Sooner or later we all get tapped to have a shower for a friend's daughter, a daughter-in-law to be, or a daughter. Because we are good cooks, on such occasions we have been expected to come up with a special late afternoon light dinner. We have done at least three of these in the last few years and have enjoyed the planning and execution of these events for the special young women who were being feted.
I like to pick a color and go with it for decorations. You can see from the pictures that for this one I selected white, but in the past I have tried to match the colors with the personality of the honoree so I have uses shades of pink with roses that made the day sing, or brighter colors of red and purple using anemones and other flowers of the season like wedding bells.
The table linens I used outside this year were white delicate ones with white wedding ribbons for decorations. I purchased reasonable silk bridal bouquets for centerpieces and white begonias to give to those who attended as favors. The candles were made by placing a wick in beautiful glasses and adding wax balls in pastel colors. When you light the wicks, they form a layer of wax on the top. Each invited guest gets a group of pictures of the future bride herself displayed on picture trees as a souvenir to take home.
The menu is a long one; those with diabetes will have to count carbohydrates to match medicine, insulin, and calorie intake. Oh, but the counting is worth while. This list of what to do when is similar to any party.
Four weeks in advance have the invitations printed and sent out. Three weeks in advance make sure you have all of your platters, dishes, silverware, flowers orders, and decorations ready or ordered. If your bride wants a cake for guests, now is the time to order it. Fruit cups are for your guests who wish to eat more healthy. Hire a photographer for candid shots. You can get a semi-pro if you want to save some money, but to tell the truth, the pictures by the pro will be worth the expense and will bring back the afternoon meal and experiences for years to come. The menu will be written in semi solid concrete by three weeks before the celebration. Have back-up menus just in case. Visit the markets you will be using to make sure all of our ingredients will be available. If you are asking others to help, give out the menu and dishes they will be responsible for in plenty of time. Do hire sitters for out of town guests' children. Make sure accommodations are rented and that these special guests' rooms are ready with flowers and food baskets for the day of the shower.
Once the friends arrive, it's time to set out the food and mix with your guests. I like to have a water feature some place near the table whether it's a store bought small stone fountain that are available in many stores, or a larger concrete fountain that is part of the garden where the shower will be take place. There are wonderful floating fountains for a pool that are also appealing. If using the large fountain or pool, try floating gardenias and other flowers in the water for their aroma and beauty. The day has arrived and you are as ready as you will ever be. The platters of food and decorations are beautiful and bride to be will be more radiant on only one other day and that one is in her near future.
Our menu is one that takes into consideration the fact that we all have purchased a new dress and want to fit into it. So we are not over indulgent, but want our party to be as beautiful as possible. Enjoy.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
