A Bridal Shower

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This morning I hosted a shower for the fiancé of a cousin of mine.

 

I grew up in a family of four girls, and though technically we didn't have any brothers, we had the Batty Boys. My mom's sister, who lived only a few minutes away, had four boys the same ages as us. Since our mom's stayed home, they spent a great deal of their time together. In fact, it wasn't uncommon to see them every day. They were practically brothers. Ironically, my mom now has three grandsons, and my Aunt is awaiting the arrival of her fourth granddaughter.

 

Today, we had a shower for her son Jordan, and his fiancé Michelle. She's a sweetheart and it was so much fun to celebrate their upcoming wedding.

 

I served tea in our backyard which was a huge risk. Despite the grey skies and threatening rains, I set up my tent and tables outside. It did eventually shower.

 

We braved the drizzle for quite some time, but when the curtains were drenched and we were huddled as close as possible, we finally broke down and ran inside. The rains didn't dampen the afternoon though. It was still lovely.

 

 

 

My mom did the arrangements. They were beautiful.

 

 

(from left to right)

Becca her Maid of Honour and Sister-In-Law, Michelle the Bride, and Mary-Anne her Mom



Inspirations - Bridal Shower Theme

[via postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com]

We've decided on a theme for my sisters bridal shower. It's a spring wedding in a historic barn so naturally, my sister went it a more rustic, simple wedding inspired by nature and all things vintage. I couldn't have been more happy with her choice.

While searching for some shower themes, I came across these two gorgeous collages. I thought that the fresh Robin's egg blue and pretty Jade greens, paired with greys and creamy ivory said both spring and vintage.

I thought I would share them. They are just so lovely. Plus, I love wedding themes. I think I would one day like to venture into being a professional event/wedding planner just for this reason! I just think weddings are so lovely when the couple pays special attention to detail and theme. Wouldn't you agree? Little personal touches and careful planning really does pull the whole event together. And why not? It's such a special day.

Enjoy!

[ project wedding.com]

A Party Planning Party

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

One of my favourite things to do is plan a party. Dinner parties, Bridal showers, Garden teas ... each one is just as exciting as the next.

Last night, I hosted a Party Planning Party. How great is that? A party for planning a party! My sister is getting married this June and we were planning her upcoming shower.

Really, my Aunts (the Aunties) just needed an excuse to come to my house and enjoy a girls night out.

Wanting to keep dinner light, I served Anti Pasta. It's very Italian, as well as super easy to prepare and serve. I did some fresh bread with an assortment of fresh cheeses and sliced meats. A few kinds of olives and some artichoke and Asiago dip. I also did a baked Brie with caramel and walnuts, and ripe melon wrapped with Prosciutto is always a favourite as well. For dessert I made two kinds of cheese cake; Reese's Peanut Butter and Chocolate Espresso. Despite numerous attempts at telling them to just come, everyone showed up with something. I honestly don't know why I bother. It's just something they're known for. One Aunt brought chocolate dipped strawberries. Another, a lovely dessert wine. My mom made a delicious salad with mixed greens, toasted almonds, feta and pomegranates with a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. And the last one who could make it made tiny cream puffs that were to die for! Can you tell that food is an important part of our get togethers? I think it's the Italian in us.

Anyway, planning we did. Actually, most of the planning was already done. The invites were purchased, a menu set, decorations bought, and all the other fun details complete. We basically just divvied up the food list and then enjoyed out night.

I made a coffee this morning and continued sorting out details... something I love to do!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. Yum.

There were a lot of desserts left over! Can you blame me for enjoying a small piece so early in the morning? It was calling me from the fridge...

I spent the rest of the morning doing dishes and tidying up my house. I think today is the warmest and sunniest day we've enjoyed so far this spring and I couldn't have been happier sitting at my sink. The window was open and I just took my time sorting things out.

PS. Unfortunately, my camera is in need of some repair and I'm shooting with my sister's point-and-shoot. It's a great little camera, but I really do miss my own. I feel like I'm missing a limb! Is that sad?