Need baby shower ideas as you reach your final months of pregnancy? Amongst the busyness of shopping baby shower dresses & making a list of baby gift ideas, help your hostess with event preparations by sharing an easy & healthy menu, plus share some helpful bargain tips, too!

Appetizers/Side Dish: Fresh Fruit & Veggies

*Fresh Fruit arranged on platter with cute toothpicks, possibly matching the baby shower

                    theme, inserted in bite sized pieces of seasonal fruit.

                   

*Fresh Veggies (carrots, broccoli, snap peas, organic bell peppers in red,

               orange, & yellow, for great color!) with organic hummus dip (Trader Joe's).

Main Dish: Turkey Sandwich "Fixings"

                  

*Use small, fresh bakery rolls (preferably whole wheat), which can be ordered pre-sliced

                   ahead of time at many local grocery store bakeries. Your gluten-free & carbohydrate

                   sensitive guests can skip the bread, since each guest is preparing their own! :)

                  

*Use quality deli meat, I recommend Ovengold Roast Turkey Breast by Boar's Head.

 

                  

*Prepare (wash/slice) & arrange a plate of tomatoes, red-leaf lettuce, alfalfa sprouts,
                  cheese slices, & sliced avocado.

*Put condiments (mustard & mayonnaise, I recommend Vegenaise) in small decorative glass bowls

                   with decorative silver teaspoons & small knives to serve & spread.

Salads:

*Organic Arugula (found at Trader Joes & most local grocery stores) with Balsamic

                    Vinaigrette ( I recommend Trader Joe's, but Annie's has a good organic one!)
                     Put a small bowl of shredded Parmesan Cheese for guests to sprinkle on top!

*Quinoa with organic Persian cucumbers (sliced & quartered) tossed with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dessert:

*Order specialty cake from your local bakery. Popular ideas are baby shower themed cupcakes or a "Belly-shaped" cake! Share your favorite dessert recipe or cake flavor with your hostess. Many of my favorite desserts are from my new cookbook called Delightfully Free (Gluten, Sugar, & Dairy Free Cooking)!

 Beverage:

*Water with floating slices of lemon, orange, or mint leaves, in a  glass drink dispenser is always

                  refreshing for your guests.

               

* Or, you can make personalized labels for small or regular size water bottles.

Decorations: Check Pinterest, there are many amazing ideas to view and make!

Hostess Bargain Tips:

1. Arrange each food item in a pretty bowl or platter for a beautiful presentation. If you don't have many, then borrow from a friend, family member, or neighbor. You may be surprised how others will want to share in helping you prepare for this special event!

2. Small glass plates to fit a small sandwich & salad are often sold at bargain stores, like the 99 cent store or Big Lots. This always is a nice touch for a special event, if you don't mind the dishes.

3. If you decide to go to the bargain store, look for small guest gifts, like potted flowers, bubble bath, or candles. You may be surprised what you find! Your guests will always appreciate a "pamper" themed gift. Tie a hand-crafted "thank you for coming" tag to each gift.