Can you believe that there’s even more fun games for baby shower? Read on.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Sizing Up Mommy

You’ll need a couple rolls of toilet paper for this game. Ask each guest to tear off the amount of toilet paper she thinks will go around the mommy-to-be’s tummy, and then wrap it around her tummy. The one that is the most accurate wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Change the Diaper

This game is to see who can change the doll’s diaper fastest. Get a regular (life-size) baby doll, a diaper with pins, a onesie, a blanket, and a clock. The guest must unwrap the baby, take off her onesie, change her diaper, put the onesie back on, and wrap the baby up again. The one with the fastest time wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Pickin’ Cotton

Have a blindfolded guest try to transfer cotton balls from one bowl to another using a spoon. Not an easy task as the cotton balls are as light as air and you can’t tell if you have one or not in the bowl. The one who transfers the most cotton balls wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Name the Baby

I’ve created some Name the Baby Game printouts that you can download and print on your computer. Print one for each of your guests.

Write the mommy-to-be’s name and the daddy-to-be’s name in the appropriate area. Ask the guests to make as many names for the baby out of those two names as they can in a 10 minute period. The person with the most names wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Baby Food Taste Test

This is one of the baby shower games that has been around for a long time, but is still popular. Get six jars of baby food and remove the labels. Put a number on the jar that guests can see it. Give each guest a paper plate, pen, and paper. Ask them to write what they think is in each of the jars. The one with the most correct answers wins.

You might have a few people balk at tasting cold baby food. It might be a little more appetizing if you “nuke” it for a few seconds.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Air Bombs Away

This is a great game to play if you are having a baby shower outside. Divide all the guests into two or more teams. For each team, put a laundry basket about 20 feet away. The object of the game is to carry a small air-filled balloon between a person’s knees and drop it in the laundry basket. No hands allowed! The first team with all their balloons in the basket wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Clothesline

This is one of the baby shower games that gets everyone laughing and talking. String a clothesline across the room. Get plenty of clothespins and clothes to hang up. You’ll also need a baby doll and a telephone receiver; a toy phone will work just fine. The object of the game is to see who can hang up the most clothes in two minutes. The kicker is that she must hold the baby and talk on the phone while she is hanging up the clothes. If she drops the phone or the baby she’s out of the game. The one that hangs the most clothes in two minutes without dropping the phone or the baby wins.

This game would work well with the Baby Shower Clothesline Decorations.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Dirty Diaper

Should baby shower games be gross? This is a game that may be a little gross for some of your guests, so use caution. That said, it is a really fun game.

Crush different types of candy bars (Snickers, Three Musketeers, Butterfinger, and Reeses for example) and put each in a different diaper. Number the diapers. Have your guests try to guess what type of candy bar it is and write it down on a piece of paper next to the number. The one with the most correct answers wins.

Fun Games for Baby Shower – Concentration

Put 12-15 baby items on a tray such as pacifier, baby clippers, cotton ball, rubber ducky, baby socks, baby shampoo, baby powder, baby thermometer, rattle, and so on. Set the tray in front of the guests for one minute, and then remove it from the room. Ask the guests to write down what they remember was on the tray. The one with the most correct answers wins.

And for a fun, unexpected variation on this game, try this. Have the mother-to-be show the tray loaded with the baby items to the guests. After the mother-to-be leaves the room with the tray, ask questions about the mother-to-be rather than have them write down what was on the tray. Ask questions such as what was the color of her blouse, was she wearing regular shoes or sandals, what was the color of the barrette in her hair, and so on. The one with the most correct answers wins.

Why You Should Have a Couples Baby Shower

Giving a couples baby shower is a fun way to get Dad in on the festivities. This day in age, people don’t say “I’m pregnant” they say “We’re pregnant.” Having a baby is no longer all about the pregnant mother. It’s about the pregnant mother and the father as a couple. And that’s enough reason to throw a couples baby shower with an appropriate couples baby shower menu.

Types of Couples Baby Shower Menus

You might have heard it called a Jack and Jill shower. That would make a cute theme for a couples shower. But there’s so much more you could do to make it interesting for both sexes. If you’re a big fan of sports, you could have a tailgating party, and build the theme around that. Or how about taking the party to a bowling alley? That will take care of the fun and games right there! And that’s a perfect theme for those that hate party games, but still gets all the guests interacting.

Food for a couples shower is usually more substantial than a shower held just for the ladies. If the weather is nice, you could host a barbecue — the guys do like their meat! If you hold the shower in a sports bar, during a big game, you won’t even have to cook the food yourself. Just order several appetizers off the menu. No cooking, no cleanup, no mess.

The following couples baby shower menu is not only hearty, but is fun too. Most of the guys will like the taco in a bag.

Couples Baby Shower Menu

Taco in a Bag
Reuben Rollups
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Wieners
Artichoke Dip with French Bread
Cinnamon Apple Dip with Apples
Baby Shower Cake of your choice
Punch
Beer, coffee, or tea as desired

Taco in a Bag 

• 3 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 12 (2.5 ounce) packages corn chips
• 6 cups shredded lettuce
• 3 chopped fresh tomatoes
• 3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
•  1 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cup sour cream

1. Place ground beef in a large skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until browned. Drain excess oil. Mix in the taco seasoning and prepare according to the directions on the package.

 2. With the bags unopened, gently crush the corn chips. Snip the corners off the bags using scissors and slit open the bags along the side edge.

 3. Spoon equal amounts of the beef mixture, lettuce, tomato, Cheddar cheese, salsa and sour cream into the bags on top of the crushed chips. Serve in the bag and eat using a fork.

 Makes 12 servings. *Kids love these too.

Reuben Rollups

• 8 (12 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
• 2 pounds prepared coleslaw
• 2 cups chopped cooked corned beef
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1. Warm tortillas in microwave to soften; keep covered with a damp towel.

 2. Spread one side of each tortilla with 2 tablespoons Thousand Island salad dressing.

3. Arrange equal amounts of the coleslaw in the center of each tortilla.

4. Sprinkle equal amounts corned beef over the  slaw.

5. Top with equal amounts of Swiss cheese.

 6. Tightly roll tortillas around the fillings. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Old-Fashioned Cocktail Wieners 

 

This is one of the old standbys, but sooo good and easy.

•  1 pound cocktail wieners
• 1 (8 ounce) jar grape jelly
• 1 (8 ounce) jar yellow mustard

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the grape jelly and mustard.

 2. When the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the cocktail wieners. Reduce heat and simmer until serving.

 *This recipe is just good to throw everything in a crockpot and let slow simmer for a couple of hours.

Artichoke Dip with French Bread  

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 (6.5 ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan, artichoke, mozzarella and garlic powder. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 inch baking dish.

3. Bake 30 minutes, or until the surface is lightly browned and bubbly.

4. Sprinkle with paprika and serve warm with French bread.

Cinnamon Apple Dip

• 8 ounces soft cream cheese
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
•  1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until creamy.

2. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or more.

3. Serve with slices of Granny Smith apples.

If you’re looking for some easy recipes for bite-sized treats that everyone will enjoy, check out these on the Pillsbury site.

Think you don’t have time to throw a baby shower? Think again. Think thirty minute baby shower menu. Thirty minute meals are the going thing today made famous by Rachael Ray from Food Network – why not use a thirty minute baby shower menu. If you can prepare a full meal in thirty minutes, you can prepare a thirty minute baby shower menu if you have the right thirty minute baby shower menu and right recipes. While you’re at it, you might want to take a look at the Make Ahead menu for more quick ideas.

Thirty Minute Baby Shower Menu

Blue Cheese Spirals
Quick Cucumber Bites
Crab or Shrimp Dip with Crackers
Fruit Platter with Creamy Dip
Hummus Dip with Pita and Veggies
Baby Shower Cake of your choice

Coffee or tea as desired

Bleu Cheese Spirals

Don’t let the number steps put you off. Read through the steps first and you’ll see that each step is really very easy.

• 1/4 cup toasted pecans

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 4 tablespoons blue cheese

• 1 tablespoon milk as needed

• 1 (8 ounce) package crescent rolls 20 pecan halves

1. Process pecans in a food processor until finely chopped.

2. Add cheeses and process until very smooth. Add the milk, if necessary to blend smoothly. (Can prepare ahead to this point and then place in a covered dish and refrigerate.)

3. Unroll dough into 4 long rectangles and firmly press diagonal perforations to seal.

4. Spread the cream cheese/bleu cheese/nut mixture on each rectangle.

5. Starting at the shortest side, roll up each rectangle, press and seal.

6. Cut each of the 4 rolls into 5 slices forming 20 slices.

7. Place cut side down on an ungreased cookie sheet.

8. Press one pecan half on each slice.

9. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Quick Cucumber Bites  

            

• 1 (1 pound) loaf cocktail rye bread
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper

1. Spread each slice of cocktail bread with mayonnaise.

2. Place 2 or 3 slices of cucumber on each.

3. Sprinkle with lemon pepper.

Crab or Shrimp Dip with Crackers  

          

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (6 ounce) can baby shrimp or crab meat, drained
• 1 (12 ounce) jar cocktail sauce
• 1 lemon, juiced
• lettuce leaves for garnish

1. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving plate, then place the block of cream cheese on lettuce.

2. Cover the cream cheese with the shrimp or crabmeat, then squeeze juice of one lemon over the seafood.

3. Pour cocktail sauce over top of the seafood.

4. Serve with crackers.

Fruit Platter with Creamy Dip          

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 3 drops vanilla extract
• assorted fruit purchased precut in bite-size pieces

1. In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the cream cheese and marshmallow creme. Blend until smooth.

2. Add the vanilla. Continue blending until the mixture is thick and creamy.

3. Place in a small bowl and put in the middle of a serving platter. Surround the dip by various bite-sized fruit.

Hummus Dip with Pita and Veggies

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• salt and pepper to taste
• assorted vegetables, purchased precut pita chips

1. Place garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil, and sesame seeds in a blender or food processor with about 1 teaspoon reserved liquid from the beans. Process until smooth.

2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Blend to desired consistency, increasing the amount of reserved garbanzo bean liquid as desired.

3. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

4. Serve with fresh veggies and pita chips.

You may want to check out Rachael Ray’s site for more ideas under thirty minutes or less for your thirty minute baby shower menu.

Here are posts that you might enjoy:

Use a Use a Make Ahead Menu if You’re Short on Time

A make ahead menu is the way to go if you don’t have much time to prepare on the day of the shower, or if you just want to be relaxed when your guests arrive instead of working up a sweat in the kitchen.

A platter of assorted pinwheels is a great make ahead dish. They can be made the day before and just set out right before the baby shower. The possibilities are endless for the stuffing of these pinwheels. I would make three different varieties and serve them on a three-tiered serving plate, but you could also serve each on its own serving plate, or even mix them on a large platter.

Make Ahead Menu

Turkey Club Pinwheels
Pickle Pinwheels
Mediterranean Pinwheels
Fruit Sampler with Raspberry Dip and Caramel Dip
Baked Olive-Cheese Balls
Baby Shower Cake of your choice

Coffee or tea as desired

Turkey Club Pinwheels

• 12 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 head lettuce
• 1 pound sliced deli-style turkey
• 1 jar of bacon bits
• 2 cups minced tomato

1. Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas.

2. Top the cream cheese with lettuce leaves.

3. Arrange the turkey slices evenly on top of the lettuce.

4. Sprinkle the bacon bits and tomato over the turkey slices.

5. Roll the tortillas into tight logs. Cut the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels and secure with toothpicks, if needed.

6. Place on a baking sheet to store in the refrigerator and wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap. When ready to serve, just place the pinwheels on a serving plate.

Pickle Pinwheels

• 1 (32 ounce) jar whole dill pickles
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 pound sliced ham
• 10 (6 inch) flour tortillas

1. Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas.

2. Arrange the ham slices evenly on top of the cream cheese.

3. Spread another layer of cream cheese over the ham.

4. Place a pickle on each tortilla, roll tightly, then slice the roll into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks, if needed.

5. Place on a baking sheet to store in the refrigerator and wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap. When ready to serve, just place the pinwheels on a serving plate.

Mediterranean Pinwheels          

• 12 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced very thin
• 1 jar pitted Kalamata olives, sliced or chopped
• 2 cups minced tomato

1. Prepare the cucumbers by peeling and slicing thin. Then liberally sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and let the mixture set for about 20 minutes. Then rinse the cucumbers under cold water and drain well. Spread out on towels and blot dry.

2. Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas.

3. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the cream cheese.

4. Lay the prepared cucumbers evenly over the feta cheese.

5. Sprinkle the olives, then the tomatoes over the cucumbers.

6. Roll the tortillas into tight logs. Cut the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels and secure with toothpicks, if needed.

7. Place on a baking sheet to store in the refrigerator and wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap. When ready to serve, just place the pinwheels on a serving plate.

Fruit Sampler with Dips

A fruit tray is appreciated by everyone and a sweet complement to the savory pinwheels. You can cut up the fruit yourself (just make sure to sprinkle the fruit with lemon juice to prevent it from turning dark), or you can buy a fruit tray that already has the fruit cut into bite-size pieces. Offer a couple of dips and you have a hit on your hands. Here’s two of my favorite fruit dips.

Raspberry Dip           

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon raspberry extract
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries for garnish

1. With an electric mixer, blend the sour cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar and raspberry extract until smooth.

2. Place in a serving bowl and garnish with fresh raspberries.

3. Chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Caramel Dip            

• 1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Add the sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, milk and pudding mix, beating well after each addition.

3. Place in a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

 Baked Olive-Cheese Balls      

• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, Grated
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1. Drain olives and pat dry with towels.

2. Combine cheese and butter in a bowl. Add flour and cayenne and blend until well mixed.

3. Drop the dough by tablespoons on wax paper and wrap or mold each piece of dough around an olive, covering it completely.

4. Place on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until the party.

5. A half-hour before the party, set the baking sheet out to come to room temperature.

6. Bake in the middle of a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Upscale Menu? No Worries

Need an upscale menu? You may choose to not cater your baby shower. But not to worry, you can prepare a beautiful upscale menu and table that will dazzle your guests. This gorgeous fruit carriage may be the centerpiece of your buffet table. No one will know that you did it yourself, unless you tell them, of course!

Upscale Menu

Baby Shower Fruit Carriage
Baked Brie and Sourdough Wedges
Goat Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Spinach Feta Bites
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Baby Shower Cake of your choice

Coffee or tea as desired

Baby Shower Fruit Carriage    

       

This makes a beautiful unique centerpiece for your table. Use whatever fruits you want for the salad. You might consider serving the fruit with the fruit dips that can be found on the 30 Minute Baby Shower Menu webpage or the Make Ahead Menu webpage.

• 1 watermelon that is more of a long shape than a round shape
• 1 cantaloupe
• strawberries
• grapes
• 1 pineapple
• 1 honeydew
• oranges or grapefruit for wheels
• 1 pacifier

1. Cut the watermelon half the way down to the center and then cut half way lengthwise to look like a hooded baby carriage.

2. Hollow out the watermelon, but save the fruit to put back in the carriage for the fruit salad.

3. Cut thick rounds of oranges or grapefruit and attach to the base of the watermelon with toothpicks for wheels. You can use the discarded rind to make a handle if you wish and attach with toothpicks.

4. Peel the whole cantaloupe to use as the baby’s head. Cut a small hole and insert the pacifier. Put the whole head inside the hooded part of the watermelon and hold in place with toothpicks.

5. Fill up the watermelon with the remaining fruit to look like the baby is covered with a blanket.

Baked Brie and Sourdough Wedges

  

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 12 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 (8 ounce) wedge Brie cheese, rind removed, cubed
• 1 (1 pound) loaf round sourdough bread
• 2 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1. Remove the top of the sourdough bread, and hollow out the center. Place the bread on a baking sheet.

2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Saute the garlic and mushrooms until tender.

3. Mix in the brie and cook while stirring until melted and well blended.

4. Spoon the brie mixture into the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5. Broil 10 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool slightly, and slice into wedges to serve.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes       

          

• 1/4 pound goat cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 24 cherry tomatoes

1. Cut the top off each cherry tomato. Use a small spoon to scoop out the pulp to make a hollow shell. Turn cut-side down on paper towels to drain off any juice that may be in the tomato shells.

2. In a bowl combine the goat cheese, basil, salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until well blended.

3. Use a small spoon to scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into a tomato shell.

4. Repeat until tomatoes or cheese mixture is used up. Arrange the filled tomatoes on a lettuce lined platter to serve.

Spinach Feta Bites                   

• 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
• 12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, divided
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 4 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• Salt and ground pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 48 mini pastry shells

1. Mix spinach with 6 ounces of the feta, cottage cheese, onions and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in eggs.

2. Spoon the mixture into the pastry shells and sprinkle with remaining feta cheese.

3. Bake on cookie sheet at 325° F until browned, about 20 minutes.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

• 1/2 pound bacon, cut in half
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Wrap 1/2 strip of bacon around each water chestnut.

3. Dip each wrapped water chestnut into the barbecue sauce.

4. Place water chestnuts in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake covered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.

A Baby Shower Tea Party is Fun and Different

Having a baby shower tea party for your baby shower theme can be quite sophisticated and has been a traditional social gathering for women for decades. And if the weather is nice, you could have the party outside. But don’t let it stop you from having the baby shower tea party inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

To add a little fun for the guests you could suggest that each wear a hat and gloves. Lacy handkerchiefs would make lovely favors. A vase of any type of flower that is growing in your yard would make a beautiful table centerpiece. Pastel colors would be very elegant and understated for your baby shower tea party.

Offer an assortment of teas with cream, honey, or lemon. I’ve listed several recipes that you could pick and chose from for your baby shower tea party. Two or three different finger sandwiches or scones with an array of jams or preserves, fresh fruit, and of course the shower cake round out the menu.

 Baby Shower Tea Party Menu

Select two or more tea sandwich recipes
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Ribbon Tea Sandwiches
Tomato Tea Sandwiches
Celery and Walnut Tea Sandwiches
Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
Deviled Ham Tea Sandwiches
English Scones with Lemon Curd and Mock
Devonshire Cream
Caesar Vegetable Dip
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Assorted teas, as desired

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

• 1 – 8 ounce package whipped cream cheese
• 1 -.7 ounce package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
• 1 loaf cocktail rye bread
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1. In a small bowl, mix whipped cream cheese and dry dressing mix.

2. Spread equal portions of the mixture on slices of the cocktail rye bread. Top each with a slice of cucumber.

Ribbon Tea Sandwiches

Ham Filling Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked ham, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

 Egg Filling Ingredients: 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients: 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, if desired* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, if desired**

Sandwiches Ingredients

• 8 slices whole wheat bread
• 8 slices white bread
• butter, softened
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Parsley sprigs
• Chives
• Celery leaves

1. Stir together all ham filling ingredients in small bowl; set aside.

2. Stir together all egg filling ingredients in small bowl; set aside.

3. Stir together all cream cheese filling ingredients in small bowl; set aside.

4. Cut crusts from bread slices. Butter 1 side of each bread slice. Spread about 2 tablespoons ham filling on each of 4 slices whole wheat bread; top each with 1 slice white bread. Spread about 2 tablespoons egg filling on each of 4 slices whole wheat bread; top each with 1 slice white bread. Spread top of each sandwich with about 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling.

5. Wrap with plastic food wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Slice each sandwich into thirds. Garnish with cucumber slices, parsley sprigs, chives or celery leaves.

Makes 24 ribbon sandwiches.
*Substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley leaves. **Substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried chives. Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Land O Lakes, Inc.

Tomato Tea Sandwiches

• 3 ripe tomatoes
• whipped herb cream cheese, softened
• 8 slices thin white bread

1. Spread cream cheese thinly on bread slices.

2. Slice tomatoes very thin and blot with paper towels.

3. Lay tomato slices on bread and top with bread.

4. Remove crusts and cut into squares or triangles.

 Celery and Walnut Tea Sandwiches   

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup diced toasted walnuts
• sliced bread of your choice, with the crusts removed

1. To toast walnuts, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned.

2. In a small bowl, the beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the celery and walnuts.

3. Spread a slice of bread with the mixture and top with another slice of bread.

4. Using a serrated knife, cut the sandwiches in triangles or thirds (rectangles).

5. If you wish, with a toothpick, place a dab of the cream cheese on the top slice and use it to anchor a small piece of celery top or piece of walnut for garnish.

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons chives, finely chopped
• sliced bread of your choice, with the crusts removed
• stocks of chives leaves

1. Mix mayonnaise with eggs, chives, salt and pepper.

2. Spread each slice of bread with a layer of butter, and then egg mixture. Top with second slice of bread.

3. To garnish, cut chives in 2 inch lengths, and take 2 or 3 and push the ends into the top bread, standing them up. You may have to poke a hole in the top bread with a toothpick first to make the insertion easier.

 Deviled Ham Tea Sandwiches

• 1 1/4 cups finely chopped ham
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper
• sliced bread of your choice, with the crusts removed
• grape or cherry tomatoes

1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

2. Spread a slice of bread with the mixture and top with another slice of bread.

3. Using a serrated knife, cut the sandwiches in triangles or thirds (rectangles).

4. To garnish, attach a tomato to the top of each sandwich with a toothpick.

 English Scones

• 1 3/4 cups cake flour
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• 5 Tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces
• 5 Tbsp. sugar (Optional)
• 1/2 cup currants, raisins, or chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten, for glaze

1. Sift cake flour and baking powder into a medium bowl.

2. Cut the butter and sugar into flour to form a fine crumble.

3. Make a well in center, and add the milk and the optional ingredients. Knead the dough very lightly three or four times.

4. Place the dough on generously floured surface and divide the dough in half and pat into two six-inch circles, slightly taller in the middle.

5. Cut circles into fourths and place on a cookie sheet.

6. Brush tops with lightly beaten egg yolk. Allow to stand for 15 minutes.

7. Bake scones at 400 degrees, until lightly golden on top, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Scones are good with just butter or serve them with Lemon Curd, Berry Jam, and Mock Devonshire Cream.

Lemon Curd

• Zest of 4 fresh lemons
• Juice of 4 fresh lemons
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup butter cut into small pieces
• 2 cups sugar

1. In the top of a large double boiler, combine all ingredients. Place over simmering water and stir until sugar is dissolved.

2. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and smooth.

3. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Makes about 1 pint.

Mock Devonshire Cream

• 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tbs sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1. Combine cream cheese, sugar and salt, and blend well.

2. Stir in the whipping cream and beat until mixture is stiff.

3. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled with scones.

Caesar Vegetable Dip 

• 2 cups mayonnaise, reduced-fat, if desired
• 2 (2-ounce) cans anchovies, undrained
• 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup minced green onion, white only
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

1. In a blender or food processor, blend together first six ingredients. Turn into serving dish, stir in capers and cover and refrigerate until serving.

2. If desired, top with more drained capers before serving with vegetable dippers.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries          

Chocolate covered strawberries are so elegant and look harder to prepare than they really are. You can dip the strawberries by inserting a toothpick in the top or you can simply dip them by holding the leaves and top of the strawberry.

• 16 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

1. Wash the strawberries under running water. Do not pick off the leaves. Drain on paper towels and make sure they are dry before dipping.

2. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries, if using that method of dipping.

3. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth.

4. Dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture about ½ to ¾ of the way up the berry.

5. Lay the berry on waxed paper to set up.

Trying to find different and unique baby shower punch recipes can be difficult. You probably think of punch as juices mixed with sodas, with fruit floating around in it. And that is one variety of punch. Punch is THE typical baby shower beverage; but you must make sure that it doesn’t contain alcohol as the mommy-to-be can’t drink it. I’ve tried to find punches that are not only delicious, but are a bit different from the run of the mill punch. Check out the baby shower punch recipes below.

Baby Shower Punch Recipes

Banana Punch

• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
• 3 cups water
• 3 liters ginger ale

1. In a blender, combine bananas, sugar and 3 cups water. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a large bowl and stir in pineapple juice. Blend in orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate and 3 cups water.

3. Divide into 3 plastic containers and freeze until solid.

4. Remove from freezer 3 to 4 hours before serving.

5. Using one portion at a time, place slush in a punch bowl and pour in 1 liter of ginger ale for each.

Pink Fluffy Cloud Punch

• 2 (46 fluid ounce) cans fruit punch
• 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
• 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream
• 1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries

1. Pour fruit punch into a large punch bowl.

2. Stir in grenadine and lemon-lime soda.

3. Add the ice cream in big scoops – it will resemble a big fluffy cloud.

4. Drop cherries on top of the cloud of ice cream and serve.

Raspberry Lemonade

 

• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate
• 3 cups water
• 3/4 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1 cup fresh raspberries, garnish
• 1 cup fresh mint, garnish

1. In a large punch bowl, combine raspberry lemonade concentrate, water and lime juice.

2. Stir in lemon-lime soda and crushed ice.

3. Garnish each glass with a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf.

Floating Island Punch

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 pint orange sherbet
• 1 liter ginger ale
• 1 liter carbonated water
• 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries
• 1 orange, sliced in rounds
• 4 cups ice

1. Bring water to a boil. Add the sugar and boil until it becomes a syrup. Let cool.

2. In a punch bowl combine lemonade, orange juice, ginger ale, and carbonated water.

3. Mix in the sugar syrup. Add ice and sherbet.

4. Just before serving add cherries and cherry juice and float orange slices on top.

Golden Glow Fruit Punch

• 8 black tea bags, strings removed
• 4 cups cold water
• 4 cups apple cider
• 3 cups apricot nectar
• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans or bottles cherry flavor lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries

1. In a large pitcher, combine tea bags and cold water. Cover, and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.

2. Remove tea bags, squeezing them gently against side of pitcher.

3. Stir in apple cider, apricot nectar and lemonade concentrate. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Pour punch over ice cubes in a punch bowl. Add carbonated beverage, and garnish with orange slices and cherries.

Springtime Punch

• 2 (3 ounce) packages lime flavored gelatin mix
• 1 quart hot water
• 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 1/2 cups cold water
• 2 liters ginger ale

1. In a large saucepan dissolve the gelatin in 1 quart of hot water. Allow to cool.

2. When gelatin is cool, pour into a large punch bowl.

3. Stir in pineapple juice, orange juice concentrate, sugar and 4 1/2 cups cold water.

4. Pour in ginger ale just before serving.

Yummy Party Punch

• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
• 3 liters lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 quart raspberry sherbet

1. In a punch bowl combine orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, and lemon-lime soda.

2. Stir gently to mix, then slide the sherbet in.

Cran-raspberry Colada Punch

• 2 (46 fluid ounce) bottles cranberry-raspberry juice
• 1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle pina colada mix
• 2 liters raspberry ginger ale soda

1. In a large plastic container, combine cranberry-raspberry juice with the pina colada mix. Freeze overnight.

2. Remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving.

3. To serve place frozen slush in punch bowl and slowly add raspberry ginger ale.

Mock Champagne

• 2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale, chilled
• 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled
• 1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled

1. To make Ice ring: Fill a ring-shaped cake pan to 1/2 with ginger ale. Freeze until partially frozen. At this stage you can place edible flowers, or pieces of fruit around the ring. Fill pan with ginger ale and freeze until solid. Place in punch bowl just before serving.

2. In a large punch bowl, combine 1 bottle ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice.

Slushy Punch

• 3 (3 ounce) packages fruit flavored gelatin mix
• 4 cups white sugar
• 13 cups boiling water
• 2 (46 fluid ounce) cans pineapple juice
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle lemon juice concentrate
• 2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale, chilled

1. In a large bowl, combine gelatin and sugar. Stir in boiling water until mixture is dissolved.

2. Stir in pineapple juice and lemon juice concentrate. Divide into 2 containers, and freeze until solid.

3. To serve, place gelatin mixture in punch bowl, and chop into pieces. Pour in ginger ale.

Peppermint Punch

• 1 quart peppermint ice cream
• 1 cup cold milk
• 2 liters ginger ale, chilled

1. Place ice cream in a punch bowl, and allow to soften slightly.

2. Blend in milk and ginger ale. Stir until frothy.

3. Serve at once, or keep chilled until ready to serve.

Fresh Fruit Punch

• 1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle fruit punch
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pineapple chunks
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 2 pints fruit flavored sherbet
• 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

1. In a large punch bowl, pour fruit punch.

2. Add pineapple chunks, strawberries and bananas.

3. Slide in the sherbet and slowly pour in the lemon-lime soda.

Raspberry and Cream Punch

• 2 (64 fluid ounce) bottles raspberry cream soda, chilled
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen concentrated raspberry juice
• 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

1. In large punch bowl combine both bottles of raspberry cream soda and raspberry juice concentrate. Stir until concentrate is dissolved.

2. Carefully add ice cream. Stir briefly. Best served chilled.

Snow Punch

• 6 bananas
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 liters lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 pint lemon sherbet

1. In a blender combine bananas, half-and-half, lemon juice and sugar. Bend until smooth.

2. Pour the banana mixture into a large punch bowl. Gently stir in the carbonated beverage.

3. Scoop out sherbet and float on top. Serve immediately.

Warm and Spicy Punch

• 2 oranges
• 8 whole cloves
• 6 cups apple juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/4 cups pineapple juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Stud the whole oranges with cloves, and bake for 30 minutes.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, and stir in the nutmeg, honey, lemon juice, and pineapple juice.

5. Serve hot in a punch bowl with the 2 clove-studded baked oranges floating on top.

 Plantation Coffee Punch

• 1 quart chocolate milk
• 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream or coffee ice cream, cubed and softened
• 2 quarts strong coffee, chilled
• 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a punch bowl and stir until ice cream melts.

2. Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired.

I have some ideas for almost free, or free baby shower invitations. Making your invitations allows you to create an invitation that gives a forshadowing of your baby shower theme. You can customize the details that are specific to the baby or mom-to-be.

Some of these invitations may require hand delivery or extra postage, if sent through the mail. The extra postage will probably be offset by the savings in not purchasing invitations. Most of the time, they are more affordable than purchasing invitations.

Here are several good ideas for free baby shower invitations:

Baby Diapers Free Baby Shower Invitations            

If you already have white paper and saftey pins, these free baby shower invitations are easy to make. Cut triangular pieces from stationery, construction paper or fabric. Fold into a trifold diaper, fastening with a safety pin or diaper pen. You can print the details of the invitation directly on the inside of the diaper.

You can also make a cloth diaper by cutting white fabric into triangular pieces and folding into a trifold and securing it with a pin. The party invitation can be printed onto a triangular piece of paper that is inserted inside the cloth diaper and is revealed when it is opened.

The diapers can be inserted into square envelopes for mail.

Teddy Bears

You can purchase small (under six inches) teddy bears for about a dollar apiece at dollar stores. (I guess this one isn’t really free baby shower invitations, but it’s close.) Tie ribbons around their necks and attach the invitations to the ribbons. You can either hand deliver or mail it in a small box.

You can also design your own teddy bear invitation using teddy bear stickers clip art, or graphics that you can download for free or for a small fee from the Internet. Stores that sell computer software sometimes have bins of photos and clip art on CD for around a dollar.

Helium Balloons

Using felt tip markers, write your invitation on an helium balloon. Tie ribbons in a color that coordinate with your shower color and balloon color to the bottom of the balloon. Tape the end securely to the inside of a gift box, pressing balloon inside. When the recipient opens the box, the balloon with float out. You can either hand deliver this invitation, which would be fun to watch the invitee open, or mail it.

Chocolate or Bubble Gum Cigars

Write your shower information on narrow tags that can be attached to the chocolate or bubble gum cigars. Tie ribbons in shower-coordinating colors around the cigar.

Hawaiian Leis

If your shower is a Hawaiian theme, why not send something to the guests to get them in the mood. Attach a Hawaiian lei or shell necklace to the invitation. Ask the guests to arrive at the party wearing their necklaces. Again, you can either hand deliver or mail them in a box.

Birth Certificates

Use parchment paper to create miniature birth certificates. Calligraphy is very pretty to fill in the blanks with the party information. If you don’t know calligraphy, or know someone who does, just use your most perfect penmanship. You can glue lace around the edges for a Victorian style shower.

Plastic Baby Bottles

You can send full size or toy baby bottles with the invitations tucked inside, or filled with gumdrops in a coordinating shower color with the invitations tied to the neck.

Customized Hospital Bracelets

Make your own hospital bracelets by cutting white poster board into strips. Then print the party invitation on both sides of each strip, cover with contact paper and form into a bracelet by stapling the taping bands together. These free baby shower invitations are rated “easy.”

You can find free baby shower invitations that you can print yourself at American Greetings.

Baby Shower Favor – Make Them Yourself

To make a baby shower favor is one of the easiest things to do. They don’t need to be fancy, but making them will give you more bang for the buck. Read through some ideas below and see if you don’t agree.

Baby Shower Favor – Baby Food Jar Candles

Place a highly scented votive candle in an empty baby food jar. Place the top back on the jar to keep the scent intact. Tie a piece of raffia or ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie on a handmade tag.

Baby Shower Favor – M&M Oatmeal Bars in a Jar

You can make up a jar for each guest as a baby shower favor. She’ll be thrilled to get a convenience food that is healthy, isn’t full of additives, and she can share with her family.

Ingredients

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup mini M&M’s 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

Instructions for filling the jars

In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed, beginning with oats. After measuring the brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more candies to fill the jar. Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with ribbon or raffia and tie a handmade tag with the mother-to-be’s name and date of the shower.

Make a gift card with baking instructions to attach as follows:

To make Chocolate Candy Oatmeal Bars: Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted; 1 large egg; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Press into an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 18 to 22 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set. Yield: Makes 16 bars.

Baby Shower Favor – Scrumptious Soaps

Any decadent soap bar would be appreciated by your guests. Take a bar of lavender scented or shea butter soap and package in a cellophane bag tied with raffia and a homemade tag.

Baby Shower Favor – Tea Roses

Pots of tea roses can be purchased for around two dollars if you watch for sales during the right season. Dress it up with a bow and homemade tag. Alternately, select any small potted plant to give as a baby shower favor. African violets are also nice. In addition, you could use the plants as part of your centerpiece or decorating scheme. If you don’t want to give plants, you might consider giving flower seeds packets, especially if the shower is held in the springtime.

Baby Shower Favor – Clothespin Magnets

Sara Geaslin wrote me about a really terrific idea for a favor she made that is used in a game. It kills two birds with one stone and is such a cute idea. Here’s what she said.

“I am currently planning a baby shower for my best friend’s first baby. I have been to a couple of showers and the “don’t say baby/bride, groom” game is always a success. I have seen it played with decorated wooden clothespins. The shower guests usually love the clothespins and want to keep them as a momento of the shower; but what do you do with them when you get home? I decorated the clothespins for my friend’s shower and they turned out really cute. I painted them in the shower’s theme colors and painted the baby’s name on it, then attached a pink ribbon rose to the top. I didn’t want all my hard work to be wasted and thrown away after the shower; so I attached a magnet to the back of the clothespin. The guests can put the magnet on the fridge after the shower and use it to clip a photo of the baby to the fridge. I thought this was a great idea and needed to be shared with fellow shower planners.”

If you want to read about the “Don’t Say Baby” game, go here.

Unique Baby Shower Decoration

A unique baby shower decoration will add interest to the decorating scheme. You can make all of the following decorations yourself. Just make sure that you’ve checked out the decorating basics for baby showers first.

Baby Shower Decoration – Place cards

Depending upon your theme, purchase rubber duckys, tiny teddy bears, pacifiers, or some other small theme related item. Get one per guest. Cut small place cards out of heavy card stock in a color that matches your theme and write the guest’s name on it. If you are into stamping, you could also embellish the card with that. Punch a hole in the card, slip a ribbon through the hole and tie it to the item in a way that displays the card.

Baby Shower Decoration – Balloon weights

For helium balloons, tie a cookie cutter on the end of the balloon string. Pick cutters in the theme of your shower like teddy bears, flowers, or ducks. Instead of cookie cutters, use little soaps or candles. If you put a balloon at each guest’s chair, it can double as a favor.

Baby Shower Decoration – Baby bottles

Fill baby bottles with jelly beans or chocolate kisses and set them around the room. When the shower is over, give them to the guest of honor. They can also be used as balloon weights; see above.

Baby Shower Decoration – Pacifiers

Use pacifiers as napkin rings, and then give them to the new mommy when the shower if over.

Baby Shower Decoration – Clothesline

This is a cute baby shower decoration idea for over the gift table. String a clothesline above the table, or even across the front of the table. Hang new baby clothes on the line such as booties, onesies, a nightgown and such. You may even ask in your invitations that your guests bring an item for the clothesline. It’s an extra gift to the mommy-to-be in addition to being a darling decoration.

Baby Shower Decoration – Umbrella

For another idea to decorate over the gift table, try this. Take an open umbrella, turn it upside down, and hang it over the gift table from the ceiling. You could attach helium balloons to each of the “spokes” on the umbrella. Drape theme-colored streamers or ribbons from the umbrella.

For great baby shower decoration ideas, click here.