It seems everyone in my family is getting married lately, which means I get to throw lots of parties!  Over the weekend I hosted a Bridal Shower for my cousin Amanda.  Her wedding colors are black, white and green, so I thought I would make that the theme of the shower.  Since I already have black and white wallpaper, I was two thirds of the way there without buying anything.  I found myself inspired by the shades of green in some of my favorite vegetables: brussel sprouts, broccoli, artichokes and basil, so I made arrangements out of them.  Last night I roasted the brussel sprouts, and I plan to cook up the rest of the vegetables throughout the week.  I think I was able to waste a lot less with these edible arrangements. 

Drinks were easy, I just bought everything with green labels: Sparkling cider, Limeade and Lambrusco.  Sliced some limes, added a vintage ice bucket, black and white vintage tray and a pitcher of water. 

All my aunts brought a dish and I provided the fixings for sandwiches.  To make it interesting I put the spreads in recycled glass jars with handwritten labels to make it seem like they were homemade...haha.  I did make the pesto mayo, but that is pretty easy. 

Pesto from Trader Joe's + Mayo = Pesto Mayo

 

 I used my trusty bulletin board for a little creative activity.  Using the program Poladroid, I transformed some photos of the happy couple to look like polaroids.  I had a little sign that told guests to help Amanda finish her photo album by writing captions on the pictures. 

I had to get creative with favors once again.  Considering that it is the holiday season, I put together a gift wrap station.  Each guest got a bag to fill with pre-cut rolls of vintage wallpaper, old photos and tags made from vintage book pages.  In the front I had spools of vintage ribbon and string and allowed guests to cut them to their desired lengths. 

It was a great day!  I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!

Salvage Style Bridal Shower

On Saturday I hosted a Bridal Shower for my dear cousin Joan.  She is marrying the love of her life early next month.  I have been busy making her a veil and necklace as well as planning this shower.  I had so much fun coming up with all the little details.  Sadly, I forgot to take a photo of the food table, oh well.  Everything I do seems to take on a vintage, diy theme, and this shower was no exception.

 

I ordered a vanilla buttercream cake from Sweet and Saucy Shop in Long Beach and decorated it with three tiny glass vases holding daisies and a handful of raspberries.

 

More tiny glass vases (mostly vintage 1 oz. liquor bottles with labels removed) with single flowers.  I added the "Joan Loves Keith") with little hang tags that I hand stamped.

 

 I created a little corner where people could write well wishes or notes of advice to the bride-to-be.

 The vintage typewriter holds a note written from the groom to his soon to be wife.

Instead of traditional favors, I filled a vintage cart with hand decorated vintage clutches, headbands and jewelry for the attendees to choose from.   Simple white paper bags to hold the goodies were stamped with "Thank you".

In place of games, we did a design challenge, a la Project Runway.  I showed everyone a vintage clutch purse that the bride would be wearing to her rehearsal dinner.   Each guest received a drawing of the clutch purse in which they had to decorate with a variety of vintage ribbon, buttons, etc.  The bride chose a winner whose design I will replicate on the clutch for the bride in time for the big event.

 The game was a hit!  Here are just a few of the designs.

 Me and Joan remembering our youth. :)