I'm hosting a bridal shower for a cousin of mine -- it's been quite a while since I even went to a bridal shower -- what's the latest trend?
I can tell you we've decided a female only-afternoon event, the males will come back later for an evening bbq.
I need suggestions -- everything from the invites, decorations, food (I was thinking appetizers during the shower with sweets afterwards).
I need your help, any ideas would be great! (do you still play games at showers???)
Thanks!
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deserves a tray with cheeses , grapes and baqette.
Tiny liitle plastic cups for wine tasting and as someone said vineyard napkins etc.
first - love that they are gettting married at a vineyard!
how about some crepes or fruit skewers dipped in chocolate for dessert? kind of french (vineyardy), and fruity-grapy-ish - see where I'm going?
You could also get some fake ivy and drape in the room for decorations. Some vineyard motif serviettes, glass(wine) markers, etc. What a fun theme!
Depending on the age of the bride and her friends/relatives, games can be good or bad - if they are younger (early-mid 20's) then games are okay because they haven't played many, but if they are older, they've been there - done that and unless it's a really good one, they may not be too receptive :)
Do not play games! I repeat do not play games...unless it is with your closest girlfriends at a lingerie party, and you've had alot of great wine! Whatever. But, keep it comfortable for your guests. I'm sure they are able to keep up and intelligent and humourous conversation. Have faith. As for giving advice. Annonymous notes along with a cards and money gift certificate gifts were put in a beautiful box. Some things are not everyones business. If it is getting quiet. An anniversary party I had we asked everyone to briefly tell us how they met. That actually brought either laughter awes or tears of joy. Very little chance of awkwardness there.
I had a fab shower for a girlfriend of mine. It was a baby shower, but the principle is still the same. We had it couples only, as we didn't want little ones pawing over the baby, and this baby was easily upset. I also was in a small space. It was drop in, and no pressure to stay a long time. Gifts were left in the bedroom ( My daughters canopy bed lit up with lights) and when she wanted to nurse she had the privacy. Gifts were opened at her leisure and everyone could see them displayed on the bed without the nausiatingly long stupid passing around the gifts; and having to wittingly come up with fresh complementary things to say about the fifth same gift you didn't like anyway. I made a profiteral(sp?) tower with caramel candy drissled all over it instead of a cake. Lots of yummy appetisers and wine. A great punch for the non-drinkers. Candles and flowers everywhere. The music was soft jazz. Everyone loved it. Even the baby. Oh, and forget the bow hat! Evil mother in-laws invented that one for sure!
Here's the latest on the shower --
While the bride is opening gifts, I'll serve appetizers and wine and after I'm going to do the afternoon tea.
We're kind of working on a vineyard theme -- that's where they are getting married.
Still looking for suggestions ... love the ones I've got so far. I'm definitely going to try some of your recipes.
Thanks.
I'm not sure it this is too late, but I'm a real pro at these :)
Is there a theme to the wedding, shower, or honeymoon? You can incorporate the menu with that. I made mini provencale pizzas for my sil's shower this spring. They went over really well. We also had spring salad and pasta balls... mmm... You can also do a bridal tea, with sandwiches and, of course, tea :) People still play games, but I'm not sure why, hardly anyone likes them :) I like trivia games, like how well does the bride know the groom (she gets to open a gift for every right answer) or how well do the guests know the couple... check out wedding site like weddingbells.ca or theknot.com for more ideas. Have fun!
What I have done in the past is buy small SOFT rolls, white & whole wheat, rye or whatever is available where you live. The rolls that are about 3" long, some call them salad rolls. I make up different fillings such as egg salad, cream cheese, salmon, and also put out diff. cold meats and cheeses and garnishes for rolls. Then a veg. platter and fruit platter. It is a "make your own" style. I like the idea of diff. cheese cake for dessert.
I find this so easy.
I always go back to good old Martha when I plan something like that ! I like to do up a ladies tea party, with finger sandwiches, her little orange muffins with ham slices, scones and fresh cream and jam. Lots of little sweets...lemon squares, shortbread etc. I have had a couple of showers for girlfriends and they are always a hit. Everyone always says they are watching their weight, but let me tell you it is quite funny to see them dive into all the little goodies !! I also have my Grandmother's collection of odd teacups so I use those with some antique plates and it looks fun and funky too.
have fun ! Kim
Here are a couple recipes that I think would be nice for a shower :)...
LEMON CREAM STRAWBERRIES (from Recipezaar)
1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 pints strawberries, approximately 42
1. Beat the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, lemon peel and juice until smooth.
2. Cover and refrigerate.
3. This filling can be made ahead or it can be kept in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the hulls from your strawberries, wash and dry well.
5. Place on a paper-lined tray with the hull side down.
6. Cut an x half way down the strawberry.
7. Pull the sections apart only slightly.
8. Spoon your filling into pastry bag fitted with a 1/2" star tip.
9. Pie approximately a tsp.
10. of filling into each strawberry.
11. The berries may be filled 2 hrs.
12. before serving.
13. To serve: Place in petit-four cups.
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VANILLA CITRUS PUNCH (from Oprah website)
Recipe created by Art Smith
From the show Summer Cooking with Art Smith
Makes 4–6 servings
Can be made for adults by adding your favorite dark rum!
INGREDIENTS
3 cups fresh orange juice
1 orange, sliced
1 cup fresh or unsweetened canned pineapple juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 whole vanilla bean
1 1/2 cups ginger ale or club soda, chilled
Combine all the juices in a large pitcher. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the juice. Stir with a whisk to separate the vanilla seeds. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, add the ginger ale (or club soda). Serve in ice-filled glasses.
a shower for my friend with appetizers and lots of different cheesecakes for dessert. It went over really well - not many women don't like cheesecake! I refuse to do games, other than oldest, youngest, longest married, etc. But that's me!