Snacks

• As a baby shower is usually a gathering of women, light appetizers are usually served. Small sandwiches, bruschetta, dry meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, crisp salads, yogurt parfaits, fresh vegetables with dip, such as hummus, olives, miniature quiche, savory tarts and crackers with dips and spreads. Dinner is not usually served at a baby shower, so small snacks to keep the hunger away are the most appropriate and common types of food served.
  
  

Sweets

• The one mandatory requirement for a baby shower is a cake. A baby shower is not a shower without a cake. The type of the cake usually depends on the amount of guests and the budget for the shower. Tiered cakes require a larger budget or a skilled baker but are more classy and impressive than a flat sheet cake that is generally used to feed a large amount of people. Cupcakes are an alternate option to a large cake and can be presented on cupcake tiers in a variety of flavors and decorations. Generally, the cake reflects the sex of the baby either featuring light pink or blue or yellow if the sex is a surprise. White flowers, polka dots, stripes and motifs of baby clothes are all creative cake design ideas. Other sweets to serve include cookies, pastel French macaroons, assorted candies and fresh fruit tarts.
  
  

Themes

• Many baby showers are organized around a theme to make the planning, decorating and catering easier. Popular baby shower themes include animal safari, cowboy/cowgirl, ice cream and pickles party, nautical theme, camouflage and circus themes. Incorporating the theme into the menu adds a bit of life to the party. For an ice cream and pickles party, serve a variety of pickles or present jars of homemade pickles as favors and set up a self-serve ice cream sundae bar. Chili, tortilla chips, salsa and miniature burger sliders would be appropriate for a cowboy themed shower, and animal crackers, mini pizzas with animal stripes and animal decorated cupcakes would be a appropriate for a safari theme. A nautical theme shower could feature fish dips with bread, fresh vegetables and crackers, lemonade, potato salad and an ocean themed cake.
  
  

Beverages

• Alcohol is generally not served at baby showers as the mom-to-be cannot drink. Alternate beverages include sparkling water, fresh juices, iced tea, hot tea, coffee and even Italian sodas. Champagne can be served for the guests with the mom-to-be drinking a glass of sparkling apple cider.