How to Select Food for a Baptism Party

Since a baptism is very special event, you will want everything about the party, including the food, to create a lasting impression. Ideally, there should be something for everyone, it should look delectable and the taste should be outstanding. If you can't afford to hire a caterer, don't despair. There are simple ways to make and serve attractive, crowd-pleasing food.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shopping list

Select Food for a Baptism Party

1. Ask yourself who is coming to the party--a few people or many, the number children compared with adults and so on. Be prepared for any special needs, such as people with severe food allergies, vegetarians and those who do not drink alcohol. While you may serve anything you want, try to set aside a few dishes that suit those with limited diets, including something without meat or an alternative to a shellfish dish.
2. Decide how much food you would like to serve. Since a baptism party is usually held in the afternoon, think about a teatime snack, such as sandwiches, raw fruits and vegetables, salads and a variety of breads and desserts. If you have a big-enough budget and/or a lot of help, you might want to provide a sit-down luncheon.
3. Consider what type of food you want to serve. For example, you may want to opt for food that reflects the family's ethnicity (enchiladas, baklava, ratatouille), finger food or gourmet dishes. Many families also have traditional dishes served at all the family gatherings (like baby hot dogs, three-bean salad or a gelatin mold).
4. Select a variety of foods, or if family tastes are limited, a variety of preparations (hot, cold, sweet, sour). This makes the food more interesting, nutritious and fun than a monochromatic meal or buffet and sets the occasion apart as distinctive.
5. Plan to present the food attractively. Use baskets, bowls and trays of different shapes and colors and line them with napkins or cloths that match or complement the color scheme. You can also cut sandwiches into cookie-cutter shapes and arrange fruits in fun patterns and combinations.
6. Celebrate the guest of honor with a cake. Bakeries can put your choice of filling between the layers, copy photos in frosting, provide appropriate edible symbols (a cross or a chalice) and spell out whatever inscription you want along with the child's name. You can even buy a kit, look up a recipe for royal icing and do the whole thing yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep things simple: select a few items from a professional bakery and/or deli and then fill in with homemade food, ask some or all of the guests to bring dishes, or hire a reasonably priced caterer to take on some or all of the food service chores.
• Discount warehouse stores often have very good bakeries and make custom cakes. Check out what your store offers.
• Keep track of finances. You may be tempted to spend more than you can afford. With creativity and imagination, you can make the baptism party a singular event without breaking the bank.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.