Updated May 9, 2023
If you’re planning an outdoor baby shower, you’re in luck!
Outdoor baby showers are a great way to celebrate the arrival of a new baby while enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 100 outdoor baby shower food ideas plus drinks that are sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic in the park, a backyard barbecue, or a beachside celebration, these are easy baby shower food ideas
So grab your sunscreen, put on your favorite sundress, and get ready to host a beautiful and delicious outdoor baby shower!
100 Delicious Outdoor Baby Shower Food Ideas
Appetizers
Start the shower off with some delicious appetizers that your guests can snack on while mingling.
Here are a few ideas:
- Fruit skewers
- Caprese salad skewers
- Bruschetta
- Cheese and crackers
- Deviled eggs
- Veggie cups with ranch dip
- BBQ chicken flatbread
Main Dishes
For the main course, you want something that is easy to serve and eat.
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Slider burgers
- Vegetable kebabs
- Quinoa salad
Sides
Complement your main dishes with some delicious sides.
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Watermelon salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Pasta salad
- Coleslaw
Desserts
End the shower on a sweet note with some delicious desserts.
- Cupcakes
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Lemon bars
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Brownies
- Fruit salad
Drink Ideas
Drinks are an essential part of any baby shower, especially when you’re hosting an outdoor or picnic-themed party.
Here are some refreshing drink ideas that are perfect for a warm day.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- Lemonade – This classic drink is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for a baby shower. You can make it with fresh lemons, sugar, and water, and serve it in a large pitcher with ice.
- Iced Tea – Another classic drink that’s perfect for a warm day. You can make it with tea bags, sugar, and water, and add lemon or mint for extra flavor.
- Mocktails – If you want to serve something a little fancier, consider making mocktails. You can make a variety of mocktails using fruit juice, soda, and sparkling water. Try a Virgin Mojito or a Shirley Temple.
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Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re planning to serve alcohol at your baby shower, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- Mimosas – Mimosas are a classic brunch drink, and they’re perfect for a baby shower. You can make them with orange juice and champagne, or try a different juice like grapefruit or cranberry.
- Sangria – Sangria is a fruity and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a warm day. You can make it with red or white wine, fruit juice, and chopped fruit.
- Beer – If you’re looking for something simple, consider serving beer. You can offer a variety of different types, including light beer, craft beer, and seasonal beer.
No matter what drinks you choose to serve, make sure to have plenty of ice and garnishes on hand.
Fresh fruit, herbs, and edible flowers are all great options for garnishes.
And don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink.
Food Preparation and Presentation
Barbecue or grilling options:
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms as a meat alternative
- BBQ shrimp with a zesty dipping sauce
- Grilled fruit kabobs with a honey drizzle (e.g., pineapple, peaches, and strawberries)
- Teriyaki-glazed grilled tofu steaks
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Grilled chicken
Picnic-style foods:
- Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil
- Pesto pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and arugula
- Curried chicken salad lettuce wraps
- Chilled gazpacho soup served in small cups
- Savory quiche squares with seasonal vegetables
- Sandwiches
Individually packaged or single-serve items:
- Mini Mason jar salads (e.g., layered Greek salad, Cobb salad)
- Personal-sized charcuterie cups with meats, cheeses, and olives
- Veggie and hummus cups
- Fruit salad served in waffle cones or small cups
- Individual portions of chips and dips (e.g., guacamole, salsa) in small cups or containers
- Mini-quiches
- Fruit cups
- Crackers and cheese
Skewers, wraps, and handheld foods:
- Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears
- Greek salad skewers with cucumber, olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes
- Chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce
- Veggie sushi rolls or summer rolls with dipping sauce
- Mini falafel wraps with tahini sauce
- Mini-tacos
- Grilled chicken wraps
No-cook baby shower menu options:
- Veggie wraps with hummus
- Chilled fruit salad
- Cheese and charcuterie board
- Bagels and assorted cream cheese spread
Food labels and signage:
Don’t forget to label the different foods!
- Chalkboard signs with calligraphy or hand-lettering for a rustic touch
- Printed tent cards with themed designs or matching color schemes
- Custom toothpick flags inserted into the food items
- Small easel signs or framed signs to label food stations or tables
- Edible labels made of rice paper or fondant for desserts or cakes
Dietary Restrictions and Allergies:
When planning an outdoor baby shower, it’s important to consider the dietary restrictions and allergies of your guests.
Here are some ideas to accommodate different dietary needs:
Vegetarian:
- Caprese salad skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Veggie sushi rolls: Rice, avocado, cucumber, and other veggies rolled in seaweed sheets.
- Grilled vegetable kebabs: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms, marinated and grilled on skewers.
- Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers: Cooked quinoa mixed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, stuffed into bell peppers and grilled.
- Pesto pasta salad: Bowtie pasta tossed with homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
Vegan:
- Veggie spring rolls: Rice paper rolls filled with fresh veggies, tofu, and rice noodles, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
- Chickpea salad lettuce wraps: A flavorful chickpea salad with veggies and herbs, wrapped in lettuce leaves.
- Grilled portobello mushrooms: Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms, served as a burger or a standalone dish.
- Vegan potato salad: Creamy potato salad made with vegan mayo, mustard, and fresh herbs.
- Fruit salad with mint-lime dressing: A colorful fruit salad drizzled with a refreshing mint and lime dressing.
Gluten-free:
- Rice paper salad rolls: A variety of veggies, protein, and herbs rolled in rice paper, served with dipping sauce.
- Grilled corn with herb butter: Fresh corn on the cob is grilled and brushed with a flavorful herb butter.
- Watermelon and feta salad: Cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and fresh mint, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Shrimp and pineapple skewers: Marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks grilled on skewers, served with a side of dipping sauce.
- Mexican quinoa salad: A zesty quinoa salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, tossed in a lime-cilantro dressing.
Dairy-free:
- Vegan coleslaw: Fresh cabbage and carrot slaw with a tangy, dairy-free dressing.
- Grilled veggie wraps: Grilled vegetables wrapped in dairy-free tortillas, served with a dairy-free dipping sauce.
- Lentil salad: A hearty salad made with cooked lentils, veggies, and a flavorful vinaigrette.
- Dairy-free bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with tomatoes, basil, and dairy-free cheese or a balsamic reduction.
- Chia seed pudding: Creamy chia seed pudding made with dairy-free milk, sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and topped with fresh fruit.
Nut-free:
- Hummus and veggie platter: Creamy hummus served with an assortment of fresh vegetables and pita bread.
- Greek salad skewers: Threaded cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and oregano.
- Chicken or turkey pinwheels: Rolled tortillas filled with sliced chicken or turkey, lettuce, and a nut-free spread, sliced into bite-sized pinwheels.
- Roasted chickpeas: Crunchy, spiced roasted chickpeas make a delicious, nut-free snack.
- Antipasto skewers: Skewers with marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, and salami or prosciutto for a tasty, nut-free appetizer.
Drinkware and Utensils
Cups, plates, and utensils (disposable or reusable)
Disposable cups, plates, and utensils can be a convenient option for outdoor events, as they eliminate the need for washing and can be easily disposed of.
However, I know not everyone is comfortable with disposable so if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider using reusable cups, plates, and utensils.
Opt for materials such as bamboo or compostable plastics to reduce waste.
Themed or color-coordinated tableware
Adding a touch of whimsy to your outdoor baby shower can be as simple as choosing tableware in a specific theme or color scheme.
Look for cups, plates, and utensils that match the baby shower theme or color palette to create a cohesive look.
Glassware alternatives for outdoor safety
Glassware can be a beautiful addition to any table setting, but it’s not always the safest option for outdoor events.
Consider using glassware alternatives such as plastic or acrylic cups to reduce the risk of broken glass.
Napkins and table coverings
Napkins and table coverings can add an extra layer of style and protection to your outdoor baby shower.
Look for options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, such as colorful paper napkins or patterned tablecloths.
The right drinkware and utensils can help create a welcoming and functional outdoor baby shower.
Food Safety and Storage
When hosting an outdoor baby shower, food safety and storage should be a top priority.
Here are some tips to ensure that the food and drinks are safe for consumption:
Temperature Control
Coolers and ice packs should be used to keep food and drinks at the proper temperature.
It’s important to monitor the temperature regularly and replenish the ice or heat under chafing dishes as needed.
Food Covers and Protection from Insects
Use food covers or mesh netting to protect the food from insects and other outdoor elements.
Food Covers will help keep the food safe and prevent contamination.
It’s important to keep the food covered when it’s not being served.
Proper Storage and Disposal of Leftovers
Any leftover food should be stored properly to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Use airtight containers and store in a refrigerator or cooler as soon as possible.
Leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days. Any food that has been left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
When disposing of food and drinks, make sure to properly dispose of any waste and recyclables.
It’s also important to follow local regulations and guidelines for disposing of food waste.
Decorations
Table Settings
For an outdoor baby shower, consider using natural materials such as wood or woven materials for your table settings.
You can use a simple white tablecloth and add some pops of color with bright napkins or placemats.
Mason jars can be used as drinking glasses or vases for flowers.
If you’re having a picnic-style shower, consider using a checkered tablecloth or a picnic blanket as your table setting.
Floral patterned tablecloths make a lovely decor statement at an outdoor baby shower!
Centerpieces
When it comes to centerpieces, you can get creative with what you use.
Consider using potted plants or flowers as your centerpiece.
You can also use baby items such as stuffed animals or baby blocks as part of your centerpiece.
For a more rustic look, consider using wooden crates or barrels as part of your centerpiece.
Lighting
Lighting can really set the mood for your outdoor baby shower.
If you’re having a daytime shower, natural light can be all you need.
If you’re having an evening shower, consider using string lights or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere.
You can also use candles or tea lights for a more intimate setting.
Do’s and Dont’s for Outdoor Baby Shower Food
Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you create the perfect menu:
Do’s:
- Offer a variety of food and drink options to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions.
- Consider serving finger foods and small bites that are easy to eat while mingling and socializing.
- Include refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water to help guests stay cool in the heat.
- Provide plenty of shade and seating options for guests to relax and enjoy their food and drink.
- Take advantage of the outdoor setting by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into your menu.
Dont’s:
- Avoid serving messy or difficult-to-eat foods that may be challenging for guests to manage while standing or sitting outdoors.
- Don’t forget to provide options for guests with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options.
- Don’t leave food and drink out in the sun for too long, as it can spoil or become unsafe to consume.
- Avoid serving alcohol unless you are sure that all guests are of legal drinking age and that it is appropriate for the occasion.
- Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins, plates, and utensils on hand to make it easy for guests to enjoy their food and drink.
FAQ
If you’re planning an outdoor baby shower, you may have some questions about what food and drinks to serve.
Here are some common questions and answers to help you plan the perfect menu.
What do you serve at a baby shower BBQ?
A baby shower BBQ is a fun, casual way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a little one.
Here are some food ideas to serve at a baby shower BBQ:
- Grilled burgers
- BBQ chicken or pulled pork
- Grilled sausage and hot dogs
- Cole slaw and potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Salad
- Cupcakes, cookies, and brownies for dessert.
- Serve lemonade and iced tea for drinks.
Don’t forget to provide plenty of condiments, buns, and utensils for the BBQ, as well as plates, napkins, and cups for serving.
Q: What are some cheap baby shower food ideas?
The most budget-friendly option is to have an early afternoon baby shower and to serve only finger foods.
I would do this if I was planning a baby shower on a tight budget.
You can serve fruit skewers, mini-chicken salad sandwiches, chips, and cupcakes.
Another budget-conscious option is to throw a Baby Q and serve burgers and hot dogs.
Perfect for a summer baby shower!
