A buffet-style serving area makes shower refreshments easily accessible.
With the typical baby shower lasting at least a couple of hours, it's necessary and simply nice to provide your guests with refreshments. Whether you serve a full meal, snacks or just a cake depends on factors like your budget, the length of the shower and the style of the event. Finalize the shower menu early in the planning process so you'll have time to pick up the necessary ingredients and prepare the food. Does this Spark an idea?
Timing
The time of the shower plays a role in deciding what to serve. Afternoon showers are popular, but you can also host the celebration in the morning, at traditional meal times or in the evening. If you schedule the shower for a typical meal time, your guests will expect a more substantial menu. A morning shower lends itself well to a brunch menu. A mix of lunch-time favorites like finger sandwiches and pasta salads, along with breakfast fare like quiche and muffins, creates a suitable brunch menu for a shower. For showers taking place between meals, a suitable option is to serve appetizers or snacks in addition to a cake or other sweet treat, but you can go with just a cake if you prefer.
Venue
The location of the shower is a consideration when planning your menu. A shower held at a restaurant or tea room eases the food planning because the venue provides the food, but you'll have to expect to pay more for this option. Some party halls and similar party venues provide catering services; check to see if you're required to use their caterer or if you can bring in your own food. A home shower gives you total freedom to prepare the menu of your choice. Cook the food yourself to save money or hire a caterer to save time and effort.
Presentation
A self-serve approach allows guests to pick the types and amounts of food and beverages they want, while saving you the time and effort of serving everyone individually. Set up a buffet area on a table or countertop so everyone can easily access the offerings. Cover the buffet table with a tablecloth that matches the shower's color theme and add decorations to dress it up. A simple centerpiece or streamers draped above the food area work well.
Beverages
Food isn't the only detail to plan for the refreshments. Offer an assortment of beverages for the party guests, as well. Punch is a traditional option for showers, but you don't have to limit yourself to this drink. Juice, tea, coffee and soda are other typical beverage options. Set up a beverage area with cups and ice so guests can help themselves at any time. If you'd like to serve fancy cocktails, make them non-alcoholic so the guest of honor can enjoy them, as well. For a casual shower, arrange various canned or bottled beverages in a tub of ice next to the food service area.
Tags: brunch menu, expect more, just cake, menu shower, time effort, your guests