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XP: Need help with a baby shower menu
My mom is throwing me the baby shower but she is so confused on what to do about the menu. We're having 70 people at 1:30 pm to about 5 pm.. It's candyland themed so we're having a candy buffet, cupcakes, brownies, eclairs, cream puffs, cookies, ice cream and fruit kabobs.
My
mom thought catering would be easier but I just think that something
heavy like mostacolli, italian beef and antipasto is just too much for
that time of day, for a bunch of women, in the summer. Plus, it's sort
of the catering staple around here and I just don't want the same ole,
same ole.
So we are brainstorming what would be best. I told her that I am not sure people will expect a full meal since showers typically start at noon (lunchtime) and this isn't starting until 1:30 and ending before dinnertime. Since we are already having so many goodies, I think appetizers and finger foods would be best.
So, any ideas on what to serve?
We have access to a full kitchen at the location and the ability to
plug in crockpots also, if needed. We only have 90 minutes to set
everything up though before the party begins.
Re: XP: Need help with a baby shower menu
We threw a baby shower for 30 with this menu on one of those 90 degree days last summer.
Rosemary Roasted Pecans http://www.food.com/recipe/rosemary-roasted-pecans-245370
Deviled Eggs (2 dozen eggs or 48 halves)
48 Curried Chicken Salad on Finger rolls
Spring Salad (Strawberries, Spinach and Poppyseed dressing)
Green Salad with chili dressing http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Field-Greens-with-Red-Chili-Dressing-353871 I kept the dressing separate because it is super spicy and also had a ranch dressing for people who did not like spicy food.
Melon Salad (Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Watermelon). 1 large honeydew, 2 cantaloupes and 1 Watermelon
Pink Lemonade, Ice Tea, Iced water with cucumber slices.
Chocolate Sheet Cake (Full sheet ordered from the Bakery),
Shortbread cookies and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
I agree that the pasta/beef/antipasto sounds very heavy. I do think you can get away with heavy apps, BUT I would plan the quantity as if people are eating it for a meal. It's not a traditional meal time, but some people may think it is. Also this is a long shower. Even people that ate lunch or weren't planning this as a meal will eat more than normal.
Chicken salad, seafood salad, pimento cheese in phyllo cups or mini cream puffs. You can make the puffs the day ahead or just buy them. Shrimp cocktail, a big cheese platter, caprese salad, bruschetta, you get the idea.
That catering menu is definitely too heavy if you consider it a between-meal time. But some people might expect a 1:30 shower to include lunch. I know I never eat lunch at noon on Saturdays, and if I were going out to lunch on a weekend, 1:30 would be an acceptable time. So your mom should try to let people know ahead of time that it's just finger foods so they aren't expecting a full meal.
But also - 1:30 to 5:00 is WAY too long IMO. No one wants to dedicate 3.5 hours of their day, plus driving time, to a baby shower. I strongly urge you to try to keep it shorter than that. Having it from 2:00 - 4:00 is much kinder, and erases any question about whether a full meal is to be expected.
Quincy and Dexter, new BFFs
I used to be kris216.
Thanks for the suggestions ladies. My mom went on her own and ordered catering. I think it's too heavy and too much food but whatever makes her happy.
Most showers around here are 4-5 hours, so I've never considered a 3.5 hour shower to be long.. I was worried about it being too short.
Thanks again!
OMG I would die. WTF do you do for 5 hours? I would need a full meal too, just to get through that.
But, if it's the norm, no one will think anything of the length. I'm sure the food will be fine, people can eat as much or as little as they want. Enjoy your shower!
Quincy and Dexter, new BFFs
I used to be kris216.
That sounds really heavy for that time of day. How about some chicken salad finger sandwiches, spinach-artichoke dip, Triscuits and fruit?
I use my crock pot to make my chicken for chicken salad, then I just mix some mayo, salt & pepper in and it's done. The hardest part is shredding the chicken. Here is how I make the chicken.
Here's a recipe for hot chicken salad, if you don't want to do sandwiches. I attended a shower where this was served with fruit and small rolls and it was perfect.
HOT PARTY CHICKEN SALAD
8 Cups Diced Chicken Breast
1/2 C. Fresh Lemon Juice (3 lemons)
2 tsp. Salt
3 C. Mayonaisse
4 C. Diced Celery ( I used about 3 to 3-1/2 C.)
2 C. Slivered Almonds (bake in 300 degree oven until lightly browned)
1 tsp. Onion Juice
2 C. Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 C. Crushed Potato Chips
Combine first 7 ingredients.
Turn into 3 quart casserole dish.
Mix cheese and chips together and sprinkle on top.
Bake 375 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.