Baby & Bridal Shower Menu Ideas

[Trillian]

I'm hosting a bridal shower this weekend and need a few ideas for inexpensive hors d'oeuvres that I can make the night before (and reheat, if necessary).

I am also looking for a recipe either for a tasty champagne punch or a "signature" cocktail. The bride likes red wine and (I think) margaritas & fruity drinks, if that helps any.

Ooh, and if the drink were pink, that would be even more perfect (but not a requirement).

[Pineknot]

Trillian,

I think the best appetizers are the ones that can be made ahead as much as possible. I often have get togethers for women's organizations and these are hits with the ladies.

pate a choux. This dough makes bite sized rolls that are so cute. I make them the night before, then fill them with small bits of butter lettuce (very pretty color and is somewhat soft) and chicken salad, the next day. This dough is so easy to make (I've been making it since i was 19) yet looks like Martha Stewart made them. I place them on a large platter, stacked high. These are very "ladylike."

Bruschetta topped with a tomato/cheese topping. This will require broiling at the last minute. (I would do pate a choux OR bruschetta)

Hot house cucumber slices with piped salmon mousse on top. I garnish these with a small piece of dill. Again, super simple, yet very pretty and elegant.


stuffed cherry tomatoes with piped boursin cheese. Boursin cheese is expensive, but you can make it yourself with cream cheese and herbs. Homemade tastes just as good, if not better. I pipe the cheese high in them, then garnish with chopped chives. I also pipe the cheese into opened chinese snow peas and garnish with chives. These two look very pretty on the same tray.

I like to make the table look expensive by using individual souffle dishes with shrimp hanging over the edges. (You can usually get about 8-10 shrimp on each dish) In the middle, I put ice with a small dipping bowl of cocktail sauce. I make several of these and display them between the appetizers.

Maybe some of these would work for you? If you want any of the recipes or more ideas, just let me know. Just not sure what direction you were going with your party..... :D

ETA: What about mimosas with raspberries or a sangria for your drink?

[mrstim]

Hmm...I thought I'd just drop off the menu for the shower I'm giving this weekend. We bought the quiche, cheesecakes, and crossaints for the chicken salad at Sam's Club. It was just as cheap there.

fudge
chocolate strawberries
chicken salad crossaints
mini cheesecakes
spinach dip
mini quiches
butterhorn rolls/ham
cut up fruit/veggies for display
brownie bites
mini pecan pies
veggie pizza

Most of this can simply be done and refrigerated - I'm making everything but the strawberries and chicken salad on Thursday and just refrigerating it until Friday afternoon :) The quiche just has to be warmed up already - good luck! oh and our punch is tea punch - I think it's a quart of tea, package of red fruit punch koolaid and then fill up with a quart of water. :)

Amy

[jimmysgirl424]

Some recipes for 'pink' drinks:


Pink Blossom

1 (6 ounce) can lemonade concentrate, undiluted
1 1/2 cups Rosé wine
1 cup crushed ice or 4 whole ice cubes

Put all ingredients into a blender container. Cover and process on high until the ice is liquefied. Serve in cocktail glasses.

Yields 8 (3 ounce) drinks.


Pink Velvet **I don't know if this will turn out pink or not, but it sounds yummy!!


1 ounce Hiram Walker Chocolate Cherry
1/2 ounce Hiram Walker Crème de Cassis
3 ounces vanilla ice cream

Combine in blender until smooth. Pour into champagne glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.


Pink Squirrel

Ingredients:
2oz Coconut Rum
2oz Peach Schnapps
2oz Cranberry juice
2oz Pineapple Juice

Directions:
Mix in large glass over ice



Pink Flamingo


Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Coconut Rum
1 oz Amaretto
3 oz Cranberry Juice
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
Ice


Directions:
Combine ingredients in a hurricane glass 2/3 full of ice. Top with a pineapple wedge and a cherry stuck on a paper umbrella.

Pink Jimmy:


Ingredients:

1pt citron
1pt triple sec
1pt rum
1pt gin
sweet n sour splash of cranberry

Directions:
pour all ingredients mix well and serve in a 9oz glass

The Pink Panther:

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Creme de Almond
1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/2 oz. Malibu Rum
1/2 oz. Cherry Brandy
Fill with equal parts of
pineapple juice and sour mix.


Directions:
Put ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice and mix.



Southern Pink Flamingo:


Scale ingredients to servings
1/2 oz Southern Comfort® peach liqueur
1/2 oz Malibu® coconut rum
1 splash pineapple juice
1 dash grenadine syrup
1 dash lemon juice


Mix in a shaker half filled with ice. Strain into a pony glass.



Pink Panties:


Scale ingredients to servings

1 package frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1 cup Canadian Mist® whisky
1 cup water
1/2 container whipped cream



Combine all ingredients in a blender with half a cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass.


Pink Cotton Candy


Amaretto 1 oz.
Vodka 1 oz.
Lemonade (Country Time) 1 splash (Pink)

Glass to Use - Highball glass

Mixing Instructions

Combine ingredients in a highball glass over ice and stir.

[Trillian]

You guys are the best -- I'm feeling less stressed out already!

mrstim, do you have a recipe for the chocolate strawberries?

Has anyone tried any of the pink drinks that jimmysgirl424 listed?

[amew]

*I recently went to a bridal shower where they served "blushing brides" to drink. I am pretty sure that it was just standard vodka and cranberry juice in a pretty pitcher with ice and lots of lime slices, but the pink and green looked so cute!

*DH and I make cranberry mojitos all the time, and they are pink and very tasty. It's just rum, simple syrup (water and sugar boiled), mint, and a little cranberry juice for some flavor and color. You can also just make standard mojitos and add a a splash of grenadine for color.

*We love to make frozen spiked lemonade by blending a can of frozen lemonade concentrate, vodka, and ice. It's so easy, and our guests always love it. You could easily do it with pink lemonade. If you want extra pink color, just add a couple drops of red food coloring -- we used food coloring to make them orange last Halloween and it worked great.

[Pink_Converse]

Piña Colada Witches' Brew (makes enough to fill 2 large punch bowls: 1 alcoholic, 1 nonalcoholic)

6 cups orange juice
6 cups pineapple juice
1 15-oz. can cream of coconut
4 cups light rum
1 2-L bottle ginger ale

Divide juices and cream of coconut between two large punch bowls; stir well. Add rum to one of the mixtures. Divide ginger ale between mixtures and top both with ice

I have made this for every occasion. It's delish.

[irish74]

This punch is always a huge hit and it's not nearly as potent as some champagne punches. It works great for a daytime party with light foods, but I could personally drink this anytime. :o

Add to punch bowl in this order, if you have a smaller bowl, cut amounts in half.

1 half gallon of orange sherbet
1 half gallon of orange juice (get the good stuff, it makes a big difference)
1 2 liter bottle of ginger ale
1 bottle of champagne

Let it melt a bit and give it a quick stir & serve. As the sherbet melts the punch improves as well as keeping it cold. I usually slice the sherbet into a couple of pieces before pouring in the other ingredients. I also usually put out another bottle of champagne in case anyone wants it a bit stronger.

[mrstim]

Trillian -

I am going to do them the same way I did the strawberries for my wedding. It only takes white almond bark, chocolate almond bark, and strawberries!

1) wash the strawberries and lay them out on a paper towel to let the dry.

2) Lay out a piece of wax paper.

3) Using a microwave safe bowl, put several pieces of almond bark (cheap chocolate at the store - u can use vanilla flavored) and microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir. Contine microwaving at 30 seconds until the chocolate is a smooth consistency.

4)Dip each strawberry almost up to the top in the white chocolate and lay it out on the wax paper. You have to let the chocolate dry!

5)While they dry, do the same melting process with Chocolate almond bark. After the white chocolate dries, dip the strawberry into the chocolate. This time you hold the strawberry slightly sideways - dip both sides in order to create the "jacket" of the tux.

6) Let them dry. For bride strawberries, get a ziploc bag and put some melted white chocolate into the bag. clip a tiny end of the ziploc off in the corner - you can then twist the bag into a decorators bag shape.

7) For groom strawberries: Put melted chocolate into another ziploc bag and use to put tiny dots between the "lapels" of the tux!

heres a picture of the finished product:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db35b3127cce91e0b567b5b700000016108AbtGzJk4Ytf
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db35b3127cce91e0b51db5cd00000015108AbtGzJk4Ytf

Hope this helps!!!! Let me know if you need any additional help! It really was easy - when I thought about getting them from a chocolatier here in town, they were charging 24.95 per lb!! EEEKK! If you don't want to do these, you could just dip them in both colors and drizzle the other color on top. Good Luck!

[Trillian]

Dang, those look good! :) I'm going to have to try that.

[Trillian]

Okay, here's what I'm thinking so far:

- crackers w/ herbed cheese spread (Kraft website)
- mini quiches (Costco)
- spinach-stuffed mushrooms (Kraft website)
- bruschetta w/ tomato & onion (Kraft website)
- apples w/ caramel-peanut butter dip (Kraft website)
- fudge (Nestle/Carnation website)
- chocolate-covered strawberries (mrsTim)
- cupcakes

- Wedding Cake "cocktails" (see above)
- Mock Pink Champagne Punch (www.recipezaar.com)

Is that too much sweet stuff? I have a major sweet tooth. I'm expecting 8-11 people for a 3:00pm shower.

[vwinkel]

Sounds good to me! I was going to suggest veggies and dip (good to snack on) and fruit kabobs (just thread different fruit onto skewers, pineapple, watermelon, etc.) with fruit dip in the center.

[irish74]

It sounds great to me, but I have a major sweet tooth too. If you get busy I think you could safely drop one of the desserts and still have plenty. :)

[Trillian]

I think the fudge will be the thing to go if I have to drop something, but it's really pretty simple -- and so tasty. ;)

[irish74]

I think my fudge recipe is from Nestle/Carnation as well. Is it the one with the chocolate chips & marshmallows added at the end? If so it is easy and OH SO GOOD! I make about 10 batches of the stuff at Christmas. :D

[jimmysgirl424]

(quote) I think my fudge recipe is from Nestle/Carnation as well. Is it the one with the chocolate chips & marshmallows added at the end? If so it is easy and OH SO GOOD! I make about 10 batches of the stuff at Christmas. (quote)





Can you post the recipe? I would love to have it for this Christmas!! In exchange, I can offer you an awesome receipe for cinnamon candy popcorn that is great for Christmastime! Like caramel popcorn, only way, way better!! Let me know if you want it and I will dig it out of my files!!

[irish74]

Famous Milk Chocolate Fudge
Estimated Times:
Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 10 min | Yields - 49 pieces

Take the one hour chilling time out of the equation and this dessert only takes twenty minutes to prepare

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) CARNATION Evaporated Milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine (we recommend LAND O LAKES® Butter)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 3/4 cups (11.5 oz) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Milk Chocolate Morsels
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full-rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are completely melted. Pour into prepared pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces.

HINT: For thicker fudge, use a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan; refrigerate for 3 hours.

jimmysgirl - I'd love the cinnamon popcorn recipe when you have a chance. Thanks! :D

[designer]

I'm having a baby shower for a friend and we're thinking of doing a brunch.
I'm wondering if anyone has some good recipes or ideas?

Here's what I'm thinking for the menu:
egg and ham dish
maybe quishe?
fruit platter
banana bread/muffins
juice/punch

any other ideas?
Thanks!

[karina]

I would do this:

Fruit platter

Vegetarian Spinach, Cheese and "Sausage" Casserole
This casserole is a simple, easy to prepare, one-dish, meatless meal. Great for brunches. Be sure to drain the spinach really well. For non veggies, you can easily substitute ground breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon if you prefer.
1 (16 ounce) container low fat cottage cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and very well drained
1 cup shreaded mozzarella cheese (cheddar or pepper jack are good substitutes as well)
1/2 cup ground soy sausage, lightly browned (I like LiteLife Gimme Lean brand)
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
4 eggs, lightly beaten
salt and pepper

Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
Pour mixture into a greased 9 inch pie plate (I have also used a square casserole dish as well).
Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until center is set.
Once out of the oven, I usually let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes.
To serve, either cut into wedges, or squares, depending on what type of dish you used.

Coconut-Orange Mini Tea Muffins
Recipe makes 24 mini-muffins or 12 standard muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 oranges, zest of
1/2 cup orange juice
2 eggs
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut (plus more for topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease 24 mini-muffin cups (however, my non-stick baking pan doesn't require greasing...) In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, orange peel, orange juice and eggs until well blended.
Add coconut, then stir into flour mixture until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Spoon into muffin cups and sprinkle a little extra coconut on the tops of each muffin.
Bake approximately 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Or, if you wish to make standard-size muffins, bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 22 to 25 minutes.


Butterscotch Banana Bread
2 ripe bananas
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
6 ounces butterscotch chips

Mash the ripe bananas; set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; set aside.
Combine mashed bananas, sugar, eggs and melted butter. Blend well.
Alternately blend flour mixture and milk. Stir in nuts (if using) and butterscotch chips, but leaving a little behind to sprinkle on top.
Pour into greashed 9-1/2-inch loaf pan.
Sprinkle top with reserved nuts and chips.
Bake at 350° for 60 minutes (or shorter time for smaller loaves).
Cool.

Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms & Chives
2 large eggs (at room temperature)
salt
pepper (preferably white)
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced or chopped
1/2 teaspoon butter
4 tablespoons heavy cream

In a small bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Using a non-stick pan over medium high heat, gently heat the olive oil and begin to sauté the mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper and tossing gently.
It is important not to overcook the mushrooms.
Once they have been sautéed for 2 to 3 minutes, add the butter then the eggs.
Reduce heat to medium and gently work the scrambled eggs slowly from the outside of the pan to the centre.
If the heat is too high, the eggs will be rubbery.
Once the eggs start to take on the form of a scrambled-egg look, add the 35% cream & the chives.
This is the final touch& slows down the cooking of the eggs to ensure that they will be soft and tender.
Gently work in the cream for 10 to 15 seconds.
Remove from heat and serve.

[FallBlanch]

This is an amazing recipe:


Baked French Toast with Maple Syrup

1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Maple syrup

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.


Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.

[msnicolea]

I was going to suggest a baked french toast, too, especially because it's prepared the night before, which makes it so easy!

[Roxygirl]

I am throwing my friend a baby shower and need help with the menu. I am doing little snacks and finger foods. I was hoping some people had some different good recipes. You know little finger sandwiches and stuff like that.

[bellezzadolce]

Mexicali Appetizer Meatballs

2/3 cup A.1. Original Steak Sauce
2/3 cup TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1-1/2 lb. ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Mix steak sauce and salsa.
MIX meat, egg, bread crumbs and 1/3 cup of the steak sauce mixture just until blended. Shape into 32 meatballs, each about 1-1/4 inches in diameter. Place in single layer in shallow baking pan.
BAKE 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Serve remaining steak sauce mixture as a dip for the meatballs.

[Adaya]

These are the best little sweets ever!! In addition to cake these would be adorable to snack on.

Lemon Blossoms (by Paula Deen from the Food Network)

18 1/2-ounce package yellow cake mix
3 1/2-ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar (1 box)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel.

To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth. If it is too thick or clumpy, add a tablespoon of water until desired consistency.
With fingers, dip the cupcakes into the glaze while they're still warm, covering as much of the cake as possible, or spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, turning them to completely coat. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 1 hour, before storing in containers with tight-fitting lids.

[Adaya]

I found this on Food Network. Sounds really yummy....

Balsamic Grilled Chicken Finger Sandwiches with Sundried Tomatoes and Herbed Goat Cheese Spread

2 1/4 pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
Pepper
1 cup sundried tomatoes, soaked for 15 minutes in hot water
8 ounces creamy goat cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound foccacia bread

Combine the chicken breasts, vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat the grill.

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and grill for 4 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the grill and set aside.

In a food processor, combine the sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, sour cream, oregano, basil and thyme. Process until well blended. Season the cheese mixture with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Slice each chicken breast half in half. You should have 18 pieces that are each approximately 2 ounces. Cut focaccia into 18 (3-inch by 3-inch)squares. Cut each square in half horizontally. Spread the sundried tomato goat cheese spread on the bottom half of each piece of focaccia. Top the spread with a piece of chicken. Place the top piece of bread on top of the chicken. Serve at room temperature.

[looch]

You can't go wrong with the classic finger sandwiches: egg salad, tuna or chicken salad, cucumber.
if you want to change it up, you can do roasted vegetable, salmon salad, steak and brie.

[Katy]

Do a search for "showers" - I know there are a few other threads out there that might help you out.

[mom_to_zoe]

I can't recommend highly enough the Barefoot Contessa series of cookbooks. The original cookbook or Barefoot Contessa parties would have wonderful ideas for you. My mother's best friend threw me an amazing baby shower using recipes from those cookbooks.

[PeanutButter]

I am hosting a bridal shower brunch on Saturday morning, and would like a little input, please!

This is the menu I am planning:
Maple-Oatmeal Scones (Barefoot Contessa)
Fruit Salad with yogurt and granola
Croissants (store-bought)
Spinach-tomato strata (cooking light)
Quiche (store bought)
Turkey sausage links
Cake (store bought)

Does this sound like a good balance?

I have fifteen ladies coming, mostly in their late 20s/early 30s. The strata makes 9 "Cooking Light servings" (smaller than people who aren't watching what they eat, eat, IMO). Do you think I should double it? Or is it enough food with everything else. My greatest fear is running out of food.

Oh, and my last final exam for my 2nd year of law school ends about 16 hours prior to the start date of the shower, which is why I have so much store-bought stuff on the menu. So don't suggest that I add anything too complicated. :)

Thanks!!

[Adaya]

I think the menu sounds great and it sounds like more than enough food. By serving the scones and croissants, that will kind of fill people up. Also, I think the strata will be enough since you are going to have the quiche. I don't eat either of those, but isn't a strata an egg dish? So I would assume that people would choose that or the quiche and not both. Excuse my ignorance, but I'm allergic to eggs, so I don't know much about quiches or stratas....

Those scones sound delish. I may have to look up that recipe.

Considering you'll be pretty busy with exams, I think you put together a nice menu without overdoing on time consuming recipes.

What kind of beverages are you serving?

[PeanutButter]

Thanks, Adaya!

I hope no one is allergic to eggs! I didn't really think about that :eek:. Strata is like an Italian egg casserole. This one has spinach and tomatoes, and is topped with reduced fat cheese. It's the "healthy" option.

I guess if someone doesn't eat eggs, they could have scones, fruit salad with yogurt and granola, croissants, and sausage.

Oh, beverages! Forgot that!
We're having: coffee, tea, champagne, orange juice and mimosas.

[magrat]

Bumping this up because I'm planning a bridal shower for the end of July and we're having a brunch. I've got a few ideas for food already:
onion and cheddar tart
Belgian waffles (real ones, with crunchy sugar pieces and yeast, not just big American waffles)
raspberry muffins
fresh fruit
cake from the bakery

I also want to do a champage punch and a non alcoholic punch, does anyone have a good recipe? And I want a tray of crustless sandwiches, anyone have ideas for what to fill them with? There could be as many as 30 people, and my family is not very adventurous when it comes to food (I'm the anomaly). They have to be able to eat everything off a paper plate on their laps. Anyone want to plan this for me? :)

[katmg]

And I want a tray of crustless sandwiches, anyone have ideas for what to fill them with? There could be as many as 30 people, and my family is not very adventurous when it comes to food (I'm the anomaly). They have to be able to eat everything off a paper plate on their laps. Anyone want to plan this for me? :)

I always like an herbed cream cheese sandwich when I see little "tea" sandwiches. I usually see it with the cream cheese and cucumber slices. I've also seen tea sandwiches with fillings like egg salad or chicken salad. Of course, you can always do just some sort of cold-cut and cheese.

HTH!

[Missy2U]

magrat, last shower I did I had a sandwich loaf (http://www.bettycrocker.com/images/beautyshots/r35319fp.jpg) - it went very, very far. It was just a loaf of bread from the bakery split three ways, filled with chicken, egg, and tuna salad, then covered with whipped herbed cream cheese. It was really easy, too.

You could also do mini croissant sandwiches filled with tuna or chicken or egg salad.

[SunnyAB]

That sandwich loaf looks so nice - (dumb question coming up!) I imagine everyone would eat these with a knife and fork though? because of the cream cheese surrounding the sandwich?

[luvnbeng]

The menu sounds perfect, and will definitely be enough for 15 people.

Good luck with your law school exams. This month is 15 years since my law school graduation, but I vividly remember what you are going through!

[Missy2U]

That sandwich loaf looks so nice - (dumb question coming up!) I imagine everyone would eat these with a knife and fork though? because of the cream cheese surrounding the sandwich?

Yes. Well, mostly. You haven't seen some of the husbands of some of my friends... ;)

[magrat]

I really like the idea of using herbed cream cheese on sandwiches, especially cucumber ones (I like cucumber sandwiched but never thought of cream cheese on them too!). I think I'll do some of those, some "normal" cold cut ones, and maybe some ham and swiss on pumpernickel. Still no champagne punch recipes?

[katmg]

I really like the idea of using herbed cream cheese on sandwiches, especially cucumber ones (I like cucumber sandwiched but never thought of cream cheese on them too!). I think I'll do some of those, some "normal" cold cut ones, and maybe some ham and swiss on pumpernickel. Still no champagne punch recipes?

Glad you liked that idea! Cream cheese/cucumber sandwiches seem so refreshing and just perfect for a summer shower.

Here's a recipe from epicurious for Champagne punch (I've never made it though, so I can't vouch for it):

1 cup Triple Sec
1 cup brandy
1/2 cup Chambord
2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 quart chilled ginger ale
2 chilled 750-ml. bottles dry champagne

In a bowl combine the Triple Sec, the brandy, the Chambord and the pineapple juice and chill the mixture, covered, for at least 4 hours or overnight. In a large punch bowl combine the Triple Sec mixture, the ginger ale, and the champagne and add ice cubes.

Makes about 16 cups, serving 12.

You could also add a pretty ice-ring to this instead of ice cubes...just a thought.

[magrat]

Hmm...after looking around a bit, I think what I had in mind were mimosas and it looks like you make one glass at a time. I could just get those plastic champagne flutes and make up a bunch. I saw a recipe for passionfruit mimosas...that sounds really good too. I'll still need to do a non-alcoholic punch though, my family doesn't drink much so I doubt I would need more than two bottles of champagne....

Do you think I should do a warm eggy dish? The tart will be room temp, and the muffins will get warmed up in the warming drawer, so I've got oven space.

[Missy2U]

Do you think I should do a warm eggy dish? The tart will be room temp, and the muffins will get warmed up in the warming drawer, so I've got oven space.

How about quiche? You could do a couple different ones.

Edited to add this tea sandwich in case you were looking for additional ideas:

HERBED VIDALIA ONION TEA SANDWICHES
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Not just for afternoon tea, these sandwiches also accompany cocktails well.
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon leaves
fresh lemon juice to taste
Tabasco to taste
12 very thin slices of homemade-type white bread
1 Vidalia onion (available seasonally at specialty produce markets and
some supermarkets), sliced very thin

In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the tarragon, the lemon juice, the Tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread one side of the bread slices with the mayonnaise, arrange the onion slices evenly on half the bread slices, and top them with the remaining bread slices. Press the sandwiches together gently, trim the crusts, and cut the sandwiches into quarters. Put the remaining 1/4 cup parsley in a shallow bowl and dip the edges of the sandwich quarters in the parsley.

Makes 24 tea sandwiches.

[katmg]

I know Sam's (and probably Costco) sells mini-quiches that are actually pretty tasty if you wanted something warm. They have them in different flavor varieties - bacon, spinach, etc. That way you could have something warm without forcing you to make something else.

Just an idea...

[magrat]

I think I'll do the mini quiches actually...that would be easy. The cheddar and onion tart is kind of a quiche, so I will have that, but everyone likes mini quiches :)

[vee05]

Ladies I am throwing my cousin a bridal shower but im so lost on the menu really. Its a sunday afternoon 1-3 pm shower so something light,crisp and good with tea would be good.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

TIA

~V

[Adaya]

I'm hosting a shower on the 22nd for a ton of people for my best friend. It's from 12-4. We are doing a luncheon type of thing.

Here's what we are doing:

Appetizers:
crab cakes
shrimp cocktail
mini quiches or puff pastries
all of the above is coming from Costco

Lunch:
mini crossaint sandwiches: chicken, tuna, seafood salad (egg salad is still a possibility)
tossed salad
pasta salad
fruit kabobs
chips

Desserts:
mini cheesecakes
mini eclairs and cream puffs
italian cookies

Beverages:
2 types of punch
coffee
tea

[msnicolea]

At my shower, the hostess did a light lunch/tea. Here are some of the items:

tea sandwiches: various mini sandwiches including chick salad, cucumber
fruit tarts and mini lemon pies
ham biscuits
mini quiches
pesto pasta salad
cheese and fruit platter

[chefker]

There are a couple other threads here with some great ideas for a bridal shower menu:


Bridal shower brunch (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=19340&highlight=bridal+shower)

Bridal shower menu help (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=5330&highlight=bridal+shower)

[vee05]

Thanks

[Katy]

And now, we will merge...

[vee05]

Thought i would update my menu here for my cousins shower t'row:

Cheese platter (costco)
French Bread(costco)
Veggie Platter (Harris teeter)
Fruit Salad
Chips with dip
Salsa and chips
Tea Sandwiches
spinach dip
Mozarella balls
olives
cookies
a friut tart
cake

this is for about 25 ladies. I hope its enough since ive been down with a throat infection for the last 4 days and getting up and going around doing stuff has been extremely hard.

Also i am making a orange pinapple punch and soda.

[Adaya]

vee05, that sounds like plenty and you have a nice variety of foods also. Have fun!!

Hope you're feeling better soon.

[vee05]

The shower was awesome. Everyone loved the food thankgod and the Punch was a great hit!

I made this Orange-Pineapple Punch

Ingredients:
1 pint Vanilla Ice cream
1 Pint orange sorbet
7 cups Pineapple juice
1 bottle gingerale

OMG this was the easiest and most amazing punch ever!

[Adaya]

vee05Thanks for sharing that punch recipe b/c I sure was going to ask you for it once the shower was over. I love orange-pineapple anything, so I figured the punch would be delish!!

Glad the shower went well!!

[southerner]

I was searching for an old thread and found this and thought I'd bump it up. Lots of good stuff in here!

[emjay]

Bumping this up for ideas. DH and I are hosting a co-ed baby shower at our house in a couple weeks. It is going to be on the same day as a football game so we're having a dual game-watching/shower. Interesting, I know. I'm not sure whether I should do an actual meal (the game starts at 11:45 am) or just snacky-type appetizers. In addition to that, the weather here is HOT HOT HOT so I don't want to do anything too heavy like chili or anything. Any suggestions?

[boilermaker]

I don't think that is too wierd. Sounds like more fun to me than a typical baby shower, but that might be because I like football better than tea :)

As for the food, games tend to last 3-4 hours and since it starts right at lunchtime, I'd serve a real meal along with appetizers. And since it is hot, I'd go with BBQ type food. Either tailgatey type stuff like brats with onions and peppers or more upscale and do various kabobs on the grill. Or if you would rather not cook, do a fabulous deli tray with some interesting options (think Panera bread style sandwiches and salad).

And you know, you could come up with some fun games relating football and babies :)

[emjay]

Thanks boilermaker! Kabobs sound like a great idea! I'm thinking I might do some kind of chicken wings too and maybe a salad and some appetizers.

[Anna Low]

We did a couples shower last spring. Here are some of the things we served:

Turkey breast
Rolls, mayo, mustard
Honey baked ham
Cheese platter
Meatballs
several kinds of dip (layered, cheese, veggie) with chips
veggie tray
fruit tray
beer and wine (bottled water for the mom-to-be)
Cake and ice cream

I know the food sounds more like a superbowl party than a baby shower, but the co-hostess and I wanted to make this as comfortable as possible for the guys, who were all 1st time baby shower guests! They were all terrified (my husband included) that they would have to eat tiny sandwiches and drink punch. By feeding them what they considered "manly food", we got them to participate in a few little shower games.