Baby Shower Catering Menu Ideas Guests Will Actually Eat

Decide the Style of the Shower

A baby shower can be a relaxed brunch, a lunchtime gathering, or an afternoon party with games and cake. The style decides the menu. A brunch crowd may want lighter food and coffee, while a lunchtime shower with grandparents and aunts usually calls for a heartier spread. Ask the guest of honor and the host what they imagine, and check how long the event runs. Shorter showers often do well with a buffet that guests can graze on while they talk, rather than a formal meal.

Consider the guest list as well. A shower can include close family, coworkers, friends from different parts of life, and sometimes children. A menu that works for a mixed group will make the host feel calm, and it will help guests feel welcome no matter what they eat.

Choose Shareable, Easy-to-Eat Dishes

Baby showers are often held in living rooms, backyards, or a rented room with limited space, so food that stays neat is a real advantage. Rice bowls over Lebanese rice are filling and do not require a plate and fork in every hand. Pita wraps are easy to hold, though pita contains gluten, so keep that label clear. Hummus with warm pita and house-made baba ganoush makes a strong centerpiece for a table. Our chicken shawarma is hand-stacked and halal per our menu, and it is a good main for guests who want something substantial.

Include a vegetarian option that feels like a real part of the menu, not an afterthought. Our gluten-free vegan falafel is made from scratch from soaked raw chickpeas and works well for guests who avoid meat, gluten, or both. Fresh vegetables and a simple salad add color to the table.

• Plan one main, two sides, and one dip or spread for every twenty guests as a starting point.
• Include a sweet item, such as baklava, that pairs well with coffee or tea.
• Set out cold drinks and water so guests are not waiting in the kitchen.
• Add small signs that name each dish and its dietary status.

Keep the Food Fresh Through the Afternoon

Showers often run longer than planned, especially when guests are visiting and opening gifts. Ask the caterer which items hold well at room temperature and which should be refreshed or taken back to the kitchen. Use smaller trays and refill them rather than setting out one large dish that sits for hours. Keep hot items hot and cold items cold, and assign one helper to watch the table during the busiest part of the afternoon.

For large orders we ask for at least 24 to 48 hours notice. Confirm the headcount with the host and the guest of honor, since some guests may bring family members at the last minute. Pickup is always free, which can help a host who wants to collect the food and keep the schedule in their own hands.

Plan the Table and Give the Host a Break

Hosts are often the most tired person at their own shower, so plan the food so they can enjoy the party. Set up the table before guests arrive, and have a designated person handle refills and cleanup. If you would like full-service with servers, contact us to discuss options. You can browse our catering services and see the menu for ideas. When you are ready to plan, call (412) 251-1279 and we will help you put together a spread that suits the crowd.