I personally feel that if you throw a shower then you should feed your guests. This should definnatly apply if some of the guess are driving an hour or more to the party. I would hate to think that some guest may have to stop at some drive thru to or from the party. Pasta is a great $ stetcher. I also try to stick to the theme of the wedding. The last shower i threw was in the theme of an outdoor wedding near a light house. The theme for the shower was "Summer by the Lake." I served linguine with the choice of grilled chicken or lemon shrimp. The cake was served in champagne glasses. One other thing, dont forget music. Many people tend to forget that. I choose Seaside Tranquility to stay in the theme. Have fun!

First, some questions. How many people will be attending? Will it stretch though supper time? (I'm assuming so, due to the main dish requirements). What are your kitchen facilities, i.e. do you have access to a full kitchen with refrigeration and stoves/ovens? Will the appetizers be served earlier, with the cocktails or right before the meal? If they are served earlier, you may want them to be more substantial. Will there be someone to cook the meal right there, or will it have to be prepared in advance and reheated? All those things in mind, a beef tenderloin, cooked and sliced thinly, is always impressive and those who like the more well done portions can, in some cases, eat the end pieces. Salmon is quick and relatively simple to prepare but still impressive and can even be served cold, or wrapped in pastry or parchment for individual servings. Cathy/Mustang's Arugula Salad with Figs and Proscuitto is delicious, I don't even care for green salad and I like it, although I make it with baby spinach in place of the arugula: Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts, and Parmesan 4 tbls olive oil 2 oz thinly sliced prosciutto cut into strips 1 tbls raspberry jam 3 tbls fig balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup dried figs, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces 1 tbls finely chopped shallot 5 cups baby arugula 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 2 oz Parmesan, shaved into thin strips 1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; add prosciutto and fry until crisp, stirring frequently for about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel to drain and cool. 2. Whisk jam and vinegar in medium microwave-safe bowl; stir in figs. Cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic and microwave on high until figs are plump, about 45 seconds. Whisk in 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, 1/4 tsp salt; toss to combine. Let cool to room temperature. 3. Toss arugula and vinaigrette in large bowl; adjust seasonings with salt. Divide salad among individual plates; top with portion of prosciutto, walnuts, and Parmesan. OK, let's see, individual lamb chop "lollipops" would be good, although many people don't care much for lamb. So, do you have any preferences? Things that are off the menu entirely? Who is cooking? If it's you, you may want to do some ahead of time so you can enjoy the party. Have fun! Annie

esrade, I think that to handle your question about having a left/right side per person, you could use the plastic sleeves, and just have each person do 2 physical pages and slip front/back into the sleeves... This sounds like a great idea, so fun! I hope it works out well :) -DuckyHead

I can see both sides of the favor/no favor discussion.. I think it is nice to offer a thoughtful small gift to guests of a shower. Not all gatherings-- but a shower, yes. What is considered "nice" or "thoughtful" will vary greatly by region, age group, personality of the bride/mother-to-be, and personality of the event... so my recommendation is to do them if you have a good idea that seems to have wide appeal. Skip it if you don't. I just wouldn't fret over it. A number of years ago, I hosted a baby shower with a sweet pea theme. It was an outdoor buffet with no place settings so I setup a basket full of sweetpea seed packets as favors for guests. It helped decorate a table.. and it fit the event... and guests loved it. I don't like chocolate (and I especially don't like m&m's) but I know a number of grown women (and men) who would tear into a gift of m&m's. A number of our small little chocolate shops and bakeries will do little boxes that I'd absolutely use as favors for an event with a sit-down meal. I would not give any kind of decor item-- or anything that costs more than $5-$7/person.