An afternoon bridal shower, whether held indoors or outdoors, is an elegant and celebratory occasion. Planning an afternoon bridal shower involves providing decor, entertainment, gifts and food. The foods eaten at a bridal shower vary depending on tastes, but options are virtually limitless. Knowing about some nifty food ideas for your afternoon bridal shower gives you the option to serve an array of tasty treats.

Presenting a spread of healthy snacks serves as a way to provide nutrition with your snacks instead of empty calories. This is especially useful for appetizers if you are intending on serving a full meal during the afternoon bridal shower. Carrot sticks, celery sticks and other assorted vegetables can be served fresh and chilled with different types of dipping sauces. Dipping sauce ideas include ranch dressing, sour cream and even peanut butter. Tomatoes stuffed with tuna salad and served with crackers also make use of healthy foods and are a filling appetizer during an afternoon bridal shower.

An afternoon bridal shower ordinarily takes place between lunch and dinner so anything light on the stomach is appropriate. Serving cheese and chocolate fondues with assorted fruits and vegetables creates an attractive spread for the table at the bridal shower. Small pieces of meat or seafood can also be served alongside the plates and skewers for added flavor. Eating fondue is a social experience that allows guests of the bridal shower to exchange familiarities before giving gifts to the bride-to-be.

Depending on the theme of your afternoon bridal shower, the finger foods you serve vary immensely. For example, chilled sushi of any variety is delicious during an Asian-inspired bridal shower. Small finger sandwiches filled with chicken salad, tuna salad or turkey and cheese are also light and delicious choices for the midday event. Avoiding greasy foods during the occasion is best to avoid damaging gifts or other wedding-related gear. Finger-friendly desserts such as petit fours -- small, icing-covered cakes that fit in your mouth -- are a sweet yet light treat to serve with coffee.

During an afternoon bridal shower, presenting theme-friendly foods is a creative way to create a festive atmosphere. Hosting a tea-party themed bridal shower allows you to present the foods of your choosing on delicate and ornamental china saucers. Elegant teas can be served on a porch, sun-room or rented garden areas for beautiful views while you enjoy the bridal shower. Bridal showers gives you the opportunity to showcase different symbolic foods, depending on the culture of the wedding taking place.