Baby Shower Food
People. Parties. What third item always appear with them? Why food, of course! And of course, baby showers are no exception to that rule. Yes, though showers are meant to celebrate the baby that’s coming, just as with any other event, they’re also meant to be a feast for the mouth!
Depending on the size and preferences of the party, the food served at a baby shower can range from the simple to the elaborate. A major consideration is the type of baby shower - is it at someone’s home or is it for a co-worker in the office?
Baby Shower Location: The Office
To make this type of baby shower work food-wise, I recommend stick to the time-honored tradition of a potluck! That way, food costs are borne by everyone in a relatively equal fashion. Make sure you have one point of contact for the menu, however, whose duty it is to make sure that no two dishes served are the same. Since you’re going to be having this during the workday, it’s limited to the lunch hour, and this will limit your menu accordingly. Nothing too elaborate. Stick to items like deli trays, sandwiches, drinks, and salads.
However, if you decide to hold the baby shower after regular business hours, instead of holding it on company grounds, consider going to a nearby restaurant instead. This permits the guests to order their own food, something much appreciated. For the cake, either have someone bring it or arrange for the restaurant to take care of preparing and serving it.
Baby Shower Location: A Home
Baby showers held at a home allows for more control of the food being served. For the host who wants to add a special touch to her party, this additional control over the menu allows her to display simplicity, sophistication, or even elegance to the event.
Home showers also allow for a wider range of food, especially those reflecting the country of origin of the parents. And as we all know, having plenty of food ensures that guests stay for a longer time to participate in the games and activities.
Home showers are ideal for cost-cutting without lowering the “fun” of the event. The easiest department to do some cost-trimming is the appetizer and beverage section of your menu. At restaurants, you often have to pay a premium (almost as much as an entree!) for these items, but at home, you can delight you guests with amazing beverages and finger foods without breaking the bank.
Another advantage home showers have are ease in preparation of the traditional appetizers. All the usual goodies at any party - chips and dip, chips and salsa, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, cheese puffs, chicken sandwiches - can easily be assigned as potluck items to be brought by guests OR bought from your nearby grocery store. How’s that for the ultimate in convenience?