Planning a baby shower to celebrate a little one who will be soon coming into the world? There are quite a few choices to make and lots of planning to do, particularly regarding the food that will be served. It may seem like a daunting task to organize such an event, but an expert baby shower caterer can help make the event spectacular and take much of the responsibility off of your shoulders.
Below you’ll find the ultimate guide for planning an amazing catered baby shower.
Unique Baby Shower Catering Ideas
Great food and amazing company make for fantastic memories (and even better Instagram shots!). Below are some creative ideas that will leave everyone raving.
Interactive Food Stations
Sushi-rolling stations, build-your-own waffle bars, or even a ceviche corner, can keep guests entertained. With endless toppings and fun activities, these options are currently the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Interactive food stations offer the personalization that can effortlessly tie into your shower theme, including pastel-colored sprinkles or ocean-themed toppings.
Grazing Tables
Still struggling with a baby shower menu that pleases all of the guests? One solution is to have an array of grazing tables that are laden with cheeses, nuts, fruits, dips, and artisanal breads. These stations look stunning, and attendees are able to choose what they’d like to eat. You may also want to consider adding a customized board with themed decorations or colors to match the baby shower theme, with pastel fruits, pink or blue macarons, and decorative edible flowers.
Dessert Extravaganza
As it’s been said, there’s always room for dessert. So, be sure to reserve space for sweets, such as mini tea cakes, cookies, and tarts. You can also provide plain cupcakes, various frostings, and a multitude of sprinkles/toppings, so that guests can choose and decorate their own sweet treats.
Catering Your Party at Home or a Baby Shower Venue
Great food often makes for happy guests. Whether you are hosting a baby shower at home or at a venue, a professional caterer can customize your unique baby shower ideas according to your vision and theme.
Consider the style and theme of the event no matter if the shower is going to be a casual backyard brunch, a sophisticated sit-down lunch at a local venue, or a tropical-themed gathering, etc. The theme and tone will influence your baby shower catering choices. For example, a tea-themed shower may call for elegant finger foods and petit fours to be served, while a beach-themed party may feature a seafood spread or tropical fruit platters and cocktails.
Decide on your budget for the event. Catering costs can vary significantly based on the type of service you choose, the number of guests, and the complexity of the dishes. Establish a clear budget from the start and explore various pricing options.
Planning Your Baby Shower Catering Menu
The food that will be served at any event is a very important component. The sky's the limit when it comes to your options when choosing your baby shower menu. There are plenty of options that will impress your guests and keep all of them full and satiated. South Florida is known for its fresh, local produce and seafood. Incorporating these ingredients into your menu can enhance food quality and also supports local businesses.
Buffet-Style Catering
Buffets are popular for a reason - they’re convenient, customizable, and cost-effective, especially for larger baby showers. A primary perk of this catering style is that it encourages a relaxed and social atmosphere, allowing guests to mingle freely. A buffet can also be themed to add an extra special touch to your shower.
Plated Meals
When aiming for sophistication, a sit-down meal with plated courses is your go-to food service option. Plated meals are more formal and ensure a consistent quality of food. It's perfect for a small baby shower where you want every detail to be impressive. Hiring a professional catering staff adds elegance to your event and ensures that delicious dishes are expertly prepared and served.
DIY and Drop-Off Catering
For a more budget-friendly and flexible approach, consider securing a catering company that offers drop-off catering services. With this option, the food is prepared and delivered fresh to your location, and ready to be set and served. Guests are able to serve themselves with this type of catering, which is an ideal option for very casual baby showers.
DIY catering is another popular route, especially for smaller showers. Local meal delivery services or gourmet grocery stores can typically provide you with everything from charcuterie boards to pre-prepared salads and entrees, which may make hosting a breeze.
Be sure to take dietary preferences, allergies, and food restrictions seriously. With a variety of guests likely to attend, it’s essential to accommodate dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-specific meals.
Planning a baby shower doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach to catering, your baby shower can be a fabulous success and easy to plan, too. Folklore Culinary can make hosting any event a delightful experience for all involved. Our catering teams go above and beyond for our clients. We’ll ensure that your event stands out and provides your guests with a fabulous experience that they will never forget.