APRIL SHOWERS

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am a bit disappointed that this supposed El Niño is no where to be found.  After all the hype and news last fall, my fellow Southern Californians and I were thrilled that we would hear less about the drought and even have some days that were just too stormy to go out.  But, as my shiny new gray Hunter rain boots remain sitting up on my closet shelf, I’m forced to dream up another type of “April Shower”.  Oh, who am I kidding, these types of showers are clearly my favorite, and I would take them over a real storm any day!  So to wipe away those El Niño blues, here are some fun ideas and inspiration from some of my favorite showers I coordinated over the last year.

Planning: Renee Elise Luxury Events - Venue: Private Residence - Catering: Jay's Catering - Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen - China: Family Heirloom

 

MIX UP THE FORMAT

A fun and fresh perspective on a bridal shower is to change the traditional format.  A more formal tea party is a sweet and special way to celebrate an exciting new nuptial or bundle of joy.  Guests get to slow down and enjoy each others company as they experience a tradition from the past with scrumptious finger sandwiches, pretty teacups, and mini desserts.  For larger groups, there are some great companies that rent vintage china for tea parties to make your table extra special, or if your shower is more intimate I suggest using a set of heirloom china passed down through generations. One tip that I have found to be a great success is to order tea bags (I love Harney & Sons sampler kits) that guests can pass and choose from, then pouring from a tea pot on each table with hot water.  This way guests can all have whichever flavor of tea they would like, rather than brewing full pots of tea.  Tea parties bring out the little girl in all of us and can be such a great way to make a special occasion.

Planning: Renee Elise Luxury Events - Venue: Private Residence - Catering: Jay's Catering - Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen - China: Dish Wish - Florals: Bellatula

 

SURPRISE WITH THE DETAILS

Showers can be the perfect place to pay extra attention to the details and really wow your guests.  My advice is to consider the guest of honor and what their favorite things are, or what may best tie into the theme of the shower.  Artsy welcome signs, fresh flower arrangements, photos of the happy couple, and personalized guest favors are all great ideas.  I always think that you can’t go wrong with dessert or some sort of yummy treat as the favor for guests to continue enjoy the shower later when they get home.  My favorite so far has been the amazingly gorgeous mini macaroon box from Bottega Louie (which almost is too beautiful to open), that has the two most incredible macaroon cookies that you have ever tasted inside.  No matter what your theme is, find ways to incorporate special details that guests, and especially the guest of honor will notice and love!

Planning & Florals: Renee Elise Luxury Events - Venue & Catering: Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel - Favors: Bottega Louie

We may not be getting much rain this April here in California, but I’m sure there will be plenty of bridal and baby showers this spring!