Baby Shower Food And Time

by Victoria
(Windsor, Ont. Canada)

I am planning a baby shower for my son's girlfriend. I want to have it around 3pm. I don't know whether it is best to have buffet style finger food appetizer stuff or a sit down meal. Also, do I do games first and them meal (especialy if it is a sit down meal) If I have appetizers and finger foods do I do the games during or after. This is the first time that I have had to do a baby shower.

Thanks,
Victoria

Our Answer:

Hi Victoria,

The time you picked for the baby shower is in between the lunch and dinner times, so either choice is perfect. It all depends the type of foods you want to serve and how formal you want to make the baby shower.

The rule of thumb is...
if you need a knife to eat the food, it needs to be a sit down meal. So, if the foods that you would like to use need a knife, you will need enough tables and chairs for everyone to sit down.

There is no concrete rule on the order for the baby shower. Most baby showers do the games first, opening of the presents and then the food last.

If you have a buffet style meal, you can also let your guests eat right before or during the present opening. You can also have some snacks set around the room for guests to enjoy during the games and then have them eat after.

The formal sit down meal will not be much different. Start with games, and then eat before or after the gifts. You can also have them eat in the beginning, allowing everyone to show up before you start.

Try not to stress too much on the order, just plan for an icebreaker activity when they arrive and 2-3 games. If you have not downloaded our baby shower planning guide yet, it might really help you prepare.

The most important thing is to enjoy yourself!! Good luck planning the shower!