Sunday, June 12, 2011

A BRIDAL SHOWER

The bridal shower for my son's fiancee was held Friday night at the home of my SIL, Karen. It really turned out wonderful. This is her house {with The Husband standing on the porch welcoming guests}. We had to shoo him out shortly later to go have dinner with the guys.
In place of a cake, we had cupcakes from a bakery in Chicago called Sugar Bliss. The owner is the lady behind Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. She has shops in Chicago and Beverly Hills.
Daughter Emily was in charge of cupcakes. She bought little Chinese food boxes from Michael's and decorated them, The cupcakes were given as favors to the guests.
Emily also wrapped up the flatware in napkins held together by diamond ring napkin rings. Aren't they cute?
Rumor has it that I made 1000 croissant chicken salad sandwiches. That was a slight exaggeration on my part. We had 37 guests.
We also had tortellini pasta salad as well as a strawberry spinach salad, made by Megan and Karen respectively.
How pretty is that?
Karen's daughter, Lizzie made the fruit salad on skewers, poked into a pineapple. She also cut out pieces of melon and pineapple with a flower cookie cutter. Cure, cute, cute.
We had a small bar set up...
...and later in the evening a coffee, tea and sweet table.
Tables were set up outside as well and I took some shots of Karen's garden.
Isn't this darling?!
Here is the bride to be, holding her drink in a special pink bottle cooler.
The gifts were piled on and below a banquet table near the bay window. We requested the gifts not be wrapped which allows for the bride to enjoy the party and also saves on wasted paper. She is registered at Crate And Barrel and Bed, Bath & Beyond, and received so many nice gifts. I bought her a Kitchen Aid mixer and Emily and Abby gave her the blender and immersion blender. She can whip up cookies, margaritas and milkshakes all at once.
And this is a picture of the love birds. Son Kevin was a little overwhelmed by all the ladies when he came in near the end of the party, but he behaved himself.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I have one more shower to go to next week given by Mary Clare's family. She also has one being given by her girlfriends. It's so exciting. Now I have to get off my bum and find a dress for this wedding. I keep thinking I will lose another 10 or 20 pounds in the next 12 weeks but I don't think that is going to happen. Not after eating all those cupcakes, I mean, that one cupcake! ;-D

73 comments:

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Lovely all...

And please may we have the recipe for that Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Strawberries, spinach, yes. But what cheese and what dressing, please?

~♥~

RobinfromCA said...

Hi Jane! It's so wonderful to be back and reading about all of my blogging friends adventures! The shower looks like it was great fun and I can almost taste those cupcakes! Good luck with the wedding. I finally just posted about my daughters!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I'll bet those cupcakes were as delicious as they were pretty. I loved those napkin rings. What a wonderful time of celebration for your family. I have been catching up on your last few posts and I'm always so happy to share in your joy. I am in Boston visiting my middle daughter and leave for home today. I don't want to leave. I adore the east coast and all the darling New England towns...I now understand why she moved so far away. Have a wonderful week!

Low Tide High Style said...

What a lovely shower, and those cupcakes are such a great idea! So is not wrapping the presents! You are beautiful just as you are, so go find that dress!

Kat :)

Amy Chalmers said...

Wow the menu sounds great...probably cuz I am carb counting. ugh. I would like to have a croissant chicken sandwich right now!

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
It all looks so lovely, the cupcakes are delightful and the fruit skewers are amazing.
I like the sound too of the strawberry & spinach salad so I do hope you'll share the recipe.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
Maggie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oooh, everything looks so good, Jane! Love the idea of the cupcakes in the decorated chinese food containers and those diamond ring napkin rings are just perfect for a shower. Your sister has a lovely house; I love the outside of the front of her house.

Charlene said...

LOVED the melon skewers! And the napkin rings. I know you are having a ball with all this going on. I miss you coming by to visit. Keep the photos coming. HUGS!
Charlene

Lori said...

The cupcakes look scrumptious and I love the fruit kabobs! Actually everything looks great Jane and what a great idea of no wrapping paper! I am glad that everything came together ~ hope you enjoyed yourself and was not too exhausted from all the prep! Happy Sunday ~ have a good week. xo

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh girl...love the pictures. Those cupcakes are the most precious thing I've ever seen! Wow! Everything was absolutely lovely!

thank you so much for sharing with us. Gave me some ideas for a baby shower!

xoRebecca

Kat said...

Everything looks just beautiful Jane! Those cupcakes are adorable, and I love the little chinese take out boxes - such a cute idea. Don't worry about losing weight. Just find a fabulous dress and have FUN!!! Hugs, Kat

Pondside said...

What sweet shower ideas - I'm starting an 'idea' collection just in case I need some ideas in the coming year!

Lynne said...

Jane...Thanks for sharing...I know you are busy! The shower was beautiful. I am always impressed with your family's culinary achievements! Every attention to detail was lovely! I stressed about weight loss for my daughter's wedding...just find an ensemble that makes you feel great and have the time of your life dancing and hugging those that you love!
~Lynne
[w/love]

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love the cupcakes! The food looks awesome, great selection and decoration. Congrats to the Bride and Groom! ....

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Jane
Congrats to the lovely couple and such a thoughtful celebration she is a lucky girl
xxoo
Pam

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a lovely bridal shower! I love the black and white cupcakes. Are y'all all ready for the wedding (other than your dress)? The salad looks scrumptious. :D
What an adorable couple!

xoxoxoxoxo,
Ricki Jill

LuLu Kellogg said...

OK, now I am hungry! What a great shower and I love those cupcakes!

Hope you are doing well my dear!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

La said...

Hi Jane!

The shower looks like a lot of fun. It sounds like everyone chipped in, which makes it very nice.

It's a very exciting time for your family. Enjoy!

Honey at 2805 said...

This was such a lovely bridal shower with such special deatils! The cupcakes, the rings, of course the chicken salad croissants! Will be looking forward to the wedding pictures!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What a pretty and elegant bridal shower! I love the cupcakes. Did you sneek one in your purse! LOL!

The bride to be and the groom are so cute.

hugs
Sissie

Melanie said...

Jane, I loved seeing all the bridal shower pictures! The food looked so delicious and love cupcakes in the little boxes and the diamond ring napkin holders. Cute, cute, cute. What a great idea to request that the presents not be wrapped to save on paper. I guess another alternative on this idea would be to request that people use leftover newspaper or paper grocery bags. Anyway...your son and his fiance are such a cute couple. :-)

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Jane Sweetie...
What a beautiful and elegant shower. Loved that you all asked the gifts not be wrapped. Now that is wonderful, as it does take a lot of time in unwrapping them. This way it can be viewed all together, and cards placed nicely. How wonderful.

Those cupcakes looked absolutely divine. Loved the black and white theme, and adored the ring napkin rings, so CUTE.

Looks like a beautiful time was had by all. Have a glorious Sunday sweet friend. Thanks for sharing. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Lori E said...

The strawberry spinach salad is my favorite salad and mine always has toasted pecans in it. Yummmmm.
I recognized the 3 bottles of wine that I could see. (figures) Robert Mondavi is one of our go-to wines and the Barefoot Pinot is great for the warm weather.
More showers and more cupcakes...oh dear girl you may want to wait to buy that dress. This is torture.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

It is such a lovely tradition . . . showering a bride with gifts. You ladies put on a beautiful spread. I am sure your daughter.in.law.to-be felt very welcomed into the family.

Fondly,
Glenda

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, the shower looks like so much fun!... your croissants look delish, and so does that pasta salad, mmmm!... the cupcakes are adorable and so are the little take~out carriers for them... it sounds like everyone had a nice time and she got lots of great gifts!... they make a beautiful young couple... wishing them all life's best!... xoxo Julie Marie

Sonia said...

What a wonderful shower..love the cupcakes, napkins rings and the menu looked fabulous!! Congrats to you and the darling couple!
Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!!

Miss Bloomers

Leslie said...

Everything looked fantastic!!! Save me a chicken salad crousant and a cupcake please. YUMMM.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Oh my, all the food looks so yummy...those cupcakes...WOW!!!! I wish you lots of luck with your diet...mine didn't do so well for me and the wedding is in 6 weeks:(

Blessings,
Linda

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

That'a a lot of people for a shower and a lot of people to feed. It appears fun was had by all. Great idea having guests bring unwrapped gifts! The food looks yummy by the way. I'm trying to lose weight here ya know!

Take care,
Connie

Sarah said...

Jane, lovely details for this party. The food looks delicious. I like the idea of no gift wrap. That makes sense ~ saves time and paper. Gift wrap can be expensive too.
The happy couple look ~ HAPPY. Congratulations to them both. What a fun exciting event to look forward to. ~ sarah

Theresa said...

Oh what a fun party! I love the idea of having cupcakes and the napkin rings are precious! Never heard of requesting NO WRAPPING but another great idea!

Gorgeous couple! Happy days ahead for everyone! Have a blessed day dear Jane, HUGS!

Anonymous said...

what beautfiul shower, love the cup cakes and the favor boxes are such a good idea,, lovely couple,, I wish them happiness on their new life together,,(you look beautiful just as you are,, worrying about 10 pounds would ruin the joy of the upcoming weeks,,be happy

Lynn said...

Looks like a great time Jane, love those purple Adirondacks! If you have one of those 1,000 sandwiches left... I'd love one:@)

Jeanette said...

Nice shower! My daughter will be getting engaged soon and I am already compiling ideas for her shower! Love the diamond ring napking holders and the fruit salad kabobs!

All That Glitters said...

What a pretty shower! I'm hungry now!!

myletterstoemily said...

so many lovely, thoughtful gestures. i
am hopelessly inadequate at throwing
showers but still seem to find myself
doing it . . . all the time. i got some
great ideas here, thanks!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh what an elegant and pretty shower Jane!
I love those cupcakes!
Congrats to the cute couple, so exciting, I love weddings!
Counting down to our weekend, can't wait!
Hugs,
Cindy

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Hi Jane what a great shower!! The food looked so yummy and I just LOVED those diamond napkin rings, soooo cute! Loved the idea of not wrapping the gifts, it gives the bride-to-be so much more time to enjoy the party! Have a great week, Martina

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

So many fun ideas! Looks like a wonderful shower!

NanaDiana said...

Jane-What a darling party. I think the idea of not wrapping gifts is a wonderful one. It seems that there is much obiligatory "ooohing" by everyone over everything and it takes up such a good amount of time.

Love all the cute ideas..and glad you had 37 guests instead of 1000!;>)

Something about your son reminds me of our youngest son...I think it is those puppy dog eyes!

Hope you got some post party rest! xo Diana

Elaine said...

It all looks wonderful and delicious! I am sure she appreciated all the work everyone did for her shower. And she's going to have two more? Lucky girl!

Kerry said...

That all looks super delicious. What a smart idea not to wrap gifts...excellent! And I'm sure you'll look fab in whatever you decide to wear Jane :)

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

What a wonderful shower! Everything looks so perfect! I love all the details :)

podso said...

Jane the party looks like such fun. And what a great idea for the presents to arrive unwrapped!

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

So glad the shower turned out well. Great idea about not wrapping the gifts! The cupcakes were pretty too. I bet they tasted as good as they looked!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

It looks as though it was a lovely, lovely event! It was certainly done in style!! All the extra little touches look so special, don't they.
It must have been wonderful for you all!

Sarahx

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

LOL! one cupcake can be the end of it all.... I know!:)

Very pretty shower Jane..love the black and white theme!

d e l i g h t said...

That looks wonderful! Great menu and favors and decorations.

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Jane, Thank you for sharing pictures of a very special day! Everything looked fabulous and I bet the cupcakes were delicous.
Hugz,
Kim

Betsy Brock said...

What a lovely couple!

Nice shower! I've never heard of not wrapping the gifts, but what a fantastic idea!!!

Deserae said...

Everything was so beautiful...and the food looks delicious!!!!!
~Des

Vicki said...

Hi, Jane. Everything looks beautiful! I hope you enjoyed every moment.

Faded Plains said...

It looks like such a great party...and the food looks so yummy.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Yum! What a lucky girl to have this fun feed! The cupcakes are darling!

Sue said...

Those cupcakes are outstanding! What a great idea to put them in the boxes. Everything looks wonderful and they make such a cute couple. I like that idea of not wrapping the gifts...I've never seen that done before.

Oh, if you figure out how to lose 20 pounds in 12 weeks, send me the recipe please!

Debbiedoos said...

Wonderful Jane! What a cutie pie for sure. You must be so excited!~

vintch said...

what a wonderful shower! you can just tell the love and time and planning that went into it. what a sweet time for your family to celebrate and be together. have a beautiful day!

bj said...

It all looks so beautiful, Blondie. Her house is adorable...love that style.
Now, I am so hungry for Chicken Salad. :))
xo bj

Unknown said...

LOL you are funny...I always tell myself the same thing to but the only ways to loose what i want to loose is the treadmill everyday. it is not happening...Congrats! This is so exiting and the shower was so pretty!
XOXO

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding of your son, Jane! How exciting! Sounds and looks like the bridal shower was great fun! They make such a cute couple!!
XO,
Jo :)

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Janie...

Ohhh my gosh, Girlfriend...you have been busy! A very happy congrats to your son and soon to be daughter-in-law! The bridal shower was beautiful! Ohhh...all of those pretty little cupcakes...and...I love the boxes that Emily decorated for the cupcakes! That was a great idea! Mmmm...the food all looked so yummy! Yes, I would love a little chicken salad on a croissant, sweet friend...did you have any leftover? Hehe! Jane, I loved the purple patio chairs...love purple!

Well my dear friend, it seems like it has been ages since I have been by for a visit! So glad that you stopped by yesterday! Thanks so much for the sweet compliments on my Tea Rose bedroom! Have a wonderful day, Darlin'!

Love ya,
Chari

Heartfelt living said...

Hi Jane,
What a pretty shower and you all had such creative ideas!I love the idea of cupcakes instead of a cake and the napkin rings were adorable! Wedding and Baby showers are always so exciting!
Thanks for sharing this special day with us!

JudyBug said...

Love these pics! The diamond napkin rings are just to cute and I'm loving the purple chairs.

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Janie for stopping by taking notice of my latest creative french works...(French House Address)

I love the beautiful shower you and your SIL. Created, and the cupcake wars Well I watch all those DC cupcakes and all the shows, my daughter and I just love to talk to the tv and tell them what they should have done or created LOL!! we are enamored with the shows, how proud you must be with all that is going on around you :)

Thank you friend for all your bloggy support :)
xx
Dore

Anonymous said...

Looks like the party was super special. Loved everything and Emily's take home cupcake favor is wonderful. I like the purple chairs too. Hope your week is just going along beautifully. xo

Privet and Holly said...

Wow, Jane, the
bar is so much
higher for all
of the occasions
linked to the wedding,
nowadays! That will
be the next big thing
in my life once my
girl is through college.
Please, please tell me
how to slow it all down!
Loved all the details here;
the details show all of
the love, don't they??
xx Suzanne

Monica said...

What a wonderful day you had! All looks beautiful... love the color combo you chose.
I have never heard of spinach strawberry salad, but it looks soooo yummy! I must give it a try. Do you use a special dressing for it??
Hugs,
Monica xo

Kathleen Grace said...

I love the decorated cupcake boxes! A really pretty and affordable way to send something sweet home with the guests! I need to file this entire post away for future reference:>)

Jenny said...

I love the black and white color scheme for the shower! It's very classic indeed. Congrats to the happy couple!

Kathleen said...

It looks great, Jane! Such an exciting time for them.
As a mom of the groom I'll pass on the advice given me. Wear beige and keep quiet! :)

Mary said...

Looks like this is going to be a fun wedding - and all those wedding showers are interesting. Love your Emily's creative endeavors - have you named her 'wedding planner', she could make another career of this!

Good luck with the dress shopping Jane - whatever you weigh/wear I know you will look amazing.

Happy weekend, Mary

Zoe said...

What a beautiful bridal shower! Such lovely touches, like the chinese boxes, wonderful!

Zoe
Life of a Vegetarian Girl

The Single Nester said...

What a lovely time it looks like you all had. Family is important. Unfortunately since my brother's death, we are fractured right now.