Baby Shower Challenge!
- Thread starter dawn_mo
- Start date
I totally agree, keep it simple. You can easily achieve this with your $25 and maybe have leftover $
Much of your menu is already intact and not part of the $25 budget.
Beverage: lemon-lime-ade with vodka
Protein: ham
Cake or Fruit Salad: in-laws
So, all you really need to round things out simply are....
Side dish
Rolls or sliced baguette (if using)
Condiments
Either cake or fruit salad, whichever the inlaws don't bring
Done!!
***********
Condiments: mustard and mayo (you don't need much though, for 14 people)
Side dish, choose 1 (or even 2 if funds permit): pasta salad, baked beans or cold bean salad, coleslaw (see my surprise coleslaw at the link, makes alot), jello salad, potato salad. All of these can be inexpensive to make. Shopping the grocery specials that week can guide you.
Instead of a fruit salad you could do 14 skewers of assorted fruit: watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe and/or strawberries...whatever fruit is on special that week, even canned pineapple chunks work well. Keep it simple...you can get away with just 2 fruits alternated on the skewer...cheap yet nice presentation. I'd stay away from bananas or apples or other fruits that discolor easily.
Another possible side: deviled eggs, everyone likes these and a dozen eggs are cheap and will yield 24 halves.
You might also consider cupcakes in lieu of cake and if you're the one doing the cake or cupcakes, they can easily be made the day before, saving you time the day of the shower. And/or make the cake ahead then frost and decorate the day of the shower for best/freshest-looking presentation.
I'd say skip an appetizer or pre-shower nibbles unless someone asks what they can bring...that's where I'd have a list of possible fill-ins that folks could bring if they offer. These items can serve to round out the offerings but aren't really necessary and won't put you in a bind should someone not show at the last minute, or arrive late (it happens). But I'd say be specific about what you'd like them to bring, instead of saying "whatever you'd like to bring is fine". That way you don't end up with 2 pasta salads, should that be one of the sides you're already providing...you know what I mean.
Have fun with the shower, Dawn. Best wishes to everyone, especially your daughter. I hope she has an easy delivery and speedy recovery.
http://eat.at/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=96250
Much of your menu is already intact and not part of the $25 budget.
Beverage: lemon-lime-ade with vodka
Protein: ham
Cake or Fruit Salad: in-laws
So, all you really need to round things out simply are....
Side dish
Rolls or sliced baguette (if using)
Condiments
Either cake or fruit salad, whichever the inlaws don't bring
Done!!
***********
Condiments: mustard and mayo (you don't need much though, for 14 people)
Side dish, choose 1 (or even 2 if funds permit): pasta salad, baked beans or cold bean salad, coleslaw (see my surprise coleslaw at the link, makes alot), jello salad, potato salad. All of these can be inexpensive to make. Shopping the grocery specials that week can guide you.
Instead of a fruit salad you could do 14 skewers of assorted fruit: watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe and/or strawberries...whatever fruit is on special that week, even canned pineapple chunks work well. Keep it simple...you can get away with just 2 fruits alternated on the skewer...cheap yet nice presentation. I'd stay away from bananas or apples or other fruits that discolor easily.
Another possible side: deviled eggs, everyone likes these and a dozen eggs are cheap and will yield 24 halves.
You might also consider cupcakes in lieu of cake and if you're the one doing the cake or cupcakes, they can easily be made the day before, saving you time the day of the shower. And/or make the cake ahead then frost and decorate the day of the shower for best/freshest-looking presentation.
I'd say skip an appetizer or pre-shower nibbles unless someone asks what they can bring...that's where I'd have a list of possible fill-ins that folks could bring if they offer. These items can serve to round out the offerings but aren't really necessary and won't put you in a bind should someone not show at the last minute, or arrive late (it happens). But I'd say be specific about what you'd like them to bring, instead of saying "whatever you'd like to bring is fine". That way you don't end up with 2 pasta salads, should that be one of the sides you're already providing...you know what I mean.
Have fun with the shower, Dawn. Best wishes to everyone, especially your daughter. I hope she has an easy delivery and speedy recovery.
http://eat.at/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=96250
mariadnoca
Moderator
Ditto!
I love the look of these little sandwiches with embellished Kings Hawaiian Rolls.
http://dineanddish.net/2009/08/impressing-the-in-laws-recipe-oven-ham-sammies/
http://dineanddish.net/2009/08/impressing-the-in-laws-recipe-oven-ham-sammies/
It's true, cash donation is cheaper than bringing a dish to share. More on this inside...
I love to entertain and over the past few years, have looked for ways to distribute the expense. I mean, if you host and cook the food, and do all the organizing...I think it's only fair for guests to contribute in some way. Bring a dish, bring wine, or throw cash in the kitty.
I love to entertain and over the past few years, have looked for ways to distribute the expense. I mean, if you host and cook the food, and do all the organizing...I think it's only fair for guests to contribute in some way. Bring a dish, bring wine, or throw cash in the kitty.
Cheap and delicious: Kye's Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Corn kernels from 5 fresh sweet corn
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 C finely chopped red onion
2 T chopped cilantro
2-3 T fresh lime juice
1/2 t salt
Mix everything together.
(I've posted this before & recall PatNoCal prefers to blanch the corn briefly. I've made it with corn fresh from the cob and in a pinch, with canned nibblets. It's a hit every time.)
Fresh Corn Salad
Corn kernels from 5 fresh sweet corn
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 C finely chopped red onion
2 T chopped cilantro
2-3 T fresh lime juice
1/2 t salt
Mix everything together.
(I've posted this before & recall PatNoCal prefers to blanch the corn briefly. I've made it with corn fresh from the cob and in a pinch, with canned nibblets. It's a hit every time.)
cynupstateny
Well-known member
Meryl- thanks for the "heads up" on Harris Teeter while we were in NC. Loved it!
)More thoughts....
Even a simple buffet can be presented beautifully. You can elevate the dishes on your buffet table, using risers, varying the heights here and there. Easy risers can be made using telephone books, sturdy boxes or wide-shallow bowls inverted, or other sturdy containers that can support the dish. Then drape another tablecloth over the risers and tuck in here and there in a poufy fashion with soft folds, making sure the hem is turned under and not showing. You can then tuck items into the nooks for interest, if you like...tiny bouquet of flowers or herbs laid flat (with or without a vase, but make sure the vase is sturdy enough and placed where it can't be knocked over as guests move through the buffet); whole fruits and vegetables; baby-shower-related items; small photo frame of guest of honor or the baby; shallow candle holders (with votives tucked down inside to avoid possible burns, though the candles don't even have to be lit). Keep in mind that less is more, don't utilize every nook and cranny or have so much 'stuff' on your table that all your guests see is the 'stuff' and not your beautiful food, just add a little color and interest in a couple places and it will dress up your buffet table. I can email you a couple photos of buffet tables I've done to give you ideas.
And garnishing your dishes will add to the presentation level as well. Let me know if you need ideas for this...I have lots, and can send you a few photos of these as well. ;o)
Display your food attractively and no one will know you worked with a limited budget. They will ooh and ahhh over the presentation, the food will be delicious, and they will know your heart was in the right place creating something special for the guests-of-honor.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Taste-of-Home-Magazine/Setting-Up-a-Buffet-Table
Even a simple buffet can be presented beautifully. You can elevate the dishes on your buffet table, using risers, varying the heights here and there. Easy risers can be made using telephone books, sturdy boxes or wide-shallow bowls inverted, or other sturdy containers that can support the dish. Then drape another tablecloth over the risers and tuck in here and there in a poufy fashion with soft folds, making sure the hem is turned under and not showing. You can then tuck items into the nooks for interest, if you like...tiny bouquet of flowers or herbs laid flat (with or without a vase, but make sure the vase is sturdy enough and placed where it can't be knocked over as guests move through the buffet); whole fruits and vegetables; baby-shower-related items; small photo frame of guest of honor or the baby; shallow candle holders (with votives tucked down inside to avoid possible burns, though the candles don't even have to be lit). Keep in mind that less is more, don't utilize every nook and cranny or have so much 'stuff' on your table that all your guests see is the 'stuff' and not your beautiful food, just add a little color and interest in a couple places and it will dress up your buffet table. I can email you a couple photos of buffet tables I've done to give you ideas.
And garnishing your dishes will add to the presentation level as well. Let me know if you need ideas for this...I have lots, and can send you a few photos of these as well. ;o)
Display your food attractively and no one will know you worked with a limited budget. They will ooh and ahhh over the presentation, the food will be delicious, and they will know your heart was in the right place creating something special for the guests-of-honor.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Taste-of-Home-Magazine/Setting-Up-a-Buffet-Table
amanda_pennsylvania
Well-known member
Oh, yeah, this is awesome! I might make this for the baby shower I'm hosting.
Thanks for posting again, Traca!
Thanks for posting again, Traca!