Melanie’s backyard bridal shower
Remember the cute gocco’d invites Kristina made for Melanie’s rustic barn wedding bridal shower? Party, people! Photos have finally been sorted and they are ready for your viewing pleasures.
For the wine tasting portion of the party, Kristina stopped into Bottle Rock in Culver City and had the wine buyer put together a summery set of relatively inexpensive but delicious wines. Which is an awesome tip for anyone hosting a wine party, because seriously, unless you are like REALLY into wine how could you ever put one of these together on your own?
She also made little cards listing the each wine in order of the tasting with space for people to write notes about ones they particularly liked. Which most people lost interest in after about the 3rd sip but they were a cute detail… appreciated soley by those obsessed with wedding/party planning of course.
Flowers came from the farmer’s market and trader joes. For appetizers they had a yummy cheese platter, olives & almonds, and crudite with beet dip. Dinner was a simple squash gratin, green salad, and olive bread.
And then dessert. Possibly the best part of the night. Red Velvet cupcakes, “The Winning-Hearts-and-Minds Cake” from Orangette, and strawberry-rhubarb pie. The best part is both the cupcakes and the cake were made 2 weeks in advance and frozen, which is an excellent idea for anyone thinking about a homemade dessert bar.
Vintage tablecloths from Ebay and Kristina’s grandma’s collection
Napkins: $0.49 Ikea tea towels
Tea light holders: recycled yogurt jars
Wine: Bottle Rock
Musical entertainment: amazing compilations from Michael Antonia of The Flashdance. Srsly, this guy is like REALLY talented. Thank you Michael!
Karen - The Last Detail on Jul 8, 2009
Those tablecloths are so beautiful! And for real....I wish we had a Trader Joe's in my area. I always see the most beautiful flowers in pictures that were purchased there.
Caitlin on Jul 8, 2009
Wow! It came out beautifully, Good job Kristina! You can tell how cozy it was, even just through the pics!
amy t schubert on Jul 8, 2009
exactly what I've been envisioning for when my hubby and I have a house with a backyard.... thanks so much for sharing!
Rachel (Heart of Light) on Jul 8, 2009
So, so gorgeous! I love everything - the tablecloths, the lighting, the wine tasting.
Mo on Jul 8, 2009
Beautiful backyard shower!! Absolutely adorable.
Molly Jean on Jul 8, 2009
this is so charming it hurts!
Sarah Berry on Jul 8, 2009
oooh, I've been waiting for this, and it looks enchanting. Did you have the dj set up playlist specially for the party? xo
Meg, A Practical Wedding on Jul 8, 2009
Mmmm.... see, thats happy. There are plenty of parties to be planned after the wedding is done, done, done :)
kiss my spatula on Jul 8, 2009
so lovely and intimate. it just oozes of love.
Melanie on Jul 8, 2009
ohhhh, makes me wish we could do it all over again! it was dreamy.
Morgan on Jul 8, 2009
Love this! We are incorporating some of these elements into our engagement shower: checkered tablecloths, mason jar candles and fairy lights. Sangra instead of wine, though!
Life Inspired Events by 'Ala Gala on Jul 8, 2009
I just adore the lighting and paper lanterns combo.
lenya on Jul 9, 2009
WOW WOW I just love this party. It looks like such a fantastic bridal shower
megan on Jul 9, 2009
definitely let me know if you're selling those tablecloths...so pretty! [email protected]
Emily on Jul 9, 2009
What a fun party. You guys did a fabulous job!!
Miss Pickering on Jul 9, 2009
How i wish the weather in England was reliable enough to throw outdoor parties, I love the feel of it all.
Truly Smitten on Jul 9, 2009
oh my goodness! I am seriously smittened!
Jaclyn on Jul 9, 2009
love this! what a great party and i adore the wine tasting and the decor! nice work.
Nicole-Lynn on Jul 9, 2009
Such a cute idea. I've saved some of these pics for inspiration for my friends wedding shower! Thanks!
Jessica on Jul 9, 2009
Wow! What a beautiful bridal shower...!!
Melissa on Jul 9, 2009
Stunning...over-the-top perfection of details and feminine charm!
simply hue on Jul 9, 2009
What a fun, colorful bridal shower! Thanks for the inspiration.
Bri on Jul 10, 2009
What a beautiful party! I love the lights hanging above. That's what I call flattering lighting! :)
Tara [at] Pacific Wedding Guide on Jul 10, 2009
So so cute! Looks like such a fun night with the girls...
Kavita on Jul 11, 2009
This is so beautiful. Sigh.
traveling bride on Jul 12, 2009
Love this, I want to have a party just like it.
The Perfect Palette on Jul 13, 2009
we're loving the table decor. the red checkered table cloths are so incredibly charming.
Chatterberries on Jul 22, 2009
Love the wedding reception! Thanks for sharing the pictures, love it.
sarah on Jul 23, 2009
What a sweet little bachelorette party. The lights are so pretty and wine tasting under a canopy of lights is even better. I am hosting a bachelorette party next week and love that it was done so inexpensively and still photographed so well/looked beautiful!
wedding registry on Dec 29, 2009
Great way to save money, and its a beautiful set up too!
Bethany on Mar 30, 2010
Tell me why this is my dream WEDDING, not bridal shower! Ha! I can't imagine what her wedding was like!
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Angela on Jan 19, 2013
I'd love to know what type of flower that purple flower is?