Foods to have at a baby shower
37 Crowd-Pleasing Baby Shower Food Ideas
Planning a baby shower is lots of fun, especially when it comes to brainstorming food ideas. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that match your chosen baby shower theme or you’re just looking for quick, easy, and flavorful options that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our 37 baby shower food ideas, including savories, sweets, and thirst-quenching drinks.
9 Tips and Ideas for Planning a Baby Shower Menu
When planning a baby shower, you can be as creative as you like with the food ideas, but it’s also important to consider some practical aspects.
As the host, you’ll have a lot to take care of, including decorating the venue, so it’s good to plan food that is quick to make and easy to serve and eat.
Here are some tips to help you think about the types of food to choose, how to serve it, and more:
Savory Baby Shower Food Ideas
Whether you plan on having only finger foods or an entire menu at the baby shower, here are some ideas for the savory food:
Baby Shower Dessert Table Food Ideas
Besides having a baby shower cake as a centerpiece, you may want to have a dessert table with an assortment of other sweet offerings. Here are some ideas for crowd-pleasing sweets and desserts:
Drinks
Beyond serving the usual wine spritzer or sparkling wine at the baby shower, consider some alcohol-free drinks, like mocktails, punch, and homemade sodas:
The Bottom Line
You’ll no doubt have lots of fun planning and serving the food for the mom-to-be’s baby shower.
If you’ve decided to prepare most of the food, round up some of the mom-to-be’s friends and family to help. Make it easier on yourself by using some store-bought elements, too. You could also make some of what’s on offer but ask each guest to bring a small plate to share.
Set up food and dessert tables so that guests can serve themselves buffet style, and stick to foods that aren’t too messy to eat while standing up and mingling.
If you have a set theme, you can tie the food into the theme by using colored frosting, or by piping lettering onto foods like “Oh, Baby!” Cookie cutters are your friend! Cut everything from brownies to sandwiches into shapes that match the theme.
You can also connect the food and drinks to the theme based on the colors you choose for the straws, napkins, and cupcake liners.
Having a chocolate fondue fountain or a soda bar can create an interactive element that guests will love.
Have fun with it! Your options are endless, and you might find you really get into it once you get started. And, always remember, no matter what food and drinks you serve, your guests — especially the guest of honor — will really appreciate your efforts and thoughtfulness.
While you’re here, check out our baby shower checklist to double-check that you’ve covered everything for the upcoming event.
25 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget – Instacart
Throwing a fun, memorable party to celebrate the new arrival in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. You can decorate a party or backyard and prepare a tasty menu affordably without compromising on quality—it just takes planning. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, these baby shower food ideas on a budget will get the ball rolling.
How to throw a baby shower on a budget
Before we get into baby shower food ideas, these are our cost-cutting tips for throwing a wonderful baby shower on a budget.
1. Don’t host at mealtimes
If you host a baby shower at mealtimes, you’ll have to serve full meals, which can be expensive. Instead, throw your baby shower between meals, so you can serve only appetizers and sweet snacks. 2 p.m. is a popular time for these events.
2. Keep a pared-down guest list
On average, guests eat around 5 pieces of food at baby showers. The more people you invite, the costlier the event will be.
3. Ask guests to bring food or drinks
If you still want a full party but can’t afford to feed everyone, ask your guests to bring over food or drinks. It will be a baby-shower-meets-potluck type of event, which can be a lot of fun.
4. Choose local, seasonal ingredients
The cheapest food for a baby shower is the one that’s local and in season. Research what fresh produce is cheapest, then come up with recipes using those ingredients.
Following a themed menu can help you pinch pennies. For example, if you’re using chicken for 1 appetizer, make sure to include it in another snack. This way, you don’t have to buy as many ingredients and end up saving money.
6. Ditch the fully stocked bar
Choose just 1 or 2 drinks to serve—preferably non-alcoholic for baby showers. No need to keep a handful of spirits and mixers on hand.
7. Make your own decorations
DIY the décor using things you already have at home. Visiting a thrift store can also help you throw a stylish baby shower for cheap.
Affordable appetizers for a baby shower
Plate up these tasty, budget-friendly appetizers for your guests.
1. Ham and cheese sliders
Ham and cheese sliders are simple, easy to make, and affordable.
2. Pulled pork buns
Pulled pork sliders are also a popular snack for baby showers. Don’t skip out on the barbecue sauce.
3. Turkey cheddar hot pinwheels
With pre-made pizza dough, deli turkey slices, and cheddar cheese, you can make this comforting finger food.
4. Tomato and broccoli mini quiches
Quiches are sophisticated but surprisingly cheap to make. For this version, use ripe sliced tomatoes and broccoli florets for the filling.
5. Hummus and roasted veg toast
Spread homemade or storebought hummus on toasted bread and top with an assortment of roasted veggies.
6. Build-your-own chili
If you’re looking for a more filling snack, chili is the way to go. Let your guests add their own toppings.
7. Potato skins with bacon
Hollowed-out baked potatoes, bacon, and sour cream make the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.
8. Summer pasta salad
For something lighter, serve individual portions of pasta salad. Toss fusilli and whatever veggies are in season in olive oil and a pinch of salt.
9. Deep-fried pickles
Pickles are a popular satisfying snack among many moms-to-be. Set out a plate of deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing on the side.
10.
Babies in a blanketGive pigs in a blanket a twist. Wrap the dough around the sausage so it looks like a swaddled baby and add chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.
11. Grape jelly wieners
Toss smokies in a grape jelly and ketchup mixture, then serve on toothpicks.
12. Barbecue meatballs
Another hearty appetizer, meatballs doused in barbecue sauce are a crowd-pleaser.
13. Tater tot casserole
Tater tot casserole is pretty inexpensive to make. Use a blend of affordable cheeses to take this comfort food to the next level.
14. Chicken salad sandwiches
Spread chicken salad on soft white sandwich bread and serve with an olive and a toothpick on top.
15. Pesto chicken tea sandwiches
Grilled chicken and basil pesto is another great combination. Cut the sandwiches into quarters so they’re easier to eat.
16. Hamburger meat empanadas
Pie crust and hamburger meat can be turned into delicious empanadas. Salsa makes for a great dipping sauce.
17. Cheese pizza bites
Make finger food pizza bites using a cupcake tin, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded cheese.
Cheap desserts and treats for baby showers
What’s a party without something sweet? These cheap recipes for a baby shower will satisfy your sweet tooth without going over budget.
1. Gendered rice crispy treats
Rice crispy treats are cheap to make. They only call for margarine, marshmallows, and puffed rice. Add red or blue food dye for a gendered twist.
2. Carrot cupcakes
Not into gender-themed desserts? You will probably love carrot cupcakes. Making your own is cheaper than getting it from the store—and surprisingly easy!
3. Fruit on a skewer
Pierce a skewer through pieces of fruit for a healthy snack. Grapes, banana, strawberry, apple—whatever is in season.
4. Caramel apples
In the fall, when apples are abundant, caramel apple slices hit the spot.
5. Waffle bites
Waffle mix is inexpensive, so why not make waffle bites? Cut a waffle into fourths and top with fruits, caramel, or chocolate.
6. Decorated sugar cookies
Take sugar cookies to the next level by decorating them. All you’ll need is icing, food dye, and a piping bag.
7. Ice cream sundaes
Sundaes are perfect for summer baby showers. Choose 1 ice cream flavor and let your guests pick their toppings—pretzels, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips are just some of the options.
8. S’mores bar
Set up a s’mores bar for a DIY dessert. You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Don’t forget skewers and a few candles.
Save time and money with a little help from a friend
You probably have a clearer picture of what you’ll serve at your budget-friendly baby shower, right? Now comes the fun part: creating invites, making a playlist, and decorating the space. What’s not so fun is doing the grocery runs—but, fortunately, you can leave that to Instacart. Order everything you need with just a few clicks and focus on the party. You may also want to check out current deals from our retailers.
Grab it now on Instacart:
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Children's Birthday - Menu of food and services
Every child loves his birthday Even if he doesn't know what it means. For a child, this means عيد الميلاد Gifts Friends, games, delicious food and, of course, a party. As a parent, this may seem like an important residence. Fabulous's birthday party is boring, but it's a joy if you plan it right. No birthday is complete without a huge healthy cake and lots of memories.
If you're looking to throw an unforgettable yet budget-friendly party, we've got some delicious dishes to add to your birthday menu.
It's time to get out the computers, plan and meditate. your child's birthday Next. As for invitations, you can also go green and create digital invitations or e-invitations, thus teaching a useful lesson to your child. When it comes to parties, it's best to refrain from handing out chocolate or sweets. nine0003
Tips for organizing a child's birthday party
With careful planning and budget Smart, you can serve food that both adults and children will enjoy.
Here are some easy ways to plan a meal for a kid's birthday party at home.
1. Submit the spreadsheet
Perhaps two or three weeks before your birthday, make sure you plan everything down to the smallest detail. Set a schedule and times for cake making, party preferences, and any other items you might need. nine0003
2. Time is of the essence
Plan a birthday party at a time when all the children are active and eating well. It can be an afternoon party, meaning between 2 pm and 5 pm on weekends so you can finish before it's too late.
Thus, your child should sleep on time.
3. Think Allergies
When compiling the list, be sure to ask all parents about any sensitivities or health problems their children may have. Plan your menu accordingly. nine0003
4. Think about healthy food
use a lot of vegetables وfruits For cooking and even main meals.
5. Dietary restrictions
Be sure to create a separate menu for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Children are smell eaters, so you need to be more creative with your menu.
6. Food is not dirty
In addition to cake, food such as snacks, sticks, donuts. Make sure there isn't a big mess to clean up after the party. Also choose products that do not stain. nine0003
7. Making a cake at home
These days it is much easier to bake a cake at home or make a homemade cake. Homemade cakes are, of course, very tasty, and they also add personality to the whole event.
Children's birthday food
It can be difficult to decide on the menu for your child's birthday party.
But with these delicious, easy-to-make recipes, you'll be considered the best party planner in town. Make life easier for everyone by not providing cutlery, but instead by offering them foods that kids enjoy while they play. nine0003
They can be served with sandwiches with various fillings. If it's time for an afternoon party, you can even have a few salads and a main course. If you're throwing a big party for your little hero, it's a good idea to ask the caterer to make sure everything's ready and that you're not rushing to the kitchen. In addition, here are some drink and food options for your child's birthday party that you can choose from.
welcome drinks
As soon as guests arrive, you should offer them something pleasant and comfortable. Here are some options for welcome drinks:
- Lemon juice
- Mango juice
- Any other fresh juice
- Milk or beans
- rose milk
- Coconut water
- hot chocolate
- Squash bottle - in case your welcome drinks disappear
snacks
It's nice to start a child's birthday with finger food.
Children always like these dishes. These are likely to be the most requested items at your child's birthday party, so make sure you have something to bring along. Here are a few options beginners can add to their list:
- Potato Wedges
- potatoes
- Garlic bread
- samosas
- cheese sticks
- pizza pie
- corn pancakes
- delicatessen sushi rolls
- soybean pieces
- Manchurian corn
- Idli Fry Bread
- Bread sticks
- Potato croquettes
- vegetable cutlets
- Caramel apple pieces
- vegetable skewers
Maine Plate
Whether the party is small or large, the main course is an essential part of the menu. Everyone will thoroughly enjoy the next meal. nine0003
- puri bhaji
- Pizza
- macaroni and cheese
- Mini Masala Dosa
- Pancakes
- spaghetti
- Chana Bhatura
- Hakka vegetable noodles
- fried rice
Authority
Salad may not be to everyone's taste on the menu, but adults will definitely appreciate it.
If you have a full lunch, be sure to include salad and healthy food on the menu.
- Corn and cheese salad
- Cucumber and carrot salad
- Mixed lettuce sprouts
- Fruit salad
candies
Although you may have a beautiful birthday cake, it's nice to be able to enjoy it. You can consider Indian dessert or ice cream. Here are some suggestions:
- good vermicelli good
- Samia Khair
- fresh fruit cream
- Gulab Jamun
- Mung Dal Halwa
- Brownie with ice cream
The best thing about birthday parties is the fun the kids have together. But the food is the important thing that makes the portion memorable. So, when planning your child's birthday party, include these foods and have fun.
dishes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries
It's great to get together in the fresh air in the summer with sincere company! Especially if there is a pleasant reason for this - a long weekend, an anniversary, a wedding, an anniversary or any other family holiday.
Shrimp skewers
So, what appetizers to prepare for a friendly outdoor party, for example, on the occasion of a birthday? Shrimp skewers are a good option for a festive snack. The delicate taste of seafood is best emphasized by lemon juice in combination with garlic. Shrimp shells can be left. They will be beautifully reddened on fire and will crunch appetizingly. Remember to soak the wooden skewers in water beforehand, otherwise they may burn.
Ingredients:
- shrimp - 500 g
- lemons — 1 pc.
- garlic - 2-3 cloves
- rosemary - 2 sprigs
- olive oil - 3 tbsp. l.
- salt - to taste
Preparation:
- Rinse the shrimps well and pat dry.
- Pass the garlic through a press.
- Squeeze juice from a lemon. Mix in olive oil and garlic. nine0055 Mash the rosemary sprigs with your hands, add to the marinade.
- Pour the flavor mixture over the shrimp and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Thread seafood onto skewers, grill until golden brown.
Lavash envelopes with cheese and egg filling
Thin lavash is a versatile product that can always be used at a festive picnic. Let's make hot envelopes with gooey cheese filling. On the grill, they will cook instantly. If you make such an appetizer at home, dip pita envelopes in an egg and then fry in a frying pan. nine0003
Ingredients:
- thin lavash - 3 pcs.
- chicken eggs — 3 pcs.
- hard cheese - 150 g
- cilantro - 1 bunch
- green onion - 3-4 feathers
- salt - to taste
Cooking method:
- Boil hard-boiled eggs, peel them.
- Grate cheese and eggs. Finely chop the cilantro and green onion. nine0055 Mix the stuffing, salt. You can add some mayonnaise.
- Cut the lavash sheets into 3-4 parts, put the filling on each of them, fold it into an envelope.
- Brown on the wire rack for a minute on both sides. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot.
Triangles with avocado, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes
Do you want to surprise your friends and the hero of the occasion with something unusual? Prepare original Mediterranean-style sandwiches. Bet on an unusual combination of flavors. In this recipe, we combined velvety avocado, spicy sun-dried tomatoes and tender mozzarella. nine0003
Ingredients:
- brown bread - 6 slices
- avocado - 2 pcs.
- sun-dried tomatoes - 200 g
- mozzarella balls - 200 g
- garlic - 1 clove
- lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.
- dill - 0.5 bunch
- salt - to taste
Preparation:
- Remove the pits from the avocado, remove the peel and grate the flesh. Add salt, minced garlic and lemon juice to the avocado. nine0056
- Cut the square slices of bread diagonally.
- Brush bread triangles with grated avocado. Top with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
- Garnish each sandwich with a sprig of dill.
Crostini with onion marmalade
If you are planning to celebrate a family holiday on a grand scale, the question immediately arises - what to cook for a large company in nature? Treat your friends to small Italian crostini sandwiches. The beauty is that they are prepared simply and with any filling. In our case, with spicy onion marmalade. nine0003
Ingredients for onion marmalade:
- red onion - 1 kg
- honey - 60 g
- dessert wine - 100 ml
- sugar - 50 g
- balsamic vinegar - 2 tbsp.
l. - vegetable oil - 3 tbsp. l.
- sweet ground paprika - 2 tsp.
- thyme - 2 sprigs
- rosemary - 1 sprig
- salt - to taste
Preparation:
- Cut the peeled onions into half rings. Fry in vegetable oil for 15-20 minutes.
- Add sugar, honey and spices, wine and balsamic. Put a sprig of rosemary whole.
- Stir the onion evenly and simmer over low heat with the lid ajar.
- Whisking the onion mixture from time to time, evaporate all the liquid. Cool down.
- Pour the cooled onion marmalade into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. nine0056
Crostini ingredients:
- baguettes - 1 pc.
- onion marmalade - to taste
- cream cheese - 150 g
- thyme - to taste
Cooking method:
- Cut the baguette into slices and lightly dry on the grill or in the oven.
- Place 1 tbsp. l. onion marmalade.
- Top with some cream cheese and garnish with thyme. nine0056
Snack Plate
Birthday dishes for a country picnic don't have to be complicated. If you put an ordinary plate with cuts on the table, no one will mind, but we suggest decorating snacks in an original way. Among them may be fresh vegetables, homemade pickles, smoked meats, cheese, greens. Both the child and the adult will like this assortment. We offer our own version of a simple and tasty snack.
Ingredients:
- bread slices - 10 pcs. nine0056
- sausage of your favorite variety - 200 g
- hard cheese - 200 g
- pitted olives - 300 g
- sun-dried tomatoes - 300 g
- parsley - bunch
Cooking method:
- Cut the sausage into thin circles, cheese into large cubes.
- Arrange olives and sun-dried tomatoes in beautiful bowls.
- Lightly toast the bread slices.
- Serve everything beautifully on a large wooden platter. nine0056
- You can put small skewers nearby so that guests can make their own canapés.
Bruschetta with tomatoes and olives
So that guests on vacation do not have time to get bored and hungry, offer them bruschettas. The combination of sweet tomatoes and spicy olives begs for crispy slices of white bread. A little fresh juicy greens - and the perfect summer picnic snack is ready.
Ingredients:
- loaf - 6 slices
- tomatoes - 300 g
- pitted olives - 80 g
- olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.
- basil - 2-3 sprigs
- red onion - half head
- garlic - 1 clove
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Cooking method:
- Drizzle the loaf slices with olive oil and brown on the grill. Rub lightly with garlic.
nine0056 - Cut the tomatoes into cubes, the olives into rings, chop the onion as finely as possible.
- Mix tomatoes, onions and olives, season with salt and pepper and season with oil.
- Spread filling on hot toasted bread, garnish with herbs and serve quickly.
Pork shish kebab
A holiday menu cannot be imagined without fried meat in all sorts of variations. And you definitely can’t do without the traditional pork skewers. Fresh chilled meat with a small layer of fat will suit you. It is advisable to take it out of the refrigerator in a marinated form an hour before cooking. nine0003
Ingredients:
- pork - 1 kg
- onion - 3-4 pcs.
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Cooking method:
- Rinse the pork, pat dry, cut into slices no more than 5 cm wide.
- Grate one onion, cut the rest into half rings.
- Sprinkle the pieces of meat with salt and pepper, add the onion, mix evenly, marinate 2-3 hours.
nine0056 - Thread the meat tightly together on the skewers.
- Put the kebab on the grill with hot coals.
- As soon as the meat begins to drip juice, you can turn the skewers on the other side.
- On average, skewers are fried for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Grilled Pork Ribs
Pork Ribs are another great dish for a family picnic on a name day or birthday. Try to choose medium-sized ribs. They have the juiciest meat with a thin and even layer of fat. Watch the time and flip the ribs on the wire rack every 5 minutes. And so that they do not dry out, grease with sauce or marinade. nine0003
Ingredients:
- pork ribs - 1.5 kg
- salt - 1 tsp.
- black pepper - 1 tsp.
- ground sweet paprika - 2 tsp
- dried garlic - 2 tsp.
- barbecue sauce - to taste
Preparation:
- Rinse the pork ribs and dry well, remove the films.
- Rub with spices and leave to marinate for 40-50 minutes. nine0056
- Arrange the ribs on the grill grate at a small distance from each other.
- Hold the ribs on one side for 5-7 minutes, then flip to the other side.
- While brushing over the BBQ sauce, continue grilling the ribs until caramelized.
Grilled chicken thighs
What kind of holiday in nature without chicken dishes? The main subtlety is to prevent the bird from drying out on the grill. The marinade will help to avoid this. It may include olive oil with herbs, honey with mustard, citrus juice with spices, soy sauce with hot spices. We propose to make a marinade based on kefir. nine0003
Ingredients:
- chicken thighs - 2 kg
- onion - 2-3 pcs.
- garlic - 5-6 cloves
- kefir 2.5% - 1 l
- cilantro - 1 bunch
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Preparation:
- Wash and pat dry chicken thighs.
Place in a deep glass container. - Peel the onion and cut into half rings. Finely chop the cilantro. nine0056
- Pass the garlic through a press, mix with salt and pepper.
- Rub chicken thighs with the garlic mixture. Sprinkle evenly with cilantro and onion.
- Pour in the kefir until it completely covers the chicken.
- Cover container with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Grill chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Greek salad
In the heat, you want something light and refreshing, especially if you celebrate your birthday in the country. What to cook in this case? Classic Greek salad. You can take vegetables from your own garden, buy olives and feta on the way to a picnic. On the festive table, such a salad will look bright and appetizing. By the way, at home, the Greeks serve this salad in a common dish with one large piece of cheese on top of vegetables. Each guest can break off a piece of cheese with a fork or spoon.
This symbolizes friendship and unity of the family during the meal. nine0003
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes
- cucumbers — 2 pcs.
- sweet pepper - 1 pc.
- red onion - 1 pc.
- feta cheese - 50 g
- olives - 30 g
- olive oil - 2 tbsp. l.
- lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.
- salt - to taste
- capers - 1 tbsp. l.
Preparation:
- Peel and cut the cucumber arbitrarily, tomatoes - into slices, pepper - into large slices.
- Chop the onion into thin half rings.
- Combine vegetables and olives in a salad bowl.
- Salt Greek salad, lemon juice and olive oil. Place a large piece of feta cheese on top and garnish with capers.
Crab salad
Who said that crab salad is only served on the New Year's table? By its very appearance, it creates a festive mood. So it would be quite appropriate to cook it, say, for a grandmother's anniversary in nature.
Some housewives add sweet peppers, beans and even apples to the salad. We will remind everyone of the classic recipe. nine0003
Ingredients:
- crab sticks - 200 g
- chicken eggs — 3 pcs.
- canned corn - 150 g
- fresh cucumbers — 1 pc.
- round grain rice - 80 g
- red onion — 1 pc.
- Vinegar - 1 tsp
- salt - to taste
- mayonnaise - to taste
Cooking method:
- Boil rice in salted water, drain in a colander. nine0056
- Hard boil the eggs, remove the shells.
- Peel and finely chop the onion, soak in a weak vinegar solution for 10 minutes and then rinse.
- Dice crab sticks, cucumber and eggs.
- You can experiment with the feed. For example, put the ingredients in layers in a glass salad bowl, pour over with mayonnaise and garnish with herbs.
- Portion the salad in clear glasses or bowls.
nine0219 - tomatoes - 2 pcs.
- onion - 1 pc.
- green onions - 2-3 feathers
- green salad - 3-4 leaves
- chicken fillet - 100 g
- bacon - 100 g
- avocado - 1 pc.
- blue cheese - 60 g
- chicken eggs — 2 pcs.
- vegetable oil - 1 tbsp. l.
- salt - to taste
- spices for poultry - to taste
- lemons — 1 pc.
- Cut the fillet into cubes, fry in oil, season with salt and spices.
- Brown the bacon in a pan, also cut into cubes. nine0056
- Hard-boil eggs, peel.
- Dice eggs, onions, avocados, tomatoes and cheese.
Cobb salad
Don't forget vegetables in summer. For a spectacular serving, make a cobb salad. The main feature of the recipe is a lot of ingredients. Cut them into cubes of the same size and lay out in sectors.
Ingredients:
Cooking method:
