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Home » Catering Blog » Menu Ideas for Every Celebration » Delicious Menu Ideas That Make Shower Planning a Breeze

Delicious Menu Ideas That Make Shower Planning a Breeze

April 23, 2025 by Jenn Carter

For over 30 years, Rocklands Catering has been part of the DMV’s most memorable celebrations. We’ve helped countless hosts create perfect bridal and baby showers, and we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes these events special. Planning a shower should be fun, not stressful. But let’s be honest, the moment you start thinking about feeding twenty of your closest friends and family, that stress level can start to rise. Between Aunt Sarah’s gluten sensitivity and your college roommate’s new vegan lifestyle, menu planning can feel like solving a puzzle with moving pieces.

Take a deep breath. Whether you’re planning a morning mimosa affair or an elegant evening celebration, Rocklands Catering has you covered. Our expert team handles everything from setup to service, letting you actually enjoy the party you’ve worked so hard to plan. 

And let me tell you, when it came to my own baby shower, choosing Rocklands Catering was one of the best decisions I made. In this blog post I wanted to share my firsthand experience with how wonderfully they handled the food and offer some of the truly delicious menu suggestions that made my shower such a breeze.

Rocklands catering buffet setup for shower

Tailoring the Menu for Timing and Shower Theme

The time of day sets the tone for your entire menu and theme. For example, a brunch shower offers a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, while an afternoon gathering might lend itself to a more garden party or tea party theme. That’s why Rocklands Catering offers specialized menus for every time slot for any time of day.

Brunch-Time Bliss

There’s something special about a morning shower. I personally chose a brunch menu when selecting a time for my baby shower. It doesn’t monopolize the whole day but it was late enough to get those friends who enjoy their sleep. Rocklands can help create a customized menu suitable for your brunch. From Warm Brie on Toast Points, Bacon Wrapped Scallop Skewers and Deviled Eggs to a Scrumptious selection of Brownies, Cookies and Dessert Bars.

Rocklands table of fruit, cheese, meats and rolls

Afternoon Delight With Delicious Finger Foods

Afternoon showers hit that perfect middle ground, and this is where Rocklands’ classic catering options really shine. Our renowned BBQ can be dressed up or down to match any shower theme. For a more traditional approach, our mini-pork, chicken or brisket barbeque sliders and fresh salad

Variety of Rocklands finger foods

Evening Elegance Setting the Dinner Party Vibes

Evening showers call for something more substantial, and this is where Rocklands’ full-service catering expertise comes into play. Our Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream or Chimichurri Sauce is a perpetual favorite, while our Grilled Salmon with Red Pepper Cream Sauce never fails to impress. We can even bring our famous wood-fired grill on-site for a unique touch that guests will talk about long after the shower ends.

Passing Hors d'oeuvres at catered event

Small Bites, Big Impact

Rocklands’ appetizers are truly a must at your event. The Mini Lump Crab Cakes, Grilled Vegetable Tartlets , a personal favorite of mine, or the Baked Mushroom Caps. These bite-sized treats are perfect for mingling and are sure to satisfy any crowd.

For the more adventurous crowd, try our Whole Smoked Pig! It comes displayed whole (head to tail!) on a decorated board. Not only will it have your guests gathering around but it’s also incredibly delicious!

Rockland shrimp cocktail appetizer served in martini glass

Sweet Endings That Leave a Lasting Impression

While we’re famous for our savory offerings, there is always room for dessert. We have lots of delicious options, from classic brownies to custom cakes! Remember, if you have a local vendor you would like to use, we can coordinate with them. Dreaming of local DC bakery cupcakes for my baby shower, but dreading a morning run to Georgetown, Rocklands handled everything. They managed the whole cupcake process: ordering the perfect quantity and flavors, picking them up, and even setting up a beautiful display. Rocklands is always looking for ways to make your experience seamless.

Tiered stand of pink cupcakes
Acorn bites dessert
Stand of finger desserts and cupcakes
Cookie assortment

Raising A Glass With Beverages Worth Celebrating

Rocklands’ beverage service can be as simple or elaborate as you like. For my baby shower I had them create custom cocktails and mocktails:  

  • The Epidural Elixir: A gorgeous mixture of White Wine, Champagne, Orange Juice and Pineapple Juice
  • Postpartum Punch: A yummy mocktail that was a blend of Grapefruit Juice, Agave, Lime Juice, Sparkling Water and a little Salt. 

Our professional bartending staff can create everything from classic mimosa bars to custom craft cocktails. A few favorites are the Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita, Watermelon Moscato Sangria or a personal favorite, the Espresso Martini!

Rockland Catering specialty cocktail at formal affair
Rockland Catering drink station with pink glasses
Rocklands bartender making specialty cocktail of watermelon moscato sangria

Let Rocklands Handle the Details

There is nothing more frustrating than spending weeks pouring over details, picking out the perfect hostess outfit and then not being able to enjoy the fruits of your tedious labor. So why not let someone else handle all the “day of” details? Rocklands Catering doesn’t just drop off food; we can help create experiences. We can help procure anything needed for your baby or bridal shower event. From tables, tents and tiki torches to balloon arches and napkins meticulously coordinated with the theme. Need staff to keep the mimosas flowing? Done. Want someone to make sure dietary restrictions are clearly marked? We’ve got it covered.

Black gingham table scape by Rocklands Catering
Blue and white table scape by Rocklands Catering
Outdoor table scape with potted herb centerpieces
Red gingham table scape for Rocklands catered event

With Rocklands, you get more than just great food , you get decades of experience in making special events truly memorable. Your job is to celebrate the bride or mom-to-be, not worry about whether there are enough clean forks. Let us take care of the details while you focus on what really matters, creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Ready to start planning your perfect shower menu? Reach out to our team at Rocklands Catering. We’d love to help bring your vision to life, one delicious bite at a time. Contact us at 703-778-8000 or submit a request for a proposal to start planning your perfect bridal or baby shower celebration.

Jenn Carter

About Jenn Carter

Meet Jenn Carter, whose love of Rocklands spans more than three decades and made her love official in 2005 when she joined the Rocklands family as a Sales Rep in their Catering Department. There she worked with the team to create events: from intimate backyard gatherings to high-profile political fundraisers. Making sure every client’s event featured both Rocklands’ legendary barbecue and impeccable service. Though life has taken her from DC to Japan, to New Mexico, Tennessee and now to Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband Michael, son Jackson, and pup Francis, you’ll still find bottles of Rocklands Barbecue Sauce making their way to her doorstep. Some loves know no distance.

Previous Post:Rocklands catering staff setting up grazing table for partyThrowing a Graduation Party for Over 100+ Guests Without Losing Your Mind
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Alexandria, VA 22314

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