Food for Baby's Christening or Naming Ceremony: Complete Menu Ideas

You've set the date, found the outfit, and invited the guests. Now comes the big question: what on earth do you serve?

Many new parents stress unnecessarily about food for a christening or naming ceremony. Let's settle this right away: there are no rules about what you should serve. Pizza is perfectly fine. Tacos are perfectly fine. A homemade cold buffet is perfectly fine. What matters most is that you celebrate your baby without going under from stress.

In this guide you'll find complete menu ideas for every ambition level — from pure ordering to a full tapas spread — plus serving estimates for food and drink, and a complete shopping list you can use straight out of the box.

Before You Choose a Menu — Think About This

The right menu choice is more about the context than the food itself. Ask yourself these questions:

Time of day: The ceremony is usually done around lunchtime. Are you serving lunch, afternoon snacks, or dinner? Lunch can be lighter than dinner. An afternoon gathering with cakes and coffee is the simplest option.

Season: A summer celebration opens up for grilling and cold dishes. A winter celebration calls for warm food — soup, stew, or a warm buffet.

Number of guests: A typical christening has 15–30 guests. A buffet works best for groups over 10. A sit-down dinner is nice for under 15.

Children on the guest list: Count on about half your guests bringing children. Always have something simple available — bread, fruit, hot dogs.

Allergies and dietary needs: Ask guests in advance. Common considerations are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and nut allergy. Label food clearly.

Honest self-assessment: How much energy do you have? You have a baby. You may not be sleeping well. Be honest with yourself about your energy level. Better to order something simple and enjoy the party than to stand in the kitchen all day.

Order and Relax

No need to make everything yourself. Here are the options for those who want to focus on the celebration:

Pizza

Yes, pizza at a christening is completely fine. Order from a local pizzeria — get varieties like margherita, pepperoni, and one with chicken or shrimp for a little variety. Tips to make it feel a bit more special:

• Cut the pizzas into smaller pieces and arrange on serving platters
• Have a simple green salad on the side
• Set out olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Count 2–3 slices per person as a starter, more if pizza is the only dish

Sushi

Sushi catering is popular and surprisingly good value for a party. Most sushi places offer party packages. Order a mix of rolls, nigiri, and california rolls. Count 10–15 pieces per person.

Pre-made cold buffet from a deli or grocery store

Most grocery stores and local deli counters offer pre-made party platters. You can put together:

• Cured meat platter (prosciutto, salami, coppa)
• Shrimp platter
• Smoked salmon platter
• Cheese board with nuts and fruit
• Pre-made potato salad and Waldorf salad

Add good bread from the bakery, butter, and a few dressings, and you have a lovely cold buffet without touching a single pot.

Catering

Catering companies offer everything from sandwich trays to complete dinners. Prices vary, but expect roughly $25–$60 per person depending on ambition level. Tips:

• Order early — popular caterers get booked up quickly during busy seasons
• Ask whether they deliver and set up, or whether you pick up yourself
• Check whether plates, cutlery, and napkins are included
• Ask for a menu that includes something for children

Sandwiches and wraps from a bakery

Many bakeries make sandwich trays and wraps to order. Count 3–4 sandwiches or 2–3 wraps per person.

Half Homemade — A Bit of Everything

It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combine bought and homemade for a menu that feels personal without exhausting you.

Taco Buffet

A universally loved dish that works perfectly for a celebration. Easy to scale up:

• Ground beef with taco seasoning (make from scratch with cumin, paprika, and garlic if you like)
• Chicken fajitas with bell pepper and onion
• Guacamole (can be made the day before)
• Salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese
• Several types of lettuce and vegetables
• Hard and soft taco shells, tortilla wraps

Count 5–7 oz (150–200 g) of meat per adult. For 25 guests you need about 5–6 lbs (2.5–3 kg) of ground beef and 3–4 lbs (1.5–2 kg) of chicken.

Lasagna + Salad + Good Bread

Classic, filling, and easy to prepare the day before:

• Make two large baking pans of lasagna (one regular, one vegetarian)
• Buy pre-washed salad greens with dressing
• Get good bread from the bakery
• Set out parmesan for grating over

One standard baking pan gives 8–10 portions. For 25 guests you need 3 pans.

Simple Tapas Mix

Buy what you don't feel like making, and make what you enjoy:

Buy: Olives, hummus, cured meats, cheese (manchego, brie), nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, breadsticks

Make: Focaccia (the dough takes 10 minutes and can rise overnight), meatballs in tomato sauce (freeze in advance), bruschetta topping

Soup + Rolls (Perfect for a Winter Celebration)

Soup is underrated at parties. Make a large pot of fish chowder, French onion soup, or creamy tomato soup. Serve with freshly baked rolls or good bread.

• Fish chowder: Use salmon, cod, shrimp, and vegetables in a creamy base
• French onion soup with gratinated cheese: Hearty, affordable, and can be made the day before
• Creamy tomato soup with basil: Vegetarian-friendly and universally liked

Count about 1.5 cups (3–4 dl) of soup per person. For 25 guests you need 8–10 liters.

Stew — Underrated and Stress-Free

Stews are perfect for a celebration: make everything the day before, warm up, and you're done. Some favorites:

• Venison stew with mushrooms, bacon, and lingonberries — festive and filling. Serve with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes.
• Beef stew — classic, affordable, and universally liked. Serve with flatbread and butter.
• Lamb stew with root vegetables — perfect for fall or winter.
• Chili con carne — easy to scale up, popular with all ages. Serve with rice, sour cream, and nachos.
• Beef bourguignon — slightly more refined everyday food that feels festive. Made with affordable stewing beef and red wine.

Count about 1.5 cups (3–4 dl) of stew per person. For 25 guests you need 8–10 liters — usually 2 large pots. Always serve good bread on the side.

The best thing about stews: the flavor only improves overnight. Make the stew the day before and warm up in the oven.

Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

Put a pork shoulder in the slow cooker the evening before, and you'll wake up to a finished dinner:

• 6–8 lbs (3–4 kg) pork shoulder feeds 20–25 guests
• Serve with brioche buns, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, and pickled red onion
• Have a green salad and corn on the cob on the side

Impress Without Stressing

These menus take more time, but with smart planning (see the next section) they are fully achievable without losing your mind.

Greek Grill Menu

Perfect for a summer celebration. Everything is marinated the day before and grilled on the day:

• Souvlaki in three varieties: Pork, lamb, and chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano. Threaded onto skewers.
• Lemon potatoes: Potatoes in the oven with lemon, garlic, and oregano. Can be prepared and put straight in the oven.
• Greek salad: Tomato, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta with good olive oil
• Tzatziki: Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and mint. Make the day before — it gets better as it sits.
• Hummus: Chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. Make the day before.
• Grilled halloumi: Sliced and grilled for 2–3 minutes on each side
• Pita bread: Buy pre-made and warm in the oven
• Broccoli salad: Raw broccoli with sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, bacon, and a tangy dressing

For 25 guests: Count about 9 oz (250 g) of meat per person spread across three types. That's about 4 lbs (2 kg) pork, 4 lbs (2 kg) lamb, and 4 lbs (2 kg) chicken.

Full Tapas Spread

The number of dishes means each one can be simple:

• Homemade pies: 2–3 varieties (spinach and feta, chicken and bell pepper, tomato and cheese). Make and freeze weeks in advance.
• Focaccia: Bake 2–3 pans with different toppings (olives, rosemary, tomato)
• Meatballs in tomato sauce: Make 60–80 and freeze. Warm up on the day.
• Garlic shrimp/scampi: Quick to fry, made right before serving
• Cured meats: Buy pre-made — prosciutto, salami, coppa, bresaola
• Cheeses: Manchego, brie, blue cheese, sharp cheddar. Set out with honey and nuts.
• Olives and marinated vegetables: Buy pre-made
• Garlic bread: Spread garlic butter on baguettes, wrap in foil, and warm in the oven

Classic Cold Buffet

The traditional choice that never goes out of style:

• Smoked salmon with lemon and a cream dressing
• Scrambled eggs (make a large batch right before serving)
• Shrimp salad or shrimp with mayo and lemon
• Roast beef (roast the day before, slice cold)
• Cured meats — ham, sausages, various cold cuts
• Potato salad with mustard dressing
• Waldorf salad with apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts
• Good bread — sourdough, ciabatta, rye bread
• Butter, mustard, and horseradish as condiments

Smart Planning: Freeze, Prepare, Delegate

The key to a relaxed host is doing as much as possible in advance. Here's what to do when:

One Month Before

• Make and freeze meatballs, pies, focaccia, pulled pork, soups
• Most baked goods freeze well for 4–6 weeks
• Label everything with name and date

One Week Before

• Make marinades for meat (keep in the refrigerator)
• Bake bread that can be frozen (focaccia, rolls)
• Buy everything that isn't fresh produce (canned goods, spices, dry goods, drinks)

The Day Before

• Make salads (potato salad, Waldorf salad, broccoli salad, coleslaw)
• Make tzatziki, hummus, guacamole, dressings
• Cut vegetables for salads/sides
• Set the table, put out plates and cutlery
• Thaw frozen dishes in the refrigerator

On the Day

• Warm up what needs to be warm (meatballs, pies, soup)
• Make scrambled eggs, fry shrimp, grill meat — whatever needs to be fresh
• Arrange cold dishes on platters
• Set out bread and condiments

Delegate

You don't have to do everything yourself. Specific tasks you can ask family and friends to help with:

• "Could you bring a salad?"
• "Could you take care of dessert/the cakes?"
• "Could you come an hour early and help arrange the food?"
• "Could you man the grill while we're at the ceremony?"

Most guests are happy to contribute — you just need to ask specifically.

Serving Estimates: Food

Here are the rules of thumb for buffet and cold buffet. Numbers are per adult:

Important adjustments:

• Children under 10: Count half a portion
• Buffet vs. sit-down: Add 10–20% extra for buffet — people take more when they serve themselves
• Lunch vs. dinner: Lunch can be 20% less than dinner
• Multiple dishes: If you have 4–5 different dishes on the buffet, you need less of each but the same total amount
• Always have extra bread: Bread is cheap insurance against hungry guests

Drinks: Quantities and Tips

Alcohol

Many guests at a christening are parents with young children and may drink less than at other parties. Don't overbuy.

Tips:

• Have both red and white wine — split about 60/40 white/red in summer, the reverse in winter
• Buy in advance — you can return unopened bottles at most stores
• Many choose to have an alcohol-free celebration — that's completely normal

Non-Alcoholic

Homemade lemonade: Inexpensive and impressive. Juice 8–10 lemons, mix with 2 liters of water and ¾ cup (2 dl) of sugar. Add mint leaves and ice cubes. Make a raspberry or passion fruit version too.

Complete Sample Menu with Shopping List

Here is a complete Greek grill menu for 20–25 guests, with shopping list, timeline, and estimated budget.

Menu: Greek Grill Menu for a Summer Celebration

Main courses:

• Souvlaki skewers with pork, lamb, and chicken
• Grilled halloumi

Sides:

• Lemon potatoes
• Greek salad
• Broccoli salad with sunflower seeds
• Tzatziki
• Hummus
• Pita bread

Dessert:

• Christening/naming ceremony cake (order or make yourself)
• Fruit and berries

Shopping List (20–25 Guests)

Meat and seafood (order from a butcher or buy on sale):

• 4 lbs (2 kg) pork shoulder or tenderloin, cubed
• 4 lbs (2 kg) lamb leg or shoulder, cubed
• 4 lbs (2 kg) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 lb (500 g) halloumi (2–3 packages)

Vegetables and fruit:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) tomatoes
• 4 cucumbers
• 3 red onions
• 2 large broccoli heads
• 8 lemons
• 2 bags baby spinach
• 1 bag fresh mint leaves
• 2 heads of garlic

Dairy:

• 18 oz (500 g) Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
• 11 oz (300 g) feta cheese
• Butter

Dry goods and canned goods:

• 2 cans chickpeas (for hummus)
• 1 jar tahini
• 1 jar kalamata olives
• 1 bag sunflower seeds
• 1 bag dried cranberries
• Pita bread (3–4 packages)
• Wooden skewers (2 packages)

Spices and oil:

• Good olive oil (1 liter)
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

Potatoes:

• 6–8 lbs (3–4 kg) potatoes (firm varieties)

Drinks:

• 12 bottles of wine (7 white, 5 red)
• 50 cans/bottles of beer
• 20 liters of sparkling and still water
• 5 liters of juice
• Coffee and tea
• Ice (3–4 bags)

Timeline

1 week before:

• Buy everything that isn't fresh produce
• Buy drinks
• Make hummus (keeps 5–7 days in the refrigerator)

2 days before:

• Buy fresh produce (meat, vegetables, dairy)
• Marinate the meat in lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil (keep in the refrigerator)

The day before:

• Make tzatziki
• Make broccoli salad (without dressing — add on the day)
• Cut vegetables for the Greek salad (store separately, combine on the day)
• Peel and cut potatoes, keep in water in the refrigerator
• Set the table and prepare serving platters

On the day — 2 hours before guests arrive:

• Put potatoes in the oven (400°F / 200°C, 45–60 min) with lemon, garlic, and oregano
• Thread meat onto skewers
• Combine Greek salad and add dressing to broccoli salad
• Set out cold dishes, pita bread, tzatziki, and hummus
• Prepare the grill

On the day — 30 min before serving:

• Grill the skewers (8–10 min per side)
• Grill the halloumi (2–3 min per side)
• Warm pita bread in the oven

Estimated Budget

That comes to roughly $15–$25 per guest — far cheaper than catering, and with a much more personal touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is typically served at a christening or naming ceremony?

The most common options are a cold buffet, tapas-style buffet, sandwiches, or a simple buffet with one hot dish and a salad. Many choose to order catering or invite guests to cake and coffee only, without a full meal. There are no rules — choose what fits your budget and energy level.

Can you serve tacos at a christening?

Absolutely. Tacos are one of the most popular party dishes and work great as celebration food. They're easy to scale up, everyone can customize their own plate, and most guests — including children — love them.

How much food do I need for 20 guests?

Count 1.1–1.3 lbs (500–600 g) of total food per adult guest for a buffet. That means 22–26 lbs (10–12 kg) of food total for 20 adults. Children under 10 eat about half that. Remember to add 10–20% extra for a buffet, since guests tend to take more than at a sit-down dinner.

Should you have alcohol at the celebration?

That's entirely up to you. Many celebrations have wine and beer, while others are alcohol-free. Keep in mind that many guests are parents with small children and may be driving. Always have good non-alcoholic options regardless. A nice middle ground is to offer a glass of sparkling wine or cider for a toast, and keep things simple otherwise.

How much does food for a christening cost?

A homemade buffet for 25 guests typically costs $300–$600 including drinks. Catering costs $25–$60 per person. Cake and coffee is the most affordable option — count $5–$10 per guest.

Choose What Works for You

The most important thing about celebration food is choosing something you can actually pull off without stress. A happy host with pizza on the table beats an exhausted host with a five-course meal every single time.

Start by deciding your ambition level. Find the menu that fits. Use the shopping lists and timelines in this guide. And remember: your guests are there to celebrate your baby, not to judge the menu.

Need help with the rest of the planning? Check out our complete christening planning guide for everything about the ceremony, godparents, and traditions. See the christening and naming ceremony checklist to stay on top of things. And don't forget the celebration cake guide for inspiration on the sweet table.

Planning a naming ceremony instead of a religious christening? All the menus in this guide work equally well for a naming celebration.

Check the christening checklist — everything you need for the big day

Useful Tools for Planning

• Find the perfect christening gift — Answer 4 questions and get personalized recommendations
• How much should you give as a christening gift? — Budget calculator for gifts
• Create a personalized gift message — Write a beautiful card to accompany the gift
• Create a gift wish list — Share with guests to avoid duplicates
• Plan the celebration — Checklist from 3 months before

Sources: General catering and event planning guidelines for buffet quantities.