| APPETIZERS | | | | or cole slaw. In the summer heat, however, the only |
| When guests arrive at a baby shower they are | | | | things you worry about are mayo based dishes like |
| expecting a food selection that includes desserts, | | | | potato salads or pasta salads with mayo if |
| appetizers, and some kinds of finger foods. A baby | | | | temperature is an issue. |
| shower that will be held at noon or at dinnertime | | | | DESSERTS |
| usually calls for a full meal, while early afternoon or | | | | And finally...the desserts - the second-most popular |
| early evening showers can do with appetizers, salads, | | | | guests at the shower! Eating desserts at a party is |
| and finger foods. Remember that plentiful appetizers | | | | one of the few times people can enjoy the sweet |
| can be made in replacement of a full meal that you | | | | luxury without feeling guilty about it. So don't disappoint |
| might otherwise serve. | | | | the crowd by going light on the desserts. Cakes are |
| Memorable shower appetizers can be as complicated | | | | always great, or you could make and decorate some |
| as baked spring rolls or as simple as rolled sandwiches | | | | cupcakes or cookies, depending on the expecting |
| cut into bite size pieces. Avoid pre-made appetizers | | | | mom's preferences. If time is a consideration, you can |
| like mini quiches and breaded items like coconut shrimp, | | | | just order a cake or baby-themed cookies a few |
| as these do not stay well on a buffet. There are baby | | | | days ahead of time from a bakery, and you will be all |
| shower recipes for cakes, cookies, appetizers, and | | | | set with no baking required. |
| much more to be found online, as well as recipes for | | | | Another idea is to design a cake and make it look like |
| appetizers & drinks for the next baby shower you | | | | children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 |
| host. | | | | smaller blocks). These could be arranged on a pretty |
| FINGER FOODS, SANDWICHES AND OTHER | | | | cake board to spell out your baby shower message. |
| IDEAS | | | | And speaking of 'cakes,' a dessert table centerpiece |
| If the shower is taking place around a mealtime, you | | | | that is popular in baby showers is a diaper cake which |
| may want to consider either serving a proper sit down | | | | is constructed of diapers and lots of attached baby |
| meal or more substantial finger foods. Nonetheless, the | | | | trinkets. Betty Crocker may not be needed for this |
| usual baby shower food ideas are comprised of | | | | particular project, but a diaper cake does make a |
| snacks, finger foods, grilled foods and barbeques, | | | | wonderful addition to any baby shower. But you can |
| punches, cakes and desserts and other types of food | | | | read more on baby shower decorating in a different |
| depending on the general idea of the baby shower | | | | article! |
| party theme. Finger foods are best served on such | | | | Another highly popular main dessert, and one I've seen |
| occasions, as they are easy to handle. Finger food can | | | | actually replace an actual cake on the table, are petit |
| include vegetables and dips, mini sandwiches, sausage | | | | fours. Petit fours are small cake-like pastries (usually) |
| rolls, and crackers and cheese. Of course, what is a | | | | made with almond flavored cake, filled with fruit |
| tea party without some finger sandwiches. Prepare | | | | preserves, and then covered with poured fondant and |
| finger foods that are easy for guests to pop into their | | | | decorated. They are beautiful and delicious - but watch |
| mouths without getting their fingers too dirty. Otherwise | | | | out, they are often expensive. |
| you'll have lots of dirty napkins, and perhaps some | | | | Some other treats that you may want to consider |
| fingerprints or stains on the furniture as well. | | | | include iced cookies, chocolate squares, and bowls of |
| If you want to keep it more casual with a light buffet, | | | | seasonal fruit. Other smaller desserts can be displayed |
| sandwiches are always a great option. But you don't | | | | around the baby cake in a continuing theme. The |
| have to stick to the old stand-bys of egg salad | | | | treats that are served can be as sinful as possible or |
| sandwiches on white bread - you can get creative | | | | they can be on the healthy side. |
| with the fillings, shapes, and bread styles. Serve the | | | | For more information, we recommend going online to |
| sandwiches with a fruit tray (or fruit salad) and a | | | | find more great baby shower ideas for your next big |
| veggie platter. | | | | party. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of |
| Summer baby showers are a great opportunity for | | | | others will make your life easier and make the big |
| traditional summer foods like a BBQ, potato salad and | | | | event even more special for the mom-to-be. |