Last May, I threw an Italian-inspired bridal shower for my best friend. The weekend before my mom threw an [nearly] identical shower for my cousin – both were hosted in my parent’s stunning backyard. My mom and I spent months planning, sourcing, and thinking about every detail to make these events special for two of the most important women in my life.
We wanted a theme without being kitschy, and Italy was appropriate for both Riley and Lynsey. Riley’s connection to Italy dates back to her college days studying abroad in Florence. Lynsey is part Italian and her fiance (now husband) is an Italian chef. They got married in Urbino, Italy last summer. Both were such special afternoons and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out for my friend’s special day. Read on for all the details.
The tablescape:
I was most excited to plan the table. No one does tablescapes like Lynsey – she has impeccable taste and aesthetic so I knew I wanted to invest my creativity there. I brought together higher-end rental items like the cross-back wood chairs and gold-rimmed wine glasses with budget items from IKEA and Dollar Tree if you can believe it! I added some depth with the rattan placemats, menus, and my husband’s ceramic vases. I also added sentimental touches by using my mom’s and my gold wedding flatware. About a week before, I potted the small terracotta pots with assorted succulents and alyssum. I then filled the vases with an array of green and white flowers all purchased from Trader Joe’s. The end result was a true mix of high/low – a casual elegance that felt just right for a Spring bridal shower.
The Food:
I know my friend and knew she’d care more about the decor than the food. I still wanted everything to be fresh and delicious. Looking back it was a little crazy to do all the food myself at five weeks postpartum but luckily everything turned out wonderfully. I made an extra-large charcuterie board and three salads – Panzanella, my own strawberry fennel salad with lemon poppyseed dressing, and grilled chicken orzo salad with avocado. I did outsource dessert, ordering lemon bars from a local bakery.
The Details:
The food, drink, and gift tables, along with the embellishment to Lynsey’s chair were all decorated with personal items from my mom, Lynsey, and my homes.
I’m so happy with how everything turned out. As wedding and entertaining season creep closer I hope this inspires you with any events you are planning. I’ve linked everything I could below.
Sources:
- Placemats
- Napkins
- Menus (template, paper)
- Water glasses
- Ribbed vases
- White ceramic vases
- Terracotta pots
- Brown bread bags
- Water bottles with stopper
- Gold flatware
- Rentals – tables, crossback dining chairs, plates, gold-rimmed wine glasses, champagne coups,