Plan the Perfect Wedding Shower
(ARA)
- A wedding shower should be fun for everyone
involved: the bride, the guests, and even the
hostess. A little advance planning ensures that
happens.
First, a bit of etiquette: the shower is usually
hosted by the maid or matron of honor, or a close
family friend. The guest list should include only
people who have been invited to the wedding, unless
the shower is hosted by co-workers. Showers are
traditionally held a month or two before the
wedding; this can be a very stressful and busy time
for the bride, so make sure the date fits into her
schedule before making all the arrangements.
Showers are supposed to help the bride and groom
equip their new home, so they�re often planned
around a specific theme: recipe showers, camping
showers, linen showers, etc. In choosing a theme,
consider things that are important to the bride.
Does she love to cook? Consider a recipe party. Does
she like to entertain? How about a �stock the bar�
shower? Is the couple moving into a new home after
the wedding? A tool shower can help them collect the
essentials they�ll need. Once you decide on a theme,
you can use it to tie in decorations, gifts, even
the food and games.
* Invitations
The theme starts here. For a cooking shower, send
invitations written on recipe cards, or cut out leaf
shapes for a garden shower. Make it clear if guests
are expected to bring a certain type of gift.
* Decorations
Your local party supply store is a good place to
start, and the Internet is also a great resource.
Look for paper goods that carry out your theme -- a
floral design for a garden shower, for example.
Another good option is to decorate for the shower in
the colors the bride has chosen for her wedding.
* Food
Showers usually involve a light lunch or appetizers.
Tastefully Simple sells gourmet food products that
make it easy to put together an impressive menu.
Most of the company�s products require only one or
two ingredients to prepare, or can be enjoyed right
out of the package. For example, the Creamy Wild
Rice Soup mix can be used to make a delicious wild
rice casserole that can be the main course of your
menu. Or spread softened cream cheese on flour
tortillas, top with Tastefully Simple�s Sweet Pepper
Jalapeno Jam, roll tortillas, chill and slice into
spirals for beautiful hors d�oeuvres.
The company�s Web site has a complete selection of
products and more serving and menu ideas. You can
even choose Tastefully Simple as your shower theme.
A consultant will organize a home taste-testing
party, offering samples, easy meal ideas, recipes
and serving suggestions. Guests can order for
themselves and for the bride.
* Games
People tend to be split into two camps where shower
games are concerned -- either they think no shower
would be complete without them, or they�d rather
visit the dentist than play them. Take your lead
from the bride on this one; after all, it�s her
party. Check your local bookstore, library, or the
Internet for party game ideas. Chances are you�ll be
able to find a game that ties in with your theme.
For example, if you�re having a recipe shower, you
could play the apron game: attach a variety of
kitchen utensils to an apron and have the bride put
it on and model it for a couple of minutes, then
leave the room. Have guests write down as many items
as they can remember; the person with the longest
list wins.
* Party favors
While party favors are not essential, they are a
nice touch. Choose wisely, and your party favors can
double as part of your decorative theme. For
example, for a garden party, use small potted plants
with guests� names painted on the pots as a place
card on the table. When the party is over, guests
can take the plant home as a memento. You can also
use personalized photo frames, champagne flutes or
candles in the same way. If you�re throwing a
kitchen shower, send guests home with a tasty treat
such as Tastefully Simple�s Spinach and Herb Mix, or
their Garlic Garlic and Bacon Bacon dip mixes.
Use these tips to plan the perfect shower. You�ll be
a relaxed, gracious hostess and the bride will have
a very special day to remember.
Tastefully Simple products are sold through home
taste-testing parties. To find a consultant in your
area, or for more information on products, visit
Tastefully Simple or call (866) 328-6673.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Here�s an easy main course, for a bridal shower or
for a family dinner.
Creamy Wild Rice Casserole
Tastefully Simple Creamy Wild Rice Soup
1/3 cup chopped onions
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 to 2 cups instant rice
1/3 cup sour cream
Prepare soup according to package directions,
omitting 1 cup water. While soup is simmering, saut�
onions, mushrooms and ground beef in butter until
onions are tender and beef is no longer pink. When
soup is done simmering, add beef mixture, soy sauce
and rice. Cover and simmer until rice is done; stir
in sour cream. Pour mixture into greased casserole.
Bake at 325 F for about 1 hour until casserole
reaches desired consistency. |