![Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/FtWcuKRDSU2wFdkyU841kwtvwHQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2536101_easte_0533_1_0_0_0_0-7fec2d6a359449f5984f3fa76f71c7aa.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Throwing a shower should be about celebrating with family and friends. The best way to kick off and enjoy the festivities is to keep the planning and preparation simple, and these shower ideas do just that. Whether you are planning for a bridal shower, a wedding shower, or a baby shower, these shower recipes will keep you out of the kitchen and in the heart of the action. From salad, to mini appetizers, to cake, none of these shower ideas take more than 30 minutes to prepare. So host the shower you know you can, make the shower recipes you love, and enjoy the bridal, wedding, or baby shower of your dreams.
Quick And Easy Shower Menu
![Quick and Easy Shower Menu](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5-a2uL_SmPDSWsPgBObc5TKu5d8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_40eaf1dd6dbf05c2_spcms_3-7435d0573be44287b9bf1bcae7ef0231.jpg)
Jennifer Davick
Don't be overwhelmed when planning the menu for your baby shower or wedding shower. Our menu features items that take less than 30 minutes to make. From cocktails to desserts, we've got you covered.
- Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, and Burrata Salad With Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles
- Mini Hash Brown Frittatas
- Ham Biscuits
- Cheddar Cheese Shortbread Crackers
- Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
- Bacon Deviled Eggs
- Elderflower Champagne Cocktails
- Ginger-Orange Mocktails
- Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake
Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, And Burrata Salad With Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette
![Southern Living Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, and Burrata Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Hv5Xett0gdx5Z_H90H6kJLnMMOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Crispy_Prosciutto_Strawberry_Burrata-Salad_-002-37b5fdbc9987488b8b864fe03a11dc51.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This pretty salad will get raves from shower guests. Salty and sweet, it combines fresh juicy strawberries, crispy prosciutto, and creamy burrata. Crunchy toasted walnuts, fresh mint and basil, and tangy vinaigrette top it all off.
Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles
![Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FtWcuKRDSU2wFdkyU841kwtvwHQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2536101_easte_0533_1_0_0_0_0-7fec2d6a359449f5984f3fa76f71c7aa.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Serve these cheesy grits in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or make the recipe in a 2-quart baking dish. Either way, these make-ahead grits have just a few minutes of hands-on time so you can focus on other things. It's easy, but still an elegant side for your shower menu.
Mini Hash Brown Frittatas
![Mini Hash Brown Frittatas](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/j2zX6lvtRHYqhnS6iaxTs6FA8rs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2637001_overe_0278-2000-681ed6c34f9d40e997b31a855817ce18.jpg)
Handhelds are perfect for a gathering, and these bite-sized frittatas are a great addition to a shower menu. A hash brown crust holds a filling of eggs, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and cheese.
Ham Biscuits
![Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/amNx75ULuSdEZyig3ZTR17xNZfw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2536101_easte_0528_0_0_0_2_0_1_0_1_1-945013325c484f6e8ba04809456c7e53.jpg)
You can fill these buttermilk biscuits with thinly sliced ham and set out spreads for an added touch. If you really want to simplify, bake up a bag of Mary B's frozen tea biscuits and serve them with our special flavored butters.
Cheddar Cheese Shortbread Crackers
![Cheddar Shortbread Crackers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/T-ZuhIYgyrihnAtJg2J3T74OaJk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2586701_holid_9341_0-2000-8fcebe6fc53e4b80a562949e109a10f0-9177cd4de0554c259fd9edb0cf8f0263.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Elevate your crackers and cheese tray with these homemade shortbread crackers. The recipe includes variations like Pimiento Cheese, Pecan-and-Thyme, and Bacon, Bourbon, and Benne Seed.
Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
![Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YAF6_fuTW5wF0HHnPy4OeDDtIuU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2575601_wcibm_5492_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0-2000-6d0d9c410eb14dfda77e208936f29f8c.jpg)
It's not a shower without a platter of dainty sandwiches. Sliced tomato sandwiches get the BLT treatment with bacon-flavored mayonnaise. Use a combination of red and yellow tomatoes for an eye-catching dish.
Bacon Deviled Eggs
![Bacon Deviled Eggs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VAqOYcvw0xJYkHkNKObv99PKWLg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2607501_snack_bacon_deviled_eggs_221_0_0_0-1-c53559985d53461b8d19f408ee1f4e9d.jpg)
No Southern shower should be without a plate of deviled eggs, and this version adds a lot of flavor with bacon in the filling. Top each egg with a slice of pickled okra for even more goodness.
Elderflower-Champagne Cocktail
![Elderflower-Champagne Cocktail with flower ice cubes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/k7g8WlINlfMZPk0yS2A57meOF40=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648101_LetsC_0109-2000-450a3ccf41944450975c2bcb9c14ad60.jpg)
Serve Elderflower Champagne Cocktails at a wedding shower for a floral sip that tastes complex but is made with only three ingredients. Substitute Prosecco if you don’t like rosé.
Ginger-Orange Mocktails
![Ginger-Orange Mocktails](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mmyVvN80t0VvS4YqCbPM_Sh5kGE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gma_sl_1624-2000-9813deafe2fc4b818b0657fcef2c13d6.jpg)
This drink adds a bright, sweet touch. Try our Ginger-Orange Mocktails for moms-to-be at a baby shower. Garnish with orange slices and fresh mint springs.
Cherries-And-Cream Icebox Cake
![Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kaKdXYN_WPfldwlTBGzUEoMSJDw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2675801_SaveR_23326-2000-761aee90da684686816cf9e8fafd67d1.jpg)
You can pick up a sugar cookie assortment from a local bakery to save time, but this easy make-ahead icebox cake is definitely worth it if you have 30 minutes to spare. It looks elegant, but it’s made by layering graham crackers and a creamy filling for decadent results. Perfect for making ahead, this cake needs at least a few hours to chill before serving.
Decorative Dishes
![china plates scattered on a table](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tF7QIACyy_XuAFvmTc2teZtBvQ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-109728496-3x2-ede70d2b517e4969a9410905cf3295e6.jpg)
Getty Images
Mix and match vintage plates, cups, and saucers for a carefree and whimsical feel for your shower. Borrow from Grandma, or look for them at garage sales and flea markets. The variety brings color and texture to the table and adds a personal touch.
Shower Planning Guide
![Azalea Flower Spring Party Place Setting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/bPEhmo5bCQdw3EOVZ7Q67VTDGyI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/azalea_spring_party_table_setting_2468501_6205-2000-fb0f92b569084d5da5f543468cb7e4e3.jpg)
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Harget Miller
The Southern Living Test Kitchen is the staff's go-to source for party shortcuts. Use our shower planning guide to pull off your pretty party with ease.
3 Days Before
Prepare biscuits and freeze according to recipe instructions. Set up party table and assess serving pieces. Prepare the cheese shortbread crackers and chill overnight.
2 Days Before
Press linens. Prepare the deviled eggs. Store the whites and the filling separately. Bake the cheese shortbread crackers, let cool, and store in an airtight container.
1 Day Before
Prep and measure ingredients for strawberry salad; cover and refrigerate. Prep and measure ingredients for frittatas, and refrigerate. Prepare grits casseroles up until baking and refrigerate. Assemble the deviled eggs. Prepare cake through step 4.
A Few Hours Before Guests Arrive
Assemble and bake frittatas. Bake biscuits after frittatas have been removed from the oven. Bake grits casseroles. Prepare whipped topping for cake and spread on cake, then return cake to refrigerator. Garnish the deviled eggs.
Just Before Guests Arrive
Make and assemble the tomato sandwiches. Stir together the beverage. Remove dessert from refrigerator before serving.