“Tied with a Beau” Inspired Bridal Shower

Continuing in the fashion of inspiration and resourcefulness, this week we are featuring bridal shower inspiration! I know you brides aren’t planning your own wedding showers (at least, you shouldn’t be), but there may be a handful of you out there who come here not only to be inspired, but perhaps you are in “wedding mode” with your favorite bride, and desperately need ways to be extra amazing. We’ve got you covered. I had the extreme pleasure of teaming up with Courtney of Today’s CNY Women and Alice G. Patterson Photography for this latest bridal shower spread. We gathered a handful of incredible CNY local bakers, thought up some WAY easy DIY’s that you can quickly put into place to make a memorable bridal shower, and had a little fun being girly. I mean, if you can’t be girly with your girls… We know darn well ladies throwing showers have the mad kitchen skills to make a creative savory spread, and bam, you have fed your guests. But when you want to offer something above and beyond, (and beyond your capabilities), we suggest a sweets display, tempting and lovely, and of course, very impressive. Especially when you add a big, fluffy bow.

I thought about us ladies a bit, and know none of us usually like to eat large portions of decadent desserts in front of company. I am convinced this is exactly why the “mini” trend is likely here to stay– I personally would rather have 5 different mini’s than one piece of pie… (or both)… agreed? So we brought in a little something for everyone: mini cheesecakes, specialty candies, baby cakes, decorative cookies, marshmallow and cheesecake pops, and classic cake! And yes, they are all as good as they look! I brought out the tulle, grabbed every serving piece in white I own (and then some) and asked all the bakers to keep it dainty, white and bright. (Alice is a saint for working with all this white, but man, doesn’t all that white just put your heart at ease?) Let’s take a closer look…

For the invitations, we got an ounce crafty on them, but just with fonts and paper– they are a cinch! Your local craft store has “linen” blank invitations in the paper section, and it’s the best (and cheapest) version of linen paper for this project. We chose to do the one one-sided invite, but go on with your crafty self!

Fave free-font site of mine is here, we chose Some Weatz Swatches (calligraphy & swirlies) and Birch (print font), typed it up really pretty and printed it out. That easy.

Last piece for today: to go with our bows and baking theme, gift each of your guests a vintage copper cookie cutter, as a token of your appreciation. Tie it with a bow of course!

More recipes and ideas to come next post! Hope you liked our delicious spread. Thank you to all the amazing contributors!!

Enjoy the whole magazine both online or pick one up and read it on paper the old fashioned way! I’m off to get a copy or two myself!

Amazing Confectioners: Baby Cakes: Sweet Rebecca’s | Mini Cheesecakes: 83 & Company | Cheesecake Pops: Yummies Cheesecakes | Cake: ‘Cuse Cakes | Cookies: Carly Bakes | Truffles, Rock Candy, Champagne Bubbles: Speech Family Candy Shoppe | Marshmallow Pops: Courtney (recipe up next!)