Throwing a baby shower can feel a bit overwhelming. And that’s especially true when it comes to the menu-planning portion — you’ll need to not only ensure that there are plenty of great things to eat, but also take into account what the mom-to-be can (and can’t) eat.

Instead of having a sit down meal, consider making food available throughout the party space. Since baby showers are very social events, people typically graze during baby showers and eat tiny finger foods rather than hot meals. 

How to plan a baby shower menu

While there are no set rules for what to serve at a shower, there are a few guidelines that will make your life easier and the food a big hit. Here, the secrets to executing a great baby shower menu: 

  • Offer lots of options. Make sure to consider a wide range of dietary needs, including the mom-to-be’s diet. You want enough options so she can avoid foods that are not safe to eat during pregnancy and still find plenty that do work for her. There may also be vegans and vegetarians coming, as well as people with food allergies or even conditions such as Celiac disease that prevent them from eating gluten. Cover your bases: Ask guests in advance to share any dietary restrictions. 
  • Make ahead. The goal is to have as much food prepared ahead of time as possible. That way, the actual day of the event will involve less running around. Make a list of everything you want to make. When preparing food, divide the recipes between what can be made ahead and what can be made the day of — and make sure to limit the number of dishes that require intense day-of assembly and cooking.
  • Think twice about themes. Yes, having a baby shower theme can lead to decorations that wow and a cohesive effect. But a theme isn’t always the best course when it comes to food. It can be very cute, yes, but sometimes it makes it more difficult to get the menu to flow or have enough variety.
  • Opt for mess-free desserts. Make it easy for guests to circulate by sticking with cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other finger foods. Filled pastries and warm desserts are more challenging to eat while standing, and guests are likely to avoid them.

Looking for specifics on what to serve? Take a look at delicious — and doable! — finger foods, beverages and desserts that you can serve at a baby shower.   

Baby shower finger foods

Set out just a few easy-to-pick-up party foods on a table and people can graze and mingle. 

Vegan sushi

Sushi is typically on the no-go list during pregnancy. Not so with this version, which is free from uncooked fish. Just add the vegetables of your choice — such as marinated beets, cucumber, and avocado — for flavor and crunch. 

Get the recipe at Love and Lemons.

A charcuterie board

Why stick with a plate for cheese and crackers, when you could have a show-stopping platter? Use a variety of ingredients, so everyone is able to nosh on something—even if they have dietary restrictions. It’s not as hard as it looks to create a striking spread, either: Start with the cheeses, then fill in the gaps and create the color and texture on the board from there.

Learn more at How Sweet Eats.

Quiche Lorraine

You can make your own pie crust to use in a quiche — or save time and energy, and go with a store bought crust. Prep time takes just 15 minutes, and you can mix up the egg mixture the night before so that all you have to do day-of is bake. Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature. While this recipe uses bacon and cheese, it’s easy to play around with the fillings and swap the ham for steamed or sauteed broccoli to make a vegetarian option. 

Get the recipe at The Beach House Kitchen.

Cranberry and orange scones

Pastries are always a welcome addition to the spread, whether you’re serving breakfast or lunch. It’s easy to put together an assortment, including scones, baked doughnuts, and quick breads. For an extra-special touch, you can even whip up a compound butter (strawberry or maple are great options!). Also nice: Many baked goods can be made and frozen ahead of time to save you at the last minute. 

Get the recipe at Spoon Fork Bacon. 

Mini grilled Cheese and tomato sandwiches

You can’t go wrong with comfort food, and what fits into that category more than ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches? These mini versions are great, since they’re easy for guests to grab and snack on while they mingle. And if you’re really ambitious, you can even serve them alongside little shooters of tomato soup. 

Get the recipe at Averie Cooks.

Baby shower drinks

For mamas-to-be, mocktails are the beverage of the hour. These booze-free options are fun and festive (and for guests who are imbibing, it’s always an option to have some bottles of champagne or vodka on hand). Get more ideas for what to drink during pregnancy.

Tangerine rosemary mocktail

Short on time? Purchase the citrus juices instead of making your own to speed up prep. This bright orange beverage is a sparkling shot of sunshine (and can be transformed from a mocktail to a cocktail with the addition of some prosecco for extra bubbles). 

Get the recipe at The Merry Thought.

Raspberry sherbet party punch 

It’s the use of sherbet that makes this punch fun (and delicious). Mix the ingredients in a punch bowl and have guests serve themselves. Or, write out the prep instructions (don’t worry; they’re simple!) in your best decorative script and have guests assemble their own beverages. 

Get the recipe at Natasha’s Kitchen.

Sparkling raspberry lemonade punch

Punch is a classic at showers for a reason: it comes in a fun color, takes just minutes to prepare and doesn't require hosts to double as bartenders. This version uses frozen raspberries for an extra punch of color and flavor. 

Get the recipe at Off the Eaten Path.

Hibiscus watermelon agua fresca

Agua fresca is a great alternative to caffeinated beverages like iced tea, since it’s packed with the same great flavor, plus has a very attractive hue. This one, which is made with hibiscus and watermelon, is perfect for a spring or summer shower. Just imagine how cute each glass would look topped with edible flowers or a drink umbrella?

Get the recipe at Love & Olive Oil.

Slow cooker apple cider

For fall and winter events, swap the iced beverages for a big batch of apple cider. This version comes together in a flash, thanks to the slow cooker. You simply toss all of the ingredients in and let things simmer. When it’s party time, simply add a ladle and serve the warm beverage straight from the Crock Pot. 

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

Baby shower desserts 

When it comes to desserts, cuteness is a real factor! It’s always an option to purchase a cake (bonus points for coordinating it with the decor) but it’s also nice to have some small nibbles of sweetness on hand. Unlike a cake, none of these options require a fork or even a plate to enjoy.

Sugar cookies 

Cookies can do double duty at a baby shower: not only are they an easy-to-eat dessert, but you can also decorate them to fit your party’s theme. Try using blue or pink icing depending on baby’s gender, or use cookie cutters in the shape of baby feet, rattles or other baby-focused gear. Alternatively, you can tailor the cookies to the season — like flowers for spring. 

Get the recipe at The Little Epicurean.

Vanilla almond cupcakes 

Even beginner bakers can handle whipping up these cupcakes, which hinge on just a handful of pantry staples, including vanilla almond milk for the flavor boost. Want to do a gender reveal? Add food coloring to the mix before baking and frosting, so guests can see the surprise when they unwrap the treat. 

Get the recipe at Two Peas & Their Pod.

Chocolate-covered strawberries

It’s nice to end a meal with some healthy fruit — but lovelier still if that fruit comes covered in chocolate! While these chocolate-dipped strawberries taste best served the same day they’re prepared, the good news is preparing them is both simple and speedy. They’ll make a festive, attractive addition to any dessert table. Plus, while strawberries are a classic, nearly any kind of fruit — think pineapple, apples or bananas — also works well dipped in chocolate. Or dip pretzels in chocolate for a delicious sweet-salty combo.

Get the recipe at Ahead of Thyme.

Strawberry icebox cake

Want to sneak some fresh fruit into your dessert? Try this strawberry icebox cake — it’s delicious, but keeps things a little lighter after an indulgent meal. As a nice bonus, it’s a completely no-bake recipe, so you won’t be at a shortage for oven space, either. 

Get the recipe at The Toasty Kitchen.

Cereal milk pudding shooters

By the time dessert comes around, chances are you’ll be in full-on present-opening mode. Keep things nice and simple with a dessert that doesn’t require any utensils or the balancing of plates. These pudding shooters are easy to eat with one hand, plus are irresistibly adorable. They can also be customized with pink, blue, or yellow food dye, depending on the baby’s sex. 

Get the recipe at Sprinkle Bakes.

More easy-to-make baby shower snacks 

Still looking for some simple recipes to round out your baby shower menu? The below ideas come together in a flash and are always crowd-pleasers. 

Veggie platter

Arrange a variety of sliced raw vegetables — carrots, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, or sugar snap peas — on a large platter. In the center, make sure to include a dip — ranch dressing or hummus, for example. 

Deviled eggs

Hard boil a couple dozen eggs, then cut them in half and scoop out the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, and herbs, then refill the center of the eggs. For best results, use a piping bag. 

Cocktail meatballs

These sweet and sour meatballs are easy to make — and even easier to eat. Simply make them in the slow cooker the day before, then insert a toothpick into each one and place on a platter. 

Crostini

The sky’s the limit when it comes to this easy-to-assemble finger food, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Think pear and blue cheese, bruschetta, or burrata and caramelized onion. 

Bacon-wrapped dates

Wrap dates with bacon, then broil until crispy. Add a toothpick to each one before serving. As a bonus: They say dates are great for pregnant women. 

Tea sandwiches

Another easy-to-customize option fit for a crowd — especially since you can make a few different types and serve together. Opt for things like cucumber and hummus, mini BLTs and chicken salad. 

Spinach artichoke dip

Who doesn’t love this creamy classic? Make it special by serving it in a nice, big bread bowl. And while chips make nice dippers, so do fresh veggie sticks (think carrots, celery and red bell pepper). 

Crepes

Crepe dough comes together quickly, and you can whip them all up ahead of time. It’s fun to play around with fillings, too. Go with cream cheese and fruit for something sweet, or turn to cheese and ham for something more savory. 

Kebabs

Assemble an assortment of skewers ahead of time — chicken, beef and veggie — then grill them up right before the party starts. Serve alongside a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal. 

Mac and cheese bites

Whip up a batch of homemade macaroni and cheese, then scoop tablespoon-fulls into a mini muffin tin. Sprinkle each with some breadcrumbs, then spritz with cooking spray, and bake.