Showers With No Chance of Rain

There are two life-changing events coming up in my family. One is the birth of another grandchild (my oldest daughter is expecting in January!). And the other is the marriage of our son next June. Both events are going to be glorious...and both events will require a shower, which, quite frankly, brings back really great memories.

You see, I've hosted three already: one for my middle daughter's wedding, one for my middle daughter's baby, and one for my oldest daughter's wedding (in that order).

They were all a lot of work, but also a lot of fun and a really big hit (or so I've been told).

That's why I'd love to take this opportunity to share them with you now. Hope you enjoy the pics and even get some ideas -- whether for an upcoming shower you're planning yourself or for a party of any kind!

MIDDLE DAUGHTER'S

BRIDAL SHOWER TEA PARTY:

The invitation actually had a real teabag tucked into a slit in the cup

My husband made this pouring teacup fountain centerpiece for the buffet table

Salads (nestled in curled cucumber slices) were placed at each setting

Homemade Vichysoisse Soup

Variety of tea sandwiches: Black Forest ham, grilled vegetables, chicken salad, and cucumber

Variety of homemade pastries, including Scones, Fruit Tarts, Chocolate Mousse Cups, Petits Fours, Cream Puffs with Grand Marnier Cream, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Grelot

Homemade teabreads included lemon-lavender, lemon-blueberry, orange-poppyseed, cranberry-nut, and banana -- accompanied by Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and various jams, jellies, and marmalades

The beverage table featured many different kinds of tea (of course!) plus hot cider spiked with cinnamon sticks

Each guest favor included a teacup and saucer, miniature jar of apple cider jelly (which my sis-in-law made), and a chocolate-dipped biscotti

MIDDLE DAUGHTER'S

BABY SHOWER LUNCHEON:

 

The appetizer table included an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, chutneys, olives, and...

...a variety of sparkling ciders

Soups included Lobster Bisque, Roasted Red Pepper Bisque, and Cream of Wild Mushroom; Sandwiches included croissants with a variety of fillings, including chicken salad, tuna salad, and turkey or roast beef with cheese

The sheet cake was flanked by a tower of 10 different kinds of truffles plus...

...strawberry cups

The favor was a CD soundtrack from the Broadway musical, Mamma Mia!

OLDEST DAUGHTER'S

FRENCH DESSERT BAR & MOVIE

BRIDAL SHOWER:

The invitation

The registry insert card

Yellow-striped tent canopies over white linen tablecloths with sheer runners and toile napkins

Hurricane candle centerpiece is surrounded by lavender plants

The lavender plants were given away as guest favors at the end of the night

The dessert buffet table

Homemade Creme Brulee, Salted Caramels, and Palmiers are in the foreground

Homemade raspberry lemonade

Other beverages included Perrier water, iced coffee, and Champagne

Tower of truffles

These homemade Madeleines contained dried lavender buds

Homemade Cherry Clafoutis

Homemade chocolate-dipped Macaroons

Homemade Fruit Tarts

Homemade Chocolate Mousse and Cream Puffs

Homemade Lemon Pots de Creme with Raspberry & Mint Garnish

An evening view

Set-up for our outdoor movie presentation of French Kiss, starring Meg Ryan

The bride-to-be in her vintage French sundress!