Appetizers

• Appetizers and finger foods work well because most can be prepared ahead of time. This type of food is compatible with a buffet-style serving arrangement at a casual baby shower so guests can easily fill their plates as they mingle. This food option works well for showers that aren't during an actual meal time because the fare is lighter than a full meal. Ideas that work well for baby showers include finger sandwiches, vegetables, fruit kabobs, deviled eggs, bacon-wrapped dates, hot dips, savory tarts, flatbread and an assortment of hot and cold dips.
  
  

Hearty Meals

• For a shower during an actual meal time, a meal with more substance is in order. One option is a soup and salad combination. The meal fills up the guests more than appetizers without being to heavy. Sandwiches like chicken salad also work well with soups and salads. For a casual or co-ed shower, grilling chicken, fish or meat is an option. Serve an assortment of salads and side dishes with the grilled meats to round out the meal.
  
  

Brunch

• If you schedule the baby shower for mid-morning, a brunch menu is suitable. Many brunch items are easy to prepare ahead of time for less stress on the day of the shower. Ideas include fresh fruit, quiche, egg casseroles, smoked salmon, crab cakes, hash browns, muffins and ham. The brunch baby shower menu is fitting if you want to serve the food buffet-style because most of the foods are fine to sit out while people serve themselves.
  
  

Desserts

• No matter what time of day you schedule the shower, a dessert is standard. A baby shower cake is the common option, but you don't have to choose the typical decorated cake. Consider other options like angel food cake with fresh berries, cheesecake, cupcakes, carrot cake or a bundt cake. Decorated cookies work well as both a dessert and a favor for the party guests as they leave. Another trend in party desserts is a candy buffet. Fill jars full of various candies and arrange them on a table to create the sweet buffet line. Choose candy in colors that match the shower decor. Provide small bags or boxes so guests can take home candy as the party favor.