Menu for evening baby shower?

[Anonymous]

Will be about 24 people at my home. We’ll be half and half 30yp’s and our mothers with 4 kids. Because its been so hot - planning light. Would love suggestions to add to menu - kind of old school - big fresh spinach salad with strawberries, pickled onions and candied walnut with balsamic dressing, room temp puff pastry tarts - one aspagagus, goat cheese w/tarragon, other italian-ish with tomato, olives, basil, fresh mozzarella, summer fruits. Dessert (mom to be request) simple cake layered with berries and whipped cream. You’ll note vegetarian but would consider picking up one non-veg item to serve. Need appetizers for while having cocktails/mocktails, anything to add to dinner and maybe second dessert option.

[Anonymous]

Stuffed dates
Veggies/dip
Cheese/crackers
Crab dip?
Watermelon squares with feta and mint

Dessert:
Key lime pie
Lemon squares

[Anonymous]

Baby shower are traditonally held at 1pm, not in the evening.

[Anonymous]

Is this supposed to be a sit-down dinner or heavy appetizers that can stand in for a meal?

[Anonymous]

Maybe quiche? If it’s dinner, you need to add something more substantial. A wrap platter could work too and have veggie/non veggie options.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think puff pastry tarts can be dinner.

[Anonymous]

Quiche, small rolls, grain-based salad with farro or quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, etc., cheese plate.

You need a little protein or carbs. The puff pastry is a nibble but you need something more/instead.

[Anonymous]

I would cater in a Mediterranean spread.

Salad and puff pastry tarts are a light lunch, not a dinner meal, especially since you mentioned you are serving alcohol.

[Anonymous]

What’s the main course?

[Anonymous]

A roasted vegetable at room temp or warm could be a nice addition. Roasted Brussels sprouts, or carrots, or even a potato salad. Something with some heft or crunch.

[Anonymous]

Protein you need protein.

And meat.

[Anonymous]

Is everyone vegetarian? I like spinach and strawberries salad but not plain. How about some diced grilled chicken or fillet strips and feta cheese and walnuts or slivered almonds, even if it’s on the side.

I’d also offer just fresh berries and whipped cream without the cake as a dessert option.

The menu you have now I’d feel like a rabbit just eating spinach and strawberries and secretly hoping it ends early enough to catch an open restaurant after.

[Anonymous]

Your menu can work if you add poached salmon, grilled steaks, or roast chicken to go with the spinach salad and puff pastry tarts. Something actually filling.

[Anonymous]

This sounds LOVELY. I do like the idea of poached salmon.

For apps, maybe those little beef tenderloin toasts? You make a horseradish sauce, then spread on baguette rounds, then shaved roast tenderloin on top.

How about brownies and/or lemon bars for the other dessert?

[Anonymous]

Agree with others on the need for protein/more substantial food, especially since you are serving cocktails.