Shower(s)

on August 27, 2011
in All Posts

If rain on your wedding day is good luck, than a hurricane on your bridal shower must be an excellent omen.

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For a while, we weren’t sure Lauren’s shower was going to happen.  But everyone rallied together to show her a good time.

 

When I grow up, I want to throw people fancy parties with table accessories.  I’m going to do Jen’s baby shower in October, and it’s my personal goal to make a pretty tablespace.  Any pointers?

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My favorite part?  Wedding photos of Lauren’s mother, grandmother, and aunts.  So fun to look at everyone’s dresses from the 1930’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s!

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Wait – I lied.  My favorite part was the epic chocolate fountain.  I pretty much put my mouth under the stream and just stood there.  There were pretzels, bananas, marshmallows, strawberries, and other goodies to dip in the fountain.

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Beyond chocolate, I munched on finger sandwiches, cheese, veggies, and little desserts.

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And cocktails!

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Finally, it was time to open the presents.  I’ve written about this before, but I seriously LOVE bridal showers and watching the bride as she opens all the presents.  Some find it tedious, but I find it so sweet and exciting.  It’s such a special time in someone’s life.

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Our friend Shayna was in charge of making the ribbon bouquet.  It was gorgeous!  Lots of pretty, colorful ribbons.

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My gift to Lauren was a framed copy of her wedding invitation.  This is my favorite wedding gift!  My former boss framed my wedding invitation, and it was so sweet because I never, ever would’ve thought to frame my own.  Now I look at my every day.  Lauren loved it!

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We left the party just as the weather was starting to turn…

 

Since both my original and backup flights have been canceled, I think I’m going to end up driving back with friends.  With all the backed up air traffic and craziness, I bet I can drive faster than I can fly!

 

But first… the BIG night out for the bachelorette!  Everything else might be closed, but all the bars are still open.  Go figure.

{ 63 comments }

 

  • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks August 27, 2011, 6:27 pm

    Looks like a lovely shower! I am really happy everyone was still able to make it. I love the idea of putting up pictures of your grandmother and mother in their wedding gowns. I want to remember that for my future bridal shower! And the venue is beautiful! Is it a tea room?

    Have a blast tonight, and safe travels back!

  • Anne @strawberryjampackedlife August 27, 2011, 6:30 pm

    Glad her “shower” was a success! That was such a thoughtful gift. Stay safe with the driving! Seriously, if you think it’s bad, DON’T DRIVE!! It’s not worth it! (/end motherly talk)

    • CaitlinHTP August 27, 2011, 6:33 pm

      🙂 It will be way past us before we start driving, and we’ll be going south, so we’ll totally miss it!

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) August 27, 2011, 6:43 pm

    Looks like a lovely party!! All of the food looks yummy. 🙂

    And I love the framed invitation! Such a good idea, never would have thought of it.

  • Army Amy* August 27, 2011, 6:44 pm

    Everything I know about table decor I learned from Sandra Lee on Semi Homemade on the Food Network.*

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga August 27, 2011, 6:44 pm

    When we lived in NC and SC and weathered some hurricanes and storms..the locals and diehards were at two places: surfing <–crazy! or at the bars drinking. They were usually still open 🙂

  • Laine August 27, 2011, 6:49 pm

    When you wrote “my wedding invitation” I thought you meant the invitation from your wedding. I was like “why would she want an invitation to your wedding?? Then I got it…

    • Jen August 27, 2011, 7:13 pm

      LOL, I thought that for a second too! Really sweet idea though…I bet most brides don’t end up with a copy of their invitation to keep. Have fun and stay safe!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas August 27, 2011, 6:57 pm

    What a fabulous shower! Everything looks beautiful! I am paying extra attention to details of all sorts of wedding posts.. since I got engaged today!! ):) 🙂 🙂

    • Jen August 27, 2011, 7:13 pm

      Congratulations!!!

  • RhodeyGirl August 27, 2011, 6:58 pm

    Congratulations to Lauren!

    I love the Michael Aram tray.

    • Lauren September 2, 2011, 10:56 am

      Good eye…it was a Michael Aram tray! You have good taste : )

  • Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields August 27, 2011, 7:01 pm

    What a wonderful gift idea!! I love it and will definitely keep that in mind in the future!!!

  • Alaina August 27, 2011, 7:22 pm

    My friend was supposed to have her bridal shower this weekend on the coast of CT but had to cancel. 🙁

    Looks like you had a great time! I can’t wait for my friends bridal shower.

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith August 27, 2011, 7:22 pm

    This is going to sound strange, but Goodwill tends to have unique table toppers and accessories. Also – Christmas Tree Shops!

  • Kim August 27, 2011, 7:23 pm

    We had a random snow storm on my wedding day…not sure what that means!

  • Wendi @ A Southern Yogi August 27, 2011, 7:37 pm

    um… the chocolate fountain looks DELISH!!!

  • Christine @ BookishlyB August 27, 2011, 7:45 pm

    I received an awesome framed set of my save the date and invitation too and it was definitely the most memorable shower gift I received. I’ll probably always have it up somewhere.

  • Hillary August 27, 2011, 8:01 pm

    Note to self: have a chocolate fountain at my bridal shower. Done.

  • Tracy @ Tracy's Treats August 27, 2011, 8:15 pm

    Wow the spread on that table looks amazing! You should check out Pinterest for some inspiration for your friend’s baby shower!

  • k August 27, 2011, 8:23 pm

    Here is an idea from a table accessory/tiered cookie tray. Go to goodwill or a thrift store and get several mismatched but complimentary plates, saucers and teacups. You can then stack them and use some sort of glue to hold it all together (I saw this in a magazine but I never went so far as to actually do it so I don’t know what kind of glue would work best – crazy glue?). Does that make sense?

    I was able to find a picture – but like she said, I’d probably use cups and saucers with colors and patterns.
    http://ruffledrose.com/2011/02/22/repurposing-recap/

    • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:16 am

      ohmigod, that is sooo cute. okay! definitely going to do that.

  • Sana August 27, 2011, 8:29 pm

    I totally thought you framed YOUR wedding invites from your wedding, now I get it!

  • Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) August 27, 2011, 8:30 pm

    I LOVE the idea of framing her wedding invitation! I didn’t do that for my own but maybe I will do it now…

    And the whole English Tea-type shower appetizers– so cute. I went to a tea house and got the full English Tea with all my bridesmaids at my bachelorette weekend too! I <3 mini crustless sandwiches!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats August 27, 2011, 8:52 pm

    That party is insane! Everything looks so nice! And definitely drive. I got stuck in Charleston in January for 3 days because of snow storms and then over-booked flights! It was rather stressfull…

  • katie @ KatieDid August 27, 2011, 8:54 pm

    I came across this table setting: http://www.roostblog.com/roost/a-housewarming.html while reading blogs once and fell in love with it. About half way down the page is a shot of the table with little platters made of tree stumps, it’s so rustic an adorable. Not really bridal shower esque, but pretty nonetheless.

    • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:13 am

      Wow, I love that look. So gorgeous.

  • Mandy August 27, 2011, 9:20 pm

    What a beautiful setup. And all the food and decorations are so pretty! Good luck throwing your bridal shower! I’m sure you’ll find tons of great ideas.

    I’ve never been through such a storm, but I’ve been hearing lots about it. We just get earthquakes here :/ But do be careful!

  • Shari August 27, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Stay safe out there … this weather is NOT pretty!!

  • Errign August 27, 2011, 9:31 pm

    Hope you get back okay! I’m in NH for the weekend and was supposed to fly back into Charlotte tomorrow to drive to AVL but my flight was rebooked for TUESDAY evening!

  • Baking N Books August 27, 2011, 9:34 pm

    Bars are open is major snowstorms in my old hometown -it’s a way of life 😉

    Man, I haven’t been to a bridal shower since I was like a teenager…finger sandwiches are cute 🙂

  • Sarah @ w30 August 27, 2011, 9:36 pm

    Beautiful shower! I LOVE having the wedding photos out, too.

    Suggestions for the baby shower – first and foremost: Pinterest! 😉 Secondly, I think a pretty mobile hanging over the table would be cool (if your set-up makes that possible). You know the one that Sherry made on Young House Love? It’s so pretty I’m thinking of making one for my home (and I don’t have a baby yet).

    Be careful on your drive!

    • Sarah @ w30 August 27, 2011, 9:49 pm

      Also, you might check out my friend’s blog Under the Sycamore Tree(http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/). She has four kids, a knack for entertaining, and some serious craft talent!

      • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:12 am

        Thanks for this suggestion!

  • Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs August 27, 2011, 9:41 pm

    What a fun shower! I love the old wedding pics.

    I love when tablescapes use common things in uncommon ways. Like at our wedding we used a cupcake stand to make a flower display and glass vases to hold candy. It’s stuff you have, just a fun way to use them 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey August 27, 2011, 9:42 pm

    I love watching people open their presents too. I think it’s so much fun! I actually get mad when people talk through it and don’t watch. I’m such a rule follower.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) August 27, 2011, 9:44 pm

    Awww! How fun! Every single time I read about a wedding/ bridal shower I want to get married like now! Lol! Need to find myself a man first! 😉

    Have fun and be safe with Irene!

  • jenny August 27, 2011, 11:05 pm

    My sister framed my wedding invite and I adore it — so I have since given 3 friends their wedding invites framed as well. Such a wonderful keepsake!

  • Sweet and Savvy August 27, 2011, 11:27 pm

    What a beautiful shower!! Glad everything came together despite Irene!:)

  • Khushboo August 27, 2011, 11:55 pm

    Love that gift idea, I never would have thought to do something so simple!

  • Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) August 28, 2011, 12:44 am

    I dominate chocolate fountains and finger sandwiches. 🙂 My mom framed my wedding invitation and gave it to me as a bridal shower gift. I love it….it hangs on my bedroom wall.

  • Ashley August 28, 2011, 4:17 am

    I registered for the same Michael Aram cheese board! haha. Such a fun shower!

    • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:12 am

      It is REALLY nice. You will love it.

  • Sophie @ LoveLiveAndLearn August 28, 2011, 4:31 am

    Oh this looks like a really gorgeous shower! I’m glad the weather didn’t ruin it! Your gift idea is lovely, really thoughtful 🙂

  • Pamela @girlgonewestblog.com August 28, 2011, 4:46 am

    I seriously love your new triathlon pics. And stay safe. That is all.

  • Haleigh August 28, 2011, 6:59 am

    I love looking at old wedding photos to see how the style of dress and hair has changed throughout the years. Stay safe during the storm. xoxox

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 28, 2011, 7:37 am

    I’m glad her shower still came together! It would have been a shame to miss out on that chocolate fountain. 😉

  • Rachel August 28, 2011, 8:00 am

    I also love watching brides or anyone for that matter open gifts…I might get jealous at some of the stuff they get…but I love celebrating special occasions with people, and it is always great seeing someone so happy! I believe everyone desires special days, and happiness is contagious.

    BTW, when I first read that you framed your wedding invitation, I thought you meant you framed the wedding invitation from YOUR wedding. I didn’t sound like a great gift to me, but once I realized what you actually meant, I love the idea! That’s a great gift!

    Hope you don’t have too hard of a time getting home.

  • Sophie @ threetimesf August 28, 2011, 8:37 am

    That is a cool gift idea – might start using it!
    Stay safe out there – and have a great evening! Every now and again we get snow here so bad people can’t get anywhere but the pubs always stay open – what’s a girl to do?!

  • Aja August 28, 2011, 11:57 am

    That looks like such a wonderful shower. And that’s a really cool gift idea.

  • Amber K August 28, 2011, 12:12 pm

    I have so many of my own wedding invitations left I could totally frame one for myself. In fact, I think I might do that because it’s such a cute idea. I wish someone had given me one!

    Chocolate fountain love…I have only been to one place that had one (a wedding) and it was pretty much the coolest thing ever. I tried to figure out how I could just camp out in front of it without looking too crazy, but decided I should move on to other food… 😉

  • lisa @ early morning run August 28, 2011, 12:29 pm

    Looks like a wonderful event! I love the idea of framing the wedding invitation, I’d never thought of that and will definitely remember it in the future. Hope everyone got home safe!

  • Molly @ RDexposed August 28, 2011, 2:11 pm

    I feel like most ribbon bouqets are all purple due to Bed, Bath, and Beyond!

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery August 28, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Ideas for baby showers. I have tons of ideas for games- like the candy diaper game, favors that look like pacifiers that are edible. Also, if you buy a bunch of blank bibs or onesies, the guests can decorate them. I’m sure you have heard these all before but feel free to email me if you would like to talk more! If the baby is a boy, I think that blue and silver objects like plates cups, food stands would all look really nice. If it is a girl, then pink and green, or pink and white would be cute (as they say that green is the new pink…don’t know if I agree, but that’s just the word on the street).

    • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:11 am

      I love the idea of decorating onesies. I am definitely going to do this.

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas August 28, 2011, 3:25 pm

    So sorry that the weather turned out the way it did! For baby showers, most people go with storks, but I say stray away from storks and go towards pandas. Pandas symbolize uniqueness, so it could be a way of saying, your baby is unique. Also, for fashion lovers, a zebra means you’re stylish =]

    • Caitlin August 29, 2011, 11:11 am

      Ooo i love this idea. 🙂 So fun!!!

  • Moni'sMeals August 28, 2011, 4:37 pm

    what a spread!!! if you were stuck in that room for a few days, it would not so bad if you ask me. 🙂

  • Anne August 28, 2011, 4:54 pm

    Lauren’s dress is adorable! Looks like a great time!

  • KatieG @ Just Roll With It August 29, 2011, 11:25 am

    GREAT idea to frame the wedding invitation! I would have never thought of that! I’ll definitely have to do that for my good friends wedding coming up this December, and she spend so much time and creativity on her invitations so I know she will love it..!

  • Amy H. August 29, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Martha Stewart Living’s website has a ton of great baby shower ideas, incl. decorations/tablescapes. Just go to the main MSLiving website and then click “Entertaining,” then “Baby Shower Ideas.”

    I second the recommendation to decorate baby onesies . . . we did this at the last baby shower I went to and everyone loved doing it, and loved chatting about everyone else’s — even the guys got very into it!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) August 30, 2011, 9:23 am

    Beautiful shower, and I love your gift idea 🙂

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