Baby showers are one of the most popular ways to celebrate the pending arrival of a new family member. These special events allow friends and loved ones to come together to celebrate the baby on the way through mingling and games—and enjoying an exciting baby shower menu.

laughing baby — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Festivities are a large part of a baby shower, but they are only a part. When it comes to planning the perfect baby shower, it is also important to take into account the food that will be served, if any at all.

In this article, you’ll learn more about organizing the perfect baby show menu. Plus, you’ll be able to explore other baby shower planning essentials.

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What Do You Serve at a Baby Shower?

When it comes to the best foods to serve at a baby shower, the possibilities are truly endless.

However, while there are plenty of different snacks and meals you may wish to prepare for your guests, it is important to consider the layout and environment of the baby shower you are planning. If you are planning the baby shower outside, for example, then it may be best to avoid foods that spoil easily.

It is also especially important to consider the mother-to-be when planning the baby shower menu. While pregnant, there are several foods and beverages she will need to avoid. This includes popular dishes like sushi, deli meats, raw sprouts, and caffeine. As a result, if her favorite food is sushi, then you likely would want to leave that off the menu.

You may also wish to check in and make sure there are no smells particularly bothersome to her, especially if you are hosting the baby shower early on in the pregnancy.

Overall, the exact food at a baby shower should be a cohesive part of the day. This means that both the food itself, the meal time, and the way it is served should fit along with the other details that you have planned. After all, you wouldn’t want to plan a large meal if there will not be enough space to sit!

Taking into account these factors can help elevate the dining experience at your baby shower—all while ensuring all guests can have an enjoyable time.

Best Baby Shower Menu Ideas

One of the best ways to plan the perfect baby shower menu is to tailor it to the theme of the baby shower.

If you are doing a simple, brunch-style baby shower, then a menu may consist of a charcuterie board, simple sweet treats, and non-alcoholic mimosas.

Or, if you are doing an ocean-themed baby shower with a focus on desserts and snacks, you can pair a decorated cake or cupcakes with simple, on-theme snacks such as fish-shaped crackers, sea creature candy, and more.

Garden party style baby showers are a timeless theme, perfect for celebrating in the spring or summer. The perfect baby shower menu for this may include finger sandwiches; beverages such as tea and lemonade; and a light and airy dessert such as a Chantilly cake. With this menu idea, the theme is subtle but still noticeable in the dishes chosen.

Baby Shower Essentials

Whether you plan on serving finger foods and hors d’oeuvres or an intimate sit-down meal with your friends and loved ones, the baby shower menu is only one part of planning an enjoyable baby shower.

To make sure things run smoothly, and that the parents-to-be and guests alike can all enjoy this special occasion, you’ll also need several other essentials such as:

Decorations
Napkins
Plates

More Baby Shower Resources

If you are not planning on hiring a catering service for your baby shower, then you will likely wish to host a potluck-style dinner or prepare the meal yourself.

For casual dining focused more on games, events, and mingling, finger foods can provide a way to keep your guests from being hungry while not taking their attention away from the festivities. For an intimate sit-down dinner, you will be able to serve heartier meals due to the nature of this baby shower.

From food to decorations and beyond, having a baby shower checklist can reduce some of the stress of planning this joyous occasion. This will ensure that nothing is forgotten during the planning stages of this special day, including the perfect baby shower menu!