Readers, get excited: since I shared the invite and party plan, I wanted to show you how the actual event turned out. It was the first time I hosted a bridal shower and although it took some effort to put everything together, I'm happy to report it was a success! Here, you'll find all of the delicious details.
Photos Courtesy of Erin Arago
One of the benefits of hosting a party during the day is that you don't have to worry about lighting. You do, however, need to think about shade. For Melissa's bridal shower, everything will take place outdoors, so we're renting a couple of umbrellas. Under each umbrella, I'll set up a different station.
One will hold the food, plates, and napkins. Another will house the mocktail in a pretty drink dispenser, ice buckets, sparkling wine, and Champagne flutes. A third table is where I'll set up the dessert and candy bar. Finally, a fourth table is where I'll ask guests to place gifts.
All of the tables will be covered in simple, but elegant white cloths. An assortment of flowers in purple tones will look great on the cloths. I'll hang pretty tissue paper garlands from the trees. I hope it will be beautiful and that the bride will love it! Have you hosted a bridal shower? Please share your tips with me below.
Normally, for a special occasion party like a bridal shower, I like to serve a specialty cocktail. But for my friend Melissa's upcoming shower, I'm making a specialty mocktail instead. Several of the guests are pregnant, and to include them in the fun I'll offer these berry-lemon sparklers. They consist of muddled berries with fresh lemon juice and a splash of seltzer for effervescence. For those who prefer to sip something potent, I'll pour sparkling wine. I plan on picking up a case of my favorite girlie bottle, Sofia Blanc de Blancs by Francis Ford Coppola.
I'll also have white wine on ice in case anyone wants to imbibe that. To look at the mocktail recipe I'm going to use, keep reading.
For a friend's bridal shower, I'm not just offering a dessert, but I've also decided to set up a color-coded candy bar. Instead of giving everyone a favor that they will never use, I'll have them fill a bag with edible treats to take it home. Since purple is the theme color (it matches the invitations), I plan on getting purple sweets and baked goods like M&Ms and macaroons. As for the delectable finish to the shower, I'll serve cupcakes. They look pretty on display and are always enjoyed. This recipe is for vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They are simple, but scrumptious.
Learn how they are made after the break.
I'm hosting a bridal shower in a little over a week! Now that the invitations are out of the way, it's time to think about the menu. The party is at 1 p.m. on a Saturday, so I'm thinking a light spread of lunchy appetizers. I'll put together a cheese plate with fresh figs and apricots, crackers, honey, nuts, and tapenade. From there, I'll throw in some homemade dishes that can be eaten out of hand. Shrimp with spicy mayonnaise is delicious and can be made in advance. Mini frittatas packed with veggies are bite-sized and addictive. A simple tomato and goat cheese tart rounds out the female-friendly menu. Want to see the recipes? Please read more.
One of my best friends is getting married, and I am a bridesmaid in her wedding. Thus, I have the wonderful pleasure of planning her bridal shower! It's going to be a simple, but elegant affair that reflects the bride's crafty, down-to-earth sensibility. Before I can even think about the menu and the decor, I must get the invites sent. I've created these purple and cream invites using a printer, a stamp, and an embosser.
Follow my step-by-step photos to learn how I made them.
I'm planning a bridal shower for one of my best girlfriends. She's agreed to let me handle all of the details and wants to be surprised by the invite and food. Although I haven't figured out the menu yet, it's at the back of my mind. It's going to be a buffet-style vegetarian lunch. One of the things I'm considering serving is cold soup in miniature glasses. I'm hesitant because although I enjoy cold soups, like gazpacho, I'm not sure if the majority of my guests will like them. That's why I'm asking you! When the weather is hot, are you fond of cold soups?
Reader girlA uploaded this picture of the tablescape from a pretty-in-pink baby shower to the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community. Do you have an image of something delicious that you recently made or enjoyed? Upload it!
Threw a pink and brown-themed baby shower...
If you are planning a bridal shower, don't overlook brunch. It's a great time for a laid-back, female-oriented affair that's sure to be enjoyed by all ages. Last weekend, I attended a friend's bridal brunch and I was so impressed with the menu that I snapped photos to share with you. The three hostesses served an assortment of breakfast and lunch foods buffet-style. They combined homemade dishes with store-bought food. Then they threw in wine and lush floral arrangements to create an elegant, welcoming atmosphere.
To take a look at the spread, which can easily be re-created in your home, keep reading.
Wedding season can be stressful and full of conundrums and etiquette concerns. Share your advice for this bride-to-be and share your questions in the Ask Savvy group.
Dear Savvy,
A close friend of mine lives out of town and wasn't able to make it to my bridal shower, but she sent a gift. A while back after my engagement party, she made a comment that still doesn't sit well with me — she said I didn't have enough nice things on my registry. I feel very secure with what I've chosen so I ignored her, but when I opened my shower gift, I was completely taken aback — she gave me an accent pillow with an embroidered comment about sports that felt like a gag gift! To set the record straight, money is no object for this friend, and after her rude remarks and uncharacteristic behavior over the past few months, I can't help but feel slighted that she spent less than $20 on something so thoughtless! Am I overreacting?
Disgruntled Bride-to-Be
To see the Savvy Bride's advice, read more
