a spread that appears abundant and inviting.
Vegetable trays 🥦🥕🥒🍅 are equally healthy and just as affordable. A colorful array of carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers will go a long way to cover quite a large table area. To offer your guests something refreshing, complement them with a simple dip like hummus or ranch.
Similarly, the fruit skewers 🍓🍍 made of different seasonal fruits offer a bright and colorful sweet treat, which is easy to snack on but will also serve its function as a centerpiece.
These options are cheap because they help save on preparations and expenses while allowing guests various light options to eat and enjoy themselves during socialization and celebration.
Decide on the type of utensils and plates to use. Keep in mind that disposable plastic plates for a party are often more convenient than reusable ceramic ones, as they simplify cleanup and are less prone to breaking.
Finger foods: effortless and elegant
Finger foods add a touch of class, simplicity, and elegance to a baby shower picnic, creating a casual and classy tone. These small pieces allow guests to easily mill about and share in the day’s joyful merriment without any need for formal dining.
For instance, stuffed mushrooms are filled with a delicious mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The result is a savory, complex bite that satisfies yet is singularly easy to eat.
The other spectacular and refreshing option is the Caprese salad on a stick 🍢🍅🧀
Layer the skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls, drizzled with balsamic glaze, providing a colorful display and fresh flavor combination.
Similarly, spinach and feta puff pastries will bring delightful flakiness in every bite, with creamy feta and earthy spinach wrapped in gold buttery pastry.
With that kind of setup, it just calls for a casual flow to the event, where guests will find it quite easy to sample this and that, creating a really friendly, festive atmosphere.
Brunch baby shower food ideas
A brunch baby shower marries the best breakfast and lunch for a relaxed yet festive atmosphere that will surely please all your guests.
For those who prefer sweet treats to begin their day, start off with a pastry arrangement of croissants, Danishes, and scones.
A build-your-own parfait station is a delightful interactive element, allowing guests to customize their parfaits with choices of yogurt, granola, and a variety of fresh fruits.
Quiche varieties will take care of more savory flavors: spinach, feta, ham, and cheddar, providing a satisfying, protein-heavy option. Add a smoked salmon platter with cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced red onions served with freshly baked bagels.
No brunch is complete without its signature drink, so mimosas are in order.
Add in an orange juice 🍊 classic version and a couple of other flavors, such as peach or cranberry, for added color.
Have a mocktail version for non-drinkers, particularly the mom-to-be; alternatively, it would be sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine so that everyone feels festive for a toast.
Savory baby shower food ideas
Savory treats for a baby shower can be planned in myriad flavors and textures to appeal to each taste bud. If you are expecting twins, baby shower ideas for twins might include doubling up on portions or serving matching dishes that celebrate the special occasion.
Start with a selection of mini quiches or tartlets filled with spinach, bacon, or mushrooms.
Stuffed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes are a delight, as they are easy to handle around your attendees.
Sliders can also do the trick. Make them out of beef, turkey, or vegetarian ingredients like black beans for more filling options. They could be dressed in various cheeses, sauces, and toppings to make them festive and filling.
Other great options may include wraps cut into small, bite-sized pieces filled with everything from traditional chicken Caesar to Mediterranean veggie options.
Baby shower dessert table food ideas
The dessert table is often the centerpiece of a baby shower, so it’s worth putting extra thought into its arrangement.
A neatly designed cake that matches your theme can be the showstopper, while smaller sweets of all types provide something for all tastes.
Add macarons colored pastel shades, chocolate-dipped strawberries 🍓 and cupcakes 🧁 with charming decorations like little bears 🧸 or baby footprints.
If you’re searching for baby shower ideas for boys or baby shower ideas for girls, you can tailor the desserts by using color-themed decorations, such as soft blue or baby pink.
For extra engagement, you could have a DIY dessert station, where guests can decorate cookies or make fruit parfaits with ingredients of their choice, such as granola, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.
Global foods for the baby shower
You can use a twist on world cuisine for other baby shower food ideas. Take your guests on a gastronomic voyage worldwide with variations in colorful dishes.
Begin the gourmet tour with Mediterranean mezze, including hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, warm pita bread, and falafel bites, all tastefully presented in a riot of color.
Add the Asian street food excitement with dim sum 🥟 including shrimp or vegetable dumplings, mini spring rolls, and maybe even a do-it-yourself sushi station 🍣 with avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon fillings.
Turn up the heat with a Latin flair: mini tacos 🌮 with carnitas, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fresh salsa, and guacamole 🥑 Add in empanadas and finish with chocolate-dipped churros.
Exotic Indian flavors 🇮🇳 such as samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served with tamarind chutney, bite-sized pakoras, and mango lassi, will also add a refreshing touch.
For the most polished touch of Europe, serve a charcuterie board filled with artisanal cheeses 🧀 cured meats such as prosciutto and salami, and various accompaniments like figs and olives.
This way, you will create a memorable and unique baby shower that delights guests with its global tastes and thoughtful presentation.
Drinks menu
The drink selection at your baby shower can be as simple or as elaborate as you would want.
A signature mocktail, perhaps a blend of fresh juices and sparkling water garnished with fruit slices or edible flowers, makes for a festive, non-alcoholic option.
Besides, you can serve several hot and cold teas to fit multiple tastes and preferences.
Meanwhile, lemonades 🍋 and fruit punches 🍓🍍 are always hits for those wanting something more conventional, especially when served with clear dispensers or pitchers to highlight the drinks’ colors.
If serving alcohol, a light, bubbly wine or simple cocktail can be added to your celebratory event-a mimosa, for example. Just be sure to offer something similar, sans alcohol, for the mom-to-be and others who may not drink.
In all cases, what matters most is that your beverages complement your food choices to enhance the atmosphere further and provide your guests with a pleasant and memorable experience at the shower.
Tips for crafting the perfect baby shower menu
The perfect menu for a baby shower is a delicate balance between taste, presentation, and guest preference.
Here are a few thoughtful tips to help you design a menu that your guests will love and add to the joy of celebrating a baby’s upcoming arrival:
- Start with the guest list and dietary considerations. Knowing who is attending may help guide your menu planning based on the number of guests, possible dietary restrictions, and preferences. Always include a few dishes that accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
- Choose a theme: Themed baby showers make meal planning easier and more fun. For example, a beach picnic theme might include seafood and tropical fruits, while a storybook-themed shower might have dishes named after famous nursery rhymes or children’s books. Food’s appearance is almost as important as its taste. Use serving dishes and decorations that match the baby shower’s theme and color palette.
- Keep it varied: Balance savory, sweet, hot, cold, and light and hearty options. If all the above is considered, one can be sure that guests will have something to their liking and for varied tastes and diet needs.
- Consider timing and location: The time of day and the geographical location of the baby shower may affect your menu choice. You may want to serve lighter fare at afternoon tea, whereas you may want more substantial dishes for brunch.
- Include seasonal and fresh ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for better flavors and visually appealing food presentation. Seasonal fruits and vegetables usually taste better and may even help save on costs.
- Don’t forget beverages: Everything from elegant punches and mocktails to tea, coffee, and water. Offering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options will ensure that all the guests are taken care of, including the expecting mother.
- Simple and doable: Choose recipes that can be made ahead to avoid last-minute preparation and stress. This way, you will have time to enjoy the baby shower yourself.
- Desserts: Sweeten up the end with various small, easy desserts. Cupcakes, mini tarts, and cookies are just right for guests to pick up and carry as they mingle.
By following these few tips, you will have a baby shower menu that is indeed remembered and enjoyed, making the day memorable for the guest of honor and all who attend.
So, you’re equipped with all the necessary knowledge, but this is not the end!
3 Baby Shower Menu Examples
Here are three complete menu ideas for your future baby shower to consider. Check them out!
Menu 1: Elegant afternoon tea
Savory selections:
- Cucumber sandwiches 🥪 with dill cream cheese on thinly sliced white bread.
- Mini chicken salad croissants 🥐 filled with grapes and almonds.
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese pinwheels.
Sweet delights:
- Assorted macarons in lavender, pistachio, and raspberry flavors.
- Lemon curd tarts 🍋🥧 topped with fresh whipped cream.
- Scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Beverages:
- An assortment of teas, including Earl Grey, chamomile, and green tea.
- Sparkling raspberry lemonade served in champagne flutes 🥂
- Coffee ☕ with options for cream and sugar.
Menu 2: Vibrant brunch buffet
Savory plates:
- A build-your-own omelet station 🍳 with choices of spinach, mushrooms, cheese, and diced ham.
- Roasted vegetable and goat cheese frittata.
- Assorted bagels 🥯 served with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and sliced tomatoes.
Sweet station:
- Belgian waffles 🧇 with toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
- Banana bread 🍌🍞 and blueberry muffins.
- A yogurt parfait bar with granola, honey, and assorted fruits.
Beverages:
- Freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices.
- Coffee and a selection of herbal teas.
- Mimosa bar 🥂🍊 with various fruit purees for mixing.
Menu 3: Casual garden picnic
Savory bites:
- Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Assorted wraps 🌯 cut into pinwheels featuring turkey, avocado, roast beef, horseradish, hummus, and roasted red pepper.
- Charcuterie board with a selection of cured meats 🍖 cheeses 🧀 olives 🫒 and rustic loaves of bread 🥖
Sweet treats:
- Mini fruit tarts 🥧 with a creamy custard base and seasonal fruits.
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries and pretzels 🍓🍫🥨
- Assorted homemade cookies 🍪 including oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and snickerdoodle.
Beverages:
- Homemade lemonade 🍋 and iced tea are served in large jug dispensers.
- Sparkling water with cucumber and mint to refresh.
- A selection of craft beers 🍻 and ciders for a relaxed vibe.
Each of these menus offers a distinct style and selection, ensuring that whether your baby shower is a formal affair, a lively gathering, or a laid-back celebration, there are food and drink options to suit the mood and preferences of your guests.
Remember, it’s all about enjoyment!
The food at a baby shower satisfies hunger and enhances the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
At Picnic Makers, we understand the importance of creating menus that resonate with the joyful essence of these events.
Our team has crafted many beautiful family events and can arrange a baby shower in various settings, whether it’s a picturesque picnic at the beach, a cozy gathering in your backyard, or a family celebration in a park.
We ensure each setting is perfectly tailored to make your special day memorable.
With our expertise, you can relax and enjoy the festivities, confident that the culinary experiences we curate will delight you and your guests.
We commit to making every baby shower a beautiful, stress-free occasion filled with happiness and delicious food.
Celebrate this special day with great food, laughter, and love!
FAQ
How far in advance should you plan the baby shower menu?
The best time would ideally be about 4-6 weeks in advance. Planning the baby shower at this point will provide you ample time to ensure that all diet requirements are catered for and make necessary arrangements.
Can baby shower menus be adapted for outdoor settings?
Yes, the baby shower menu can be adapted to an outdoor setting. Choose dishes that are easy to serve and keep up well in different weather conditions, such as pasta salads, grilled foods, cupcakes, or cookies.
What are some unique baby shower themes that can inspire a menu?
Themed baby shower themes, ranging from “Under the Sea” to “Jungle Safari” to “Vintage Tea Party.” For an “Under the Sea” theme, you might serve seafood appetizers, blue-colored punch, and fish-shaped cookies.
How do you accommodate guests with food allergies at a baby shower?
Similarly, label what is in each dish to accommodate guests with food allergies. Include several choices so that no guest has to worry that they might not have a safe option like gluten-free bread or dairy-free desserts.
What are some tips for keeping food and drinks at the right temperature during the baby shower?
Insulated servers, coolers, or ice trays can help keep heated foods and chilled dishes cold. Thermal carafes for hot drinks and an abundant supply of ice for cold drinks may come in handy throughout your event.
How can you make a baby shower menu special for a mom-to-be following a strict diet?
Special touches to a baby shower menu for a diet-restricted mom-to-be would be all about fresh, high-quality add-ins that fit her dietary guidelines. Give it a personal touch by adding creative and flavor-pleasing dishes that make her special needs successful.
