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

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!