Cheryl Seidel, etiquette expert, and regular contributing writer for the Huffington Post, shares her expert advice on the coolest trendiest items to put on a baby shower menu! Summer is a great time to host a baby shower! If you’re planning one for your bestie and her new bundle of joy we know that you have a lot to think about- location, theme, décor, games and food. We’ve created this cool and easy menu to help you check something off your list. Because it’s hot outside, everyone wants cooler, lighter fare, and we know you don’t want to spend days working over a hot stove. We kept that in mind as we selected these great recipes that require little to no heat!
Veggie and Dip Cups
These portable little appetizers can be customized to your specific party. Fill the bottom with humus or ranch (or any dip!) and add in whatever fresh veggies you’d like.
Sandwiches are a popular choice at baby showers because they’re easy to prepare and easy to eat. Though we like the ever popular chicken salad, we also love unique recipes and thought you might want to try something new at your next event. Both of these sandwiches are family favorites and we’re sure your guests will love them too!
Roast Beef and Arugula Sandwich
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Dried Onion Flakes
1 Tbsp. Spicy Mustard
1 Tbsp. Horseradish Sauce Or Straight Prepared Horseradish
2- 8oz. focaccia loaves
1 lb. thin sliced roast beef
2 oz. Fresh Arugula
1 tsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Shredded Parmesan
- Combine the mayo, onion, mustard and horseradish to make the sandwich dressing.
- Toss the arugula with the olive oil and parmesan.
- Cut the focaccia bread horizontally so that you have a top and bottom piece.
- Spread the dressing on the cut side of both pieces. On the bottom piece, layer the roast beef, top with arugula and the top piece of bread. Cut each focaccia into small sandwiches and serve. Enjoy!
Dressing adapted from Pioneer Woman Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches
Caprese Sandwich
If you’d like to offer a lighter or vegetarian option to your guests, try this simple Caprese Sandwich. Start with a French baguette or ciabatta bread, layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Top with salt, pepper and balsamic glaze. Click here for a more detailed Caprese Sandwich recipe.
Mango, Watermelon, and Tomato Salad
How’s this for a summer salad? It’s a colorful array of mango, watermelon and tomato in a tangy, but sweet dressing- sure to delight your guests!
Savannah Cheesecake Cookies
These little cheesecake cookies aren’t really cookies at all, but mini bites of scrumptious cheesecake! They can be prepared one week prior to your event and only take 20 minutes to make.
Strawberry Country Cake
There’s something about strawberry shortcake that just screams summer. And the addition of the lemon and orange zest give this cake an extra dose of summer! The cake is easy to make and will be a lovely addition to your table.
Summer Peach Tea Punch
Summer days are hot so be sure that you serve a beverage that’s cold and refreshing. With hints of mint, peach and lemon, this sparkling iced tea will get the job done! If you’re looking for a summer cocktail, try one of these recipes from Pottery Barn. They’re wonderful for a large crowd!
About Cheryl Seidel:
Seidel is a sought after etiquette expert and regular contributor for The Huffington Post and author of the popular Ask Cheryl blog. She helps advise readers with handy tips on how much to spend, when gift giving is appropriate and other would-have-loved-to-know-that-when moments in gift giving, She is also the founder and President of www.RegistryFinder.com, an intuitive search engine that helps gift givers quickly and easily find online registries for weddings, baby showers, graduations and more. Seidel has 22 years of business experience, with concentrations in new product development and consumer advertising and promotion.
