Sometimes a lady does not want a shower that’s all pastel flowers and pink ruffles—she craves whimsy and vibrant colors, a modern affair for a modern woman! Anne from Circus Berry has just such a friend, so she obliged with an explosion of geometric garlands and colorful glassware in this kaleidoscope bridal shower. The crowning centerpiece is the donut hole tower, easily assembled with a styrofoam core, plastic wrap and a whole lot of toothpicks. When the bride asked for a nod to her beloved feline friend, Anne was momentarily stumped, but found the perfect solution with geometric cat cupcake toppers (love the question mark tail!). Check out Anne’s tutorial for the hand-painted champagne glass favors here. 
Category Archives: Bridal Shower
A Dia de los Muertos Bridal Shower
My favorite showers are absolutely always the ones that step outside of the traditional and really embrace the bride’s personality and unique interests. This Dia de los Muertos bridal shower is the perfect example, drawing on bride Seabron’s love of this Mexican festival as well as her vibrant tattoos done in the same style. A traditional decorated skull motif in citron and neon red ties the whole colorful celebration together, from the invitations to the margarita bar (one for me, please!). Christie and Nicole of Hey! Party Collective mixed authentic touches, like the Virgin of Guadalupe votive candles, with moments of pure fun, like the tiny Tabasco sauce favors at each place setting. The result perfectly captures the mix of dark and light, and the celebration of family (in this case, a new one beginning!) that is at the heart of Dia de los Muertos.
A Chic Chevron and Stripe Handmade Bridal Shower
Chalkboard signs and paper rosettes, patterned burlap garlands and chevron table runners…this shower is just bursting with handmade touches, all done up in soft greys and pale pinks—with a few pops of color, of course. Photographer Megan Small couldn’t wait to plan a handcrafted shower for her best friend (since second grade!) Hillary. Guest book idea I’m stealing: Have the guests sign a cookbook next to their favorite recipe—now you know what to make when they come over for dinner! Check out Megan’s list of the stellar Etsy vendors who helped her pull off the event below.
Photography: Megan Small Photography | Patterned paper rosette garlands: Jennifer of The Papier Studio | Faux chalkboard signs: Katie of Lane Love Designs | Burlap pennant signs: Jessica of Cuter Than Words | Chevron printables: Heather of YouMakeDo | Rosette centerpieces: Lili of Beautiful Paper Crafts | Hillary + Adam bicycle print: Michael of DexMex | Catering: Susan Jodon of Swanky Catering and Events
A Mad Hatter Bridal Shower
As a longtime lover of all things Disney, Kentucky bride Nickie requested an Alice in Wonderland theme for her bridal shower, and her bridesmaids were happy to oblique with this whimsical Mad Hatter tea party. Photographer and matron of honor Whitney Knutson used vintage books, floral tea sets (borrowed from many of the ladies who attended the shower) and prettily potted succulents to bring the infamous tea party to life. A patterned floral sheet served as a simple photobooth to capture a few sweet moments with the bride (in a royal blue dress, à la Alice!). I love all the little nods to the story that are scattered throughout the party. 
Photography: Whitney Knutson Photography
21 Spectacular Bridal Shower Themes
When it’s time to choose a bridal shower theme, think about the things that are meaningful to your friend. Explore her interests and passions and see if one would translate into a great bridal shower. Don’t throw a tea party just because it’s the first idea that pops into your head—go for the tea party theme if your friend can’t get enough of all things British, brews her own loose tea or collects vintage teapots. Tailoring the shower to your friend’s interests and personality will not only make it more unique and memorable—it will also make it way more fun! Here, 21 ideas for spectacular bridal showers.
1. Tea Party
One of the most common and classic bridal shower themes. Check out our tea party inspiration board on Pinterest to find ideas for creating an elegant tea that’s the perfect mix for a vintage yet modern bride.
2. Lingerie
Another very popular shower theme. I recommend keeping things delicate and fresh with light colors and lace—no neon-pink corset cookies, please! This rustic vintage shower uses lingerie as an accent rather than the focus and the results are so sweet.
3. Carnival
A carnival theme is a great excuse to go crazy with colors and candy—plus, it brings out the kid in everyone. I love this chic fairground shower with an old-timey iron cart serving as a snow cone bar and pinstriped table linens lined with bursts of colorful blooms.
4. Spa
Book a spa day or host your own pampering party at home. There are tons of easy spa treatment kits available, from do-it-yourself facials to this floral foot bath. Ask everyone to wear fluffy robes and slippers to complete your total relaxation. (Image via Gardenista)
5. Travel
If the bride is a world traveler, channel her wanderlust with a vacation theme. Choose her favorite destination to inspire the decor and food (Parisian niciose salad or Italian caprese), or incorporate lots of her favorite locales and tie them together with maps, vintage luggage and a passport invitation. A great gift theme: the honeymoon! (Image via Sarah Tucker)
6. Garden Party
Head to a nearby garden store, a public garden or a greenhouse, or host in your own back garden. Flowers are the centerpiece, but it’s great to get your hands a little dirty as well. A make-your-own-terrarium class provides a unique activity as well as a long-lasting favor. (Image via Ruffled)
7. Fiesta
Who doesn’t love a fiesta? The colors are bright, the food is delicious and the drinks are strong—the perfect inspiration for a fun backyard bridal shower (check out more ideas here). (Image via Little Miss Party)
8. Nautical
Perfect for a boathouse brunch, a luncheon by the lake or a beach picnic . Nautical can mean whatever you want it to, whether you go with the classic sailing style with blue and white stripes (and a hint of navy sequin to glam it up, of course) or translate it into a breezy beach theme with sea glass greens and a touch of sand. Check out our Nautical Inspiration Board on Pinterest for more ideas. (Image via Style Me Pretty)
9. Picnic
Imagine a backyard party complete with lawn games, hearty boxed lunches, and plenty of craft beers. It’s casual, colorful and just plain fun (who’s bringing the croquet set!) (Image via Eric Kelley Photography)
10. Cocktails with Class
Get your girlfriends together to create and sample a few new cocktails. Everyone should know how to make a signature drink! I love The Sweetest Occasion for unique cocktail recipes (check out her Cherry Blueberry Smash for a yummy summer sip). (Image via The Sweetest Occasion)
11. Get Crafty
If you have a full-on DIY bride on your hands and a group of girls who don’t mind getting crafty, offer to help with a few of her wedding projects. Just make sure the shower doesn’t turn into a work day. Tackle one or two projects, then spend the rest of the time enjoying nibbles, cocktails and each other’s company. (Image via Gather Events) Continue reading
Nautical Bridal Shower Inspiration
Earlier this week, I put together a nautical inspiration board for my friend Rosie over at TrueBlu...and I just couldn’t stop. I set into a kind of blue-and-white-striped frenzy, during which I seriously began to consider incorporating lobster art and a giant marquee anchor light into my home decor. Needless to say, I had more than enough inspiration for another board!
I started with this amazing image of sea grasses and wildflowers in colored glass bottles and I knew I had to bring in one of my all-time favorite J.Crew bridesmaid dress images, which was shot in Maine. From there, it was easy to run with the New England theme and add a lobster boil and a crisp cucumber cranberry Cape Codder cocktail (say that five times fast!). This adorable “dropping the anchor and tying the knot” tank and invitation make the perfect tagline for the shower and white and blue striped heels could class up a casual look. A chocolate tart with red and blue berries looks like a decadent end to the meal (but it’s paleo and vegan!), while this sea clay beauty set makes the perfect favor.
The inspiration doesn’t stop there. Check out my Nautical Pinterest board or hop over to TrueBlu to see my first nautical inspiration board, complete with Mastbrother’s anchor-printed chocolates (my kind of party favor!) and a recipe for firecracker ice pops.
A New York City Bachelorette Dining Guide
Trying to plan a bachelorette weekend in NYC and absolutely overwhelmed by your restaurant choices? Trust me, as a New Yorker I feel your pain. Just deciding where to go to dinner often requires a flow chart. I need to consider location, price, ambiance, and even the size of the restaurant, read reviews on Yelp, check New York magazine for the latest openings…it’s too much! I keep lists of places I’ve enjoyed just to have a few options on the tip of tongue in a pinch. I can’t imagine how you, a NYC visitor, must feel. So here you go: my recommendations for affordable NYC dining, all chosen with your bachelorette party in mind.
I have to preface this by saying that this list is by no means complete. NYC is just too big and there are too many amazing restaurants, with new ones opening every day. So this list is very personal to me. It’s based on my experiences and the places I like. Please leave me suggestions in the comments for the inevitable part 2!
P.S. Part 2 has arrived! Click here for more dinner recommendations, a few unique drinking spots and more yummy treats.
First, let’s talk about cost. I consider an affordable entree in NYC to be $15 and the average beer will set you back $6-$8. I know, I know. As a girl who has ordered a Long Island Iced Tea at a bowling alley in North Carolina for $4, I feel your pain. Here, that same drink will set you back $12 at some bars. So set your budget or your expectations accordingly. But don’t despair. There are deals to be found if you know where to look and you can absolutely have amazing food and an amazing time without shelling out $100 a person on dinner. All the restaurants I’ve chosen here are affordable and delicious.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that many mind-blowing NYC restaurants are incredibly tiny. I’m talking 10 seats or just counter service! So if you have a big group to accomodate, you need to keep the size of the restaurant in mind.
Lastly: reservations, reservations, reservations. Live and die by Open Table, a great website for booking reservations online or on your phone in a snap.
Dinner
Otto: Mario Batali’s West Village spot is called a pizzeria, but take a look at the menu and you’ll see it goes far beyond pizza. The price tag also doesn’t match how divine the food really is (personal pizzas run $7-$14). Start with the braised pork shoulder with pappardelle and finish with the olive oil gelato—trust me! This gelato is one of my favorite things to share with visitors. They always seem nervous before their first bite, but then can’t stop eating this fruity, tangy concoction. The cavernous Tuscan-style dining room makes this a great choice for big groups.
Nai Tapas: This East Village joint is small, but could accommodate a big party with advanced notice and a reservation. The tapas plates are delicious, authentically Spanish and perfect for sharing along with pitchers of sangria. If you’re daring, try the pulpo a la gallega (octopus) or for something a bit tamer but still delightful go with the pan tumaca (toasts with serrano ham, manchego cheese and tomato). Either way, make sure to order their champagne sangria—it’s a celebration in your mouth. Thursday and Saturday nights have live flamenco shows. Tapas portions run about $7 each and full plates are $9–$14. A pitcher of sangria will set you back $27, but you’ll get at least 6 drinks out of it.
The Park: Want to feel like you’re dining in Central Park? Request seats in the garden room of this casually chic Chelsea spot. With cobbled floors and patio tables, the atmosphere is casual, but candlelight and the rustic wood bar add an element of sophistication. (If you really want to get swanky, ask for seats in The Red Room. Or, there’s even a huge penthouse room that can be rented out for large events.) The food matches the breezy outdoor vibe, with wood oven pizzas, designer burgers and small plates to share. The large entrees like the grilled salmon start to get pricey at around $18, but the seasonal white mushroom pizza or turkey burger with pepperoni relish on an English muffin will only set you back $13. This place is really about the atmosphere though. If you want really posh eats, graze at a few locations in Chelsea Market next door, then stop into The Park for drinks.
Murray’s Cheese Bar: What could be better than wine and cheese? Murray’s Cheese Bar is an extension of their amazing cheese shop. As the restaurant itself is small, your best bet may be to book a private event at the cheese shop, which has a great room overlooking the whole cheese paradise. A certified cheese expert can serve you delicious morsels and tell you a bit about each scrumptious bite while you wash it down with plenty of bubbly. Or make a reservation in the restaurant, where you can indulge in decadent mac and cheese ($12) or nibble on a grilled artichoke heart salad ($10) in between bites of cheesy goodness.
Westville: Oh man, Westville. Sometimes I have dreams about you. You are just so good. This gem is all about fresh and local. Believe it or not, my absolute favorite dish is the market side plate: four of their to-die-for vegetable sides, like zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella, mashed sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts with honey dijon. The market veggie plate will run you $12, while a grilled pork chop smothered in red-wine mushrooms will be about $15. There are four locations, but only the Hudson St. location takes reservations (for parties of 6 or more only). Opt for this location so you don’t end up waiting.
Late-Night Eats
It’s after midnight. You’ve been partying the night away. You are hungry. Here is where your dreams will come true.
Artichoke Basille Pizza: Sinfully delicious pizza. The East Village location is open until 5am—yep, you read that right—or you can stop in the West Village or Chelsea locales until midnight. Best known for their white pie with artichoke and spinach.
This Little Piggy: As the rhyme goes, “…had roast beef,” and you shall too. Order it “This Way” (with aus juz and cheese whiz) or “That Way” (with gravy and fresh mozzarella). Either way, it will be the most perfect drunk food you have ever consumed. Also located in the East Village and open until 5am.
Crif Dogs: You’ve never had a hot dog like this. My personal favorite is the tsunami dog, which is wrapped in bacon and topped with pineapple, green onions and teriyaki sauce. Bonus: The phone booth is actually the entrance to a speakeasy, PTD. Pick up the phone to dial for entry, but be warned that they keep the numbers low so the bar isn’t overcrowded. You can make a reservation to be sure you’re admitted. East Village, open until 4am.
Brunch
Brunch is an event in NYC. If reservations are accepted, I highly recommend you make one. But some of these places are good ol’ fashioned first come first serve. Just be prepared to wait (it’ll be worth it).
Friend of a Farmer: Fresh food that will make you feel good about yourself and say yum! The vibe is a rustic country house and the dishes match. The pumpkin pancakes with toasted walnuts ($13) are just tooo much goodness or opt for smoked salmon scrambled eggs for a taste of New York ($14). Located in Gramercy.
Calle Ocho: The trek to the Upper West Side will be worth it when you encounter this Spanish brunch spot’s number one draw: an unlimited sangria bar is included with your meal and presents you with eight different flavors to sample, from the Spanish Harlem spiked with dark rum and a pinch of cinnamon to the Havana Banana with tropical creme de banana and coconut. Try the wild mushroom paella ($15) or a chorizo and scrambled egg burrito ($14) to soak up the liquid deliciousness.
Sarabeth’s: Sarabeth’s is a New York institution, well known for serving a classy and scrumptious brunch. Order their porridge Mama Bear (cream, raisins and honey) or Big Bad Wolf style (wheatberries and brown sugar). Be sure to include some kind of baked good in your meal—they’re known for their breads and jams. Multiple locations all over town.
88 Palace: Take brunch in a new direction by having dim sum, the Chinese equivalent. The foods are more like what you’d typically want for lunch, so don’t go in expecting eggs and pancakes. It’s more like morning tapas. Small carts wheel around this cavernous space at the top of a strange strip mall. Don’t be alarmed as you enter and wind past cellphone vendors and free clinics. 88 Palace occupies the entire top floor and is a revelation. Be sure to grab a plate of roast pork puns, but be adventurous! Each plate is only around $5.
Treats
No girls trip is complete without treats, am I right? Whether you want to order a special cake for the bride or just want a sweet stop off, here are my favorite treat destinations.
For cookies, try City Bakery. Though the best chocolate chip cookie in the city is a hotly debated topic, many give City Bakery the title for their chewy yet soft cookies with a hint of salt. If you’re visiting during February, you’re in luck! For their Hot Chocolate Festival, the bakery creates a new hot chocolate flavor every day.
For ice cream, I gotta go with Sundaes and Cones. Why? It’s right by my office! No, seriously, this is good ice cream. Super-creamy and rich, with your favorite standbys, but a few Asian-inspired offerings as well, like red bean or green tea.
For cookies and ice cream, track down the Cool Haus truck for an ice cream sandwich like you’ve never seen before. Make your own cool combination, like a red velvet cookie with yogurt and berries ice cream or a potato chip and butterscotch cookie with salted caramel ice cream. You can even eat the wrapper! (Not as weird as it sounds.)
For cupcakes, hit up Two Little Red Hens. (Also, scones. Man I miss those scones!) NYC has this trend for supersweet sugary icing on cupcakes and I just do not like that. So Two Little Red Hens is my perfect cupcake. The icing is not overwhelmingly sweet and the cakes are moist. Brooklyn Blackout will send you into a double chocolate coma, but I personally have to go with the carrot cupcake as their cream cheese frosting is divine!
For pie, you’re going to have to trek to Brooklyn for Four & Twenty Blackbirds. Could you find good pie in NYC? Oh sure. But this pie is hands down my favorite in the city. Like, have-daydreams-about-salted-caramel-apple-goodness amazing.