A pantry shower is a bridal shower theme that asks guests to bring the bride things to put in a pantry. The benefit of a pantry shower is that guests can get creative with gift ideas. It also makes it easy for guests on a budget to bring a fabulous present.
Spices
Spices are a must-have for any bride’s pantry. You can get a random assortment of basic spices or create a theme for the gift. Give a small gift of expensive spices, such as saffron, cardamom and vanilla. Follow a theme by giving spices found in different regional cooking. For Italian spices include coriander, nutmeg, pepper, basil, fennel, oregano, sage and rosemary. For a little Mexican flavor give oregano, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon and cloves. Asian spices could be ginger, cardamom, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, garlic, anise and chili pepper.
Condiments
Condiments, including sauces, are another excellent gift idea for a pantry shower. Give the bride basic condiments if on a budget. Who doesn't need ketchup, horseradish, mayonnaise, mustard and relish? Consider an assortment of marinating condiments such as soy sauce, Worcestershire or Dijon or honey mustard. Gather an assortment of fruit spreads such as lemon curd, pumpkin butter and preserves. Condiments allow for out-of-the-box choices that let the bride to be experiment in her kitchen.
Dish Ware
Dish ware also belongs in a pantry and is always appreciated by the bride. Give a collection of pots and pans, serving utensils or a single specialty dish. For specialty dishware items consider giving a waffle maker, tea kettle, griddle or wok. Gadgets, while similar to dish ware, allow variety and can include a grater, zester, blender, juicer or an egg poacher.
Themed Sets
Create a theme to set your gift apart. An all-baking-products gift might include cake and muffin tins, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and vanilla. Or, go all-appetizer with crackers, chips, dips, other snack foods and serving trays. Give the shower honoree a cookbook. Mark your favorite recipe and give all supplies needed for the recipe. Do a soup theme with soup pot, ladle, stir spoon and several types of soup or a pasta theme with pastas, sauces, cheeses and spices -- all in a basket.