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!
Scared to plan the food at the shower? Don't be! It's simple. It's just like any other party, in this regard. Figure out who's going to be there, what their preferences are, and where it's going to be. Once you've got these logistics down, making food choices is simple. You know your friends and their eating habits well, I'm sure, so the biggest question mark is probably the location. Is the shower going to be held at a home or at the office, something that's occurring more and more often?
Office Baby Showers
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.
If the office shower is held afterhours, consider holding the event at a nearby restaurant. This allows guests to order their own food. A cake can be specially ordered for the occasion and served by the restaurant staff at the end of the meal.
Home Baby Showers
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.
At-home baby showers have a distinct advantage in the appetizer and beverage department of the food menu. These items can still be creative - even "over the top" - while being within budget, something you can't say when the items are being ordered from a restaurant's often-pricey menu.
In the summertime, you can serve your parched guests cold drinks: ice cream floats or refreshing fruit slushes. These items would be almost impossible to order at a traditional restaurant, so use your location to your advantage! Want to add a little "spice" to your beverages? When it's hot out, apple cider and hot cocoa (yes!) are out-of-the-ordinary drinks that guests are surprised to find amazingly refreshing. Easy apps are the traditional tuna sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, cheese squares, meatballs, chips and salsa, cupcakes, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms. These are all great and easy to prepare while keeping everyone's tummies happy. And who says you have to make them yourself just because you're holding the shower at home? You can buy many of these items straight from your local market.
Scared to plan the food at the shower? Don't be! It's simple. It's just like any other party, in this regard. Figure out who's going to be there, what their preferences are, and where it's going to be. Once you've got these logistics down, making food choices is simple. You know your friends and their eating habits well, I'm sure, so the biggest question mark is probably the location. Is the shower going to be held at a home or at the office, something that's occurring more and more often?
Office Baby Showers
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.
If the office shower is held afterhours, consider holding the event at a nearby restaurant. This allows guests to order their own food. A cake can be specially ordered for the occasion and served by the restaurant staff at the end of the meal.
Home Baby Showers
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.
At-home baby showers have a distinct advantage in the appetizer and beverage department of the food menu. These items can still be creative - even "over the top" - while being within budget, something you can't say when the items are being ordered from a restaurant's often-pricey menu.
In the summertime, you can serve your parched guests cold drinks: ice cream floats or refreshing fruit slushes. These items would be almost impossible to order at a traditional restaurant, so use your location to your advantage! Want to add a little "spice" to your beverages? When it's hot out, apple cider and hot cocoa (yes!) are out-of-the-ordinary drinks that guests are surprised to find amazingly refreshing. Easy apps are the traditional tuna sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, cheese squares, meatballs, chips and salsa, cupcakes, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms. These are all great and easy to prepare while keeping everyone's tummies happy. And who says you have to make them yourself just because you're holding the shower at home? You can buy many of these items straight from your local market.
About the Author:
What does every baby shower have to have? Baby gifts, of course! Charmaine L. Smoot has an enviable selection of some of the cutest gifts for the shower, including personalized baby gifts you won't find anywhere else!
