5 Tips for Hosting a Bridal Shower

Planning a shower? Here are a few ideas to get you started . . 

• 1 - Choose an unconventional color scheme. Whether I'm planning a party, or decorating a room - I love to find a source of inspiration. For this occasion, my "jumping off point" was the little vintage hankie under the basket in the photo above. I try not to worry about "rules" that certain colors mean certain themes. {CLICK HERE to see my twist on a  thanksgiving color scheme or HERE to see my surprise Christmas colors.}
• 2 - Use economical tricks to carry out your color scheme.  I often spray paint the same items over & over to use for the occasion {for instance the frame above}. I have a collection of thrift store plates I use so I seldom buy paper plates. Colored straws are inexpensive & SO CUTE. Tissue paper balls cost very little & they make a great impact. {CLICK HERE to learn how.} Boxes wrapped in pretty paper can help with the next tip . . .
• 3 - Vary the heights of the food & other items on your buffet table.  I don't know why, but this just makes everything look so much better! Study pictures in magazines or notice how this is done at your next fancy party.  Cake plates, wrapped boxes, crates - the sky is the limit to what works to achieve this look.

• 4 - Have things for your guests to do.  In my neck of the woods, most showers are open houses with large guest lists - so that makes it difficult to play traditional shower games. For this shower, on the invitation the guests were asked to bring a date night idea. Pretty paper & a jar were provided for the ideas & the jar was given to the bride-to-be. We also had a poster with fun photos of the bride at various ages. The guests were asked to guess her age in the pictures.
• 5 - If someone reliable offers to help, accept! Two good friends helped with the food & it was so great. They did an incredible job & it lightened my load considerably.  {Thank you Mel & Carolee! They are on the ends in the photo below. The bride & her mom - Colette & Katrina are in the middle.}

CLICK HERE to read more about the food we served & the cinnamon chocolate covered pretzel favors.

Shared at these fabulous parties:
Show Me What 'Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife
Weekend Wrap-up Party at Tatertots & Jello
Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things