Bridal Shower Buffet Table

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

It’s no secret that I am no fan of the kitchen. I’m not a bad cook, just find it…boring. So what does a smart woman do when faced with a ‘ Bridal Shower Buffet Table ‘ ? Surround herself with good cooks! Janice, mother of the groom, brought to the shower the most delightful, creative item. She lined real clay pots with a cupcake liner, filled them with delicious homemade hummus, celery and carrot sticks. They were a hit! I wish I had a picture, but they were gobbled up so fast, I didn’t get a chance. We also served tea sandwiches, cookies, nuts, fruit, iced tea, sangria…(yum! – made by my friend, Debbie, the night before – apparently it’s better if it “marinates” over night), “Spa Water” and cupcakes.

“Spa Water”? you say…well that was my contribution to the menu. And I must admit…it was well received. When the girls and I go to Ojai, CA and visit my parents, if we are lucky, we also visit the “Ojai Valley Inn and Spa” http://www.ojairesort.com (click on the link if you want to view a slice of decadent heaven!). It was there that we partook of what we dubbed “Spa Water”. It’s very easy to make, ridiculously so, even I’ll do it, and so refreshing. Take a cucumber, slice it thinly, pour water into a pitcher, add the cucumber slices, refrigerate overnight. That’s it. Delicious!

I’m sure you’ve noticed the pictures of our “Buffet” table. It had a fishing/spring /tea party theme – quite an undertaking. It was all sentimentally inspired. KK and Tyler were engaged in the spring — on a lake, (hence the fishing net), and the teapot — in the next photo — because KK has always liked a good tea party, ever since she was a a little girl…

Thank you to Debbie, for her skill in decorating, and incorporating the themes and creating KK’s “Vision” on our buffet table!
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Photos: Mary P. Karnes

Bridal Shower Favors

Posted on April 30, 2015April 30, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

Bridal shower favors …the little thank you to your guests for attending your party, and gifting you with much needed items to start your new life. Don’t discount these presents that may range from crystal frames to placemats. I still have mixing bowls, tupperware, and linens from my showers thirty-one years ago. So…what to give your guests when they graciously attend your bridal shower?

Well, it can range from the extravagant, think a Waterford crystal vase, to a token – a perfumed soap or a few chocolates. What about a theme? KK had a “Tea” for her shower, so we chose a guest-take- away with a “Tea Party” theme. The top photo is of a teabag that I ordered from beau-coup.com I originally started to order on-line, but had a few questions, and placed a call. The customer service rep was terrific. My personalized tea bags arrived in just 3 days – with no shipping up-charge! FYI, the teabag is plain white, the “personalization,” a sticker. Looks pretty good, doesn’t it? It makes for a nice keepsake, for KK and the guests.

Each guest received a pink bag which included the tea bag, a “Tea” shaped tape measure, a few truffles, and a honey straw. And don’t forget Aunt Cindy’s gorgeous “Tea” candle favor! (if interested, you can click on the following link https://marypkarnes.com/2015/04/fun-bridal-shower-ideas-2/ and it will direct you to my post: “Fun Bridal Shower Ideas” It made for a nice, cozy favor. Below is a picture of the the favor bags grouped in my window sill.

Photos: Mary P Karnes photos
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Fun Bridal Shower Ideas

Posted on April 26, 2015April 27, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

Looking for some fun bridal shower ideas? KK, in the photo above, just enjoyed her bridal shower. Fun was to be had, and some adorable, creative ideas were on display. The ideas were not mine, but I love to share! Below is the most thoughtful gift. Debbie, my daughter Maggie’s mother-in-law, was one of the first to hear of KK and Tyler’s engagement.

She immediately began planning KK’s shower gift. Every month, a year before the party, she gathered items for that season’s holiday, i.e., in July, for the “4th of July” celebration, she gathered an American flag and sparkers. In October, for Halloween, a “trick or treat” bag, etc. It was a labor of great affection, and I know KK and Tyler will enjoy and appreciate this gift for years and years to come. Much like Christmas ornaments become “old friends” when they reappear year after year, so will these holiday items.

Next up, and this was a total surprise, was the delightful, thoughtful, creative, lavender favor you see in the next photo. Our dear friend and new family member, Cindy, (Maggie’s new aunt by marriage), gifted us the night before the shower with these – one for each guest! It was all about symbolism. KK and Tyler were engaged while fishing at his family’s lake house – hence the tiny red and white fishing lure attached. The tiny engagement ring tied to each favor represented KK’s own lovely engagement ring. The candle scent was “Blue Summer Sky” as she was engaged in the summer and will marry then as well.

In the next photo, you see the entire tray of favors… Cindy! How long did this project take you?

One of the best things about getting married? The new family you will acquire. Robert’s family has been a joy to us, and Tyler’s family is lovely as well. You can never have too many people to love you!

Photos: Mary P Karnes photos

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Tossing the Garter

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

Photo: Patty Cloherty

My new son-in-law, Robert, had the BEST idea for “Tossing the Garter.” He was going to stand on the balcony overlooking the massive brick patio at our reception site, instruct the single men to stand below, attach the grater to a football…and let it fly! Sadly…it rained, and we had to set up one of those big, white, event tents over the patio – that is the “room” where you see much of the “goings on” in the photos from previous blog posts . The tent made it impossible to use the balcony. Never fear, Rob put his plan into action, just inside the tent. It was so fun. The DJ played the theme song to “Monday Night Football” as he threw a perfect spiral.

And guess who caught it?!? — The seventh grade younger brother of my younger daughters, Tess and Julia’s friends. This young man had had a crush on the much older Maggie for about 2 years when he was 4 to 6 years old. We think now, though, that he more excited about the brand new football Rob had purchased for the event, than the honor of catching the garter — but he still thinks Maggie’s beautiful. 🙂

Please enjoy the pictures of the varied garters below. Much to think about…will you choose a blue garter for your “something blue” a garter with your wedding colors, or white to match your gown? You really can’t go wrong, but I still maintain that a bride should wear two…one to wear and hand down to her daughters, and one to throw. I only wore one garter when I was married 31 years ago…but when we married again for our Roman Catholic ceremony two years later, I wore another…Did Maggie wear that one, will KK? I’ll never tell…