Mid-afternoon shower hosting advice?

[Anonymous]

I need the DCUM hive mind (especially any thoughts from the "hostess ninja master" who posted earlier this summer!...truly, though, all suggestions welcome):

I am co-hosting a largeish baby shower (20 people invited) in my smallish apartment (1200 sqf, combined LR/DR where everyone will be is probably 700 sqf--and yes, ideally we would have either had the shower at a restaurant or narrowed the list, but that ship has sailed for various dull reasons including budget). 2-4pm on a Sunday. I need advice regarding what to serve, especially since our guest of honor is on a low GI diet. Does everything need to be low GI, or simply enough to present a good range of options for her? To drink, I was thinking of serving one simple signature mocktail/cocktail depending on guest preference (e.g. Bellini or pasteurized cider type drink). Usually I would do something like small finger sandwiches (easy small bite options) or an egg bake with oven bacon (for brunch), but not sure what to do given time of day and dietary restrictions? Prep ahead ideas certainly appreciated. Also, I was thinking maybe cookies for a sweet little something (vs cake which seems harder to serve and more of a centerpiece, which feels less supportive of diet)--or could we skip that altogether and just have a cute pennant banner/bunting instead?

Also, any tips to ensure everyone feels comfortable in a small space? We should have decent seating for 80% of invitees, and ok seating (cushions on floor, etc.) for the rest.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Don't do cake. Do cookies or pastries or macaroons or a combo.

Don't worry about the space being small. You don't know small and this is plenty of room for this many people.

I don't know shit about glycemic index so I would just ask the pregnant woman what she wants to eat at her shower. Then pick two or so of her suggestions and make those.

[Anonymous]

Just have a lot of apps around. Not everything has to be low GI but enough that the guest of honor can have

Deviled eggs
Vegetables and guacamole
Cheese
Tuna salad in endive
Chicken satay skewers
Tomato mozzarella basil skewers

Are all low GI apps.

For drinks have seltzer and citrus wedges available.

Then fill in with whatever else you want that may or may not be low GI.

[Anonymous]

I would serve mini cupcakes for dessert. I think people expect some kind of cake at a shower. And serve some cookies.

The above suggestions for the apps are good.

[Anonymous]

Love those app suggestions above - I was thinking similar like a nice cheese platter with some nuts and fruit, veggies/dip, caprese skewers, sweet/sour meatballs in the crockpot if you want something heavier. I love cookies or mini cupcakes for dessert. You don't need a cake. A signature drink would be fun. Lately I've been serving lemonade, water and unsweetened tea at showers. Trader joes has some fun pink sparkling lemonade too.

[Anonymous]

You have to have some sort of cake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to have some sort of cake.

Why? Sincerely asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to have some sort of cake.

No you absolutely do not. I've hosted and attended plenty of showers and this is not a requirement. Just do what's easiest and the guests will be appreciative

[Anonymous]

Don't make it too long.

A few people may want to leave after 1 1/2 hrs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to have some sort of cake.

Why? Sincerely asking.

It's a tradition, people are expecting it and why the hell not? Everyone wants some kind of dessert type food.