This Is What to Serve at an Outdoor Bridal Shower

RX_1705_Blue Cheese Crostini with Balsamic-Roasted Grapes_Outdoor Shower

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Southerners love to celebrate. When we hear that friends and family are engaged, we’re excited for them of course, but we’re also looking forward to planning and throwing a bridal shower. Update your go-to bridal shower menu with a few of our classic (and easy!) recipes for finger foods and punches. All of these recipes are easy to prepare, fresh, and flavorful. They travel well, and they’re perfect for an outdoor bridal shower. They pair well with outdoor showers, garden parties, and long afternoons spent snacking al fresco because they’re so vibrant and unexpected. We’ve included recipes ideal for morning and afternoon parties, both brunch-style finger foods and more filling, snackable options for later in the day. No matter the time of your party, construct your menu from our recipes below, and plan a bridal shower guests will remember—and savor. (Don’t forget the beverages! We have a few ideas for those too.)

Start Slideshow

1 of 34

Lemon-Almond Tarts

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon-Almond Tarts

Sweet and subtle, these tarts are the ideal finish to a shower of delicious nibbles. With the brightness of citrus and the subtle creamy crunch of almond, you'll be giving out this recipe long after the shower is over.

2 of 34

Cheesecake Tarts

Van Chaplin

Recipe: Cheesecake Tarts

These no-bake cheesecake tarts can be piled with your favorite fresh fruits for a seasonal dessert perfect for a bridal shower.

3 of 34

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy and portable, these Lemon Cheesecake Bars are sure to please a crowd.

4 of 34

Sparkling Ginger-Orange Cocktails

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sparkling Ginger-Orange Cocktails

This sparkling sipper has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy thanks to the pairing of orange and ginger.

5 of 34

Lemon-Lime-Rosemary Punch

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Lemon-Lime-Rosemary Punch

Put a fragrant spin on the classic citrus punch for a refreshing, tart, herb-infused beverage.

6 of 34

Sparkling Punch

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sparkling Punch

Pretty and pink, this punch is perfect for a bridal shower and can be altered easily for alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

7 of 34

Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Fruit salad is a must for any outdoor shower. Guests can scoop their favorite fruits and savor them in the morning light.

8 of 34

Apple Butter-and-Cheddar Puffs

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Butter-and-Cheddar Puffs

For morning or afternoon, these sweet and savory puffs will keep guests coming back for more. (Better double the recipe.)

9 of 34

Avocado Fruit Salad

Southern Living

Recipe: Avocado Fruit Salad

Update your classic fruit salad recipe with this idea—a genius addition of avocado elevates the staple.

10 of 34

Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Mini chicken and waffles. Need we say more?

11 of 34

Gouda Grits

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Gouda Grits

The perfect side for a brunchtime shower, gouda grits are a favorite of party planners (and guests!) everywhere.

12 of 34

Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tomato-Herb Mini Frittatas

Bake up a few batches of these frittatas for a shower, no matter the time of day.

13 of 34

Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

Southern Living

Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits with Mustard Butter

Easy to make and even easier to eat, these classic ham biscuits get a touch of tangy tartness from our delicious mustard butter.

14 of 34

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

These super-fresh, supremely snackable skewers are just perfect for an outdoor shower.

15 of 34

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

These savory, satisfying mini bites are easy to load onto app plates and easy to eat while chatting with other guests.

16 of 34

Baked Brie Bites

Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

This recipe makes baked brie even easier to prepare and to eat. Win-win!

17 of 34

Pimiento Cheese Gougères

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Gougeres

Pimiento cheese is a must at any bridal shower. Make it memorable with this gougères recipe.

18 of 34

Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

These sublime blackberry-brie pizzettas charm guests with a burst of blackberry and the creaminess of brie.

19 of 34

Chicken Salad Pitas

Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken Salad Pitas

Don’t forget the chicken salad. If it’s missing, every Southern lady will notice. These pitas are fresh and easy to eat, just perfect for outdoor parties.

20 of 34

Apple Flatbread

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Flatbread

Fresh and crisp, this flatbread is as delicious as it is easy to prep. Slice it up for guests and add a sampling of dipping sauces if you'd like.