Welcome to my yellow and blue inspired Bridal shower I hosted for my best friend Jasmin in her backyard. The shower was at her St. Augustine home on a sunny May day.
The ladies invited were asked to be dressed like going to the Kentucky Derby (since it was the actual day of the Derby) cute sundresses and big hats :)
I rented white garden chairs for $3 a piece that I decorated with white and yellow paper with each guests name on the back of the chair (for their seat cards). From each chair hung the guests
favor cones. I handmade each cone making everyones different and filled them with an assortment of candies.
The table setting included silverware, mason jars decorated with blue ribbon, blue napkin wrapped with yellow tulle and a handmade MENU for each guest. I decorated the table with a light yellow polka dot tableclothe (bought from the fabric store) and a white runner down the center of the table. I bought dark blue pails that were filled with lemons and yellow pails filled with green and white flowers.
On the patio I had our game "Guess the Price", Thank You cards for Jasmin to send out to her guests who attended, Sandal Guest book and everyones Letter to Jasmin about their friendship and love advise on getting married.
One of the games I had everyone participate in was "Guess the price". I bought an arrangement of different spices, chocolate and sauces that the bride-to-be guessed how much the basket was worth and everyone else had to guess what the bride guessed the basked was worth.
The cocktail for the shower was Jasmin's mother in law's Mojitos and my southern sweet tea lemonade (spiked)
When I sent out the invitations I also sent out this "Fill in Letter - to the Bride to be". Each guest brought this with a picture of the bride and themselves on the back.
Which says:
Dear _______,
It's been ____ Years that we've known eachother and if I remember correctly, the first time we met was _________________________________. We've shared so many ____ times together. But my favorite memory of you has got to be __________________________________. I think you and ___ are perfect for eachother because ____________________________________________________. If I could give you one peice of advice on marriage it would have to be _______________________
_____________________________________________. I am so happy for you and wish you much love and happiness as Mrs. _______ _______.
With Love,
Your name
A special and unique touch for Jasmin's guestbook was to buy her some cute sandals in which each guested signed the bottom of the shoe.
Our lunch was simple and beautiful
Spinach Salad (recipe below)
Mini Cornbread muffins (Jiffy recipe off of box)
-added cream corn and glass of pimentos for color.
Zuchinni wrapped pork tenderloin
-zuchinni was sliced thinly (on mandalyn), pork tenderloin was bought marinated in italian flavors and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and wrapped in the zuchinni and baked til ready.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (recipe below)
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Italian shredded cheese mix
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pinch paprika
Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. (for a little surprise I added a little dijon mustard) Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
Sprinkle with a little paprika.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.
Spinach Salad
6 slices crumbled crispy bacon
2 hard boiled eggs chopped
1 pound fresh spinach
Dressing: ( Make this in the blender )
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon chopped green onion
2 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 Tablespoon chives
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared Mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 ice cube or a little water
Mix the salad dressing ingredients in a container, shake well and chill. ( I use the blender and refrigerate it -- it is best to make a least several hours before serving or a day ahead if you can so the flavors can develop more fully. ) Pour dressing over the spinach, bacon, and eggs just before serving, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper if desired. Toss well and serve. The dressing keeps well for several days in the refrigerator. Serves 6 to 8.
The bride to be was smiling and enjoying every minute of the shower :) I'm so glad you loved everything!
And dessert.....
My mom came up with the best idea for dessert, she made by hand German individual berry fruit cakes (Frucht Kuchen) with hand whipped sweet whipped cream.
To finalize the shower I had everyone take memorable pictures in the backyard with this frame
The End!
The music playing at the shower was Melanie Fiona's album
