🍼 BabyWelcome

Baby Shower Menu Planning Checklist

Plan a perfect menu in minutes—snacks, sweets, drinks, portions per guest, allergen labels, and sample menus for brunch, afternoon, and evening showers.

By BabyWelcome TeamUpdated 2025-01-13

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Get our free printable tent cards for allergen labeling, portion calculator, and sample menu templates!

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Portions & Timing

Brunch (11–1 PM)

  • • 3–4 small bites
  • • Fresh fruit
  • • Sweets
  • • Coffee/tea

Afternoon (2–4 PM)

  • • 2 savory items
  • • Veg/fruit platter
  • • Dessert
  • • Iced drinks

Evening (6–8 PM)

  • • 4–5 heavier bites
  • • Hearty appetizers
  • • Dessert
  • • Wine/cocktails

💡 Rule of thumb: 6–8 bites/guest total + 1 dessert

Snacks & Savories (pick 2–4)

Mini sandwiches/sliders
Veggie cups
Caprese skewers
Cheese/charcuterie board
Quiche bites
Hummus & pita
Savory pastry
Meatballs
Crostini trio

Sweets & Cake

Main Dessert:

  • Cupcakes or small cake (colored filling for reveal)

Additional Sweets:

  • Brownie bites
  • Fruit tartlets
  • Macarons
  • Cookies (theme-shaped)

Drinks & Mocktails

Non-Alcoholic Options:

  • Sparkling water bar (citrus, berries, mint)
  • Lemonade/iced tea
  • Single signature mocktail

Optional Alcoholic:

  • Beer/wine selection
  • Champagne for toast

Allergen Labels

Essential Labels:

Place tent cards for nut/dairy/gluten. Offer at least one vegan/GF option for groups over 10.

🌰 Contains Nuts
🥛 Contains Dairy
🌾 Contains Gluten
🌱 Vegan Option

Sample Menus

Brunch Menu

Savory:

  • • Mini quiche
  • • Bagel bites

Fresh:

  • • Fruit salad

Sweet:

  • • Macarons

Drinks:

  • • Coffee/tea/lemonade

Afternoon Menu

Savory:

  • • Sliders
  • • Chips & dip

Fresh:

  • • Veggie cups

Sweet:

  • • Cupcakes

Drinks:

  • • Iced tea/mocktails

Evening Menu

Heavy Apps:

  • • Crostini trio
  • • Meatballs
  • • Cheese board

Fresh:

  • • Salad cups

Sweet:

  • • Cake slices

Drinks:

  • • Mocktail + wine/beer

Related Planning Resources

Cake Ideas

Beautiful gender reveal cake designs

Decor Checklist

Style your dessert table perfectly

Games

Plan activities around your menu

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cake for 20 guests?
A 9-inch 3-layer cake or 24 cupcakes will serve 20 guests comfortably. Consider ordering 10-15% extra for second helpings.
Do I need a hot entrée?
Not for 2–4 PM showers—heavy snacks work perfectly. For evening showers (6-8 PM), consider one warm option like meatballs or quiche.
How do I handle dietary restrictions?
Ask guests about allergies when they RSVP. Offer at least one vegan/gluten-free option for groups over 10, and clearly label all items.

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