Kristin's Bridal Shower Weekend

Kristin and Ryan are getting married in about six weeks and we just had her bridal shower this past Saturday. It was an all weekend affair with company arriving on Thursday evening. Kristin and Alex stayed with me as well as bridesmaid and cousin Jess. We had a huge slumber party in my room with blow up beds since Linc was out of town! Cousin Trish and new husband Greg also came to surprise us plus aunts, uncles, and my Gram.

We began Saturday morning at the club with a fun get to know you game. All the guests had to find someone who had done certain wedding related things. There were thirty six squares to fill up and we gave away cute prizes to our top two winners. You had to get a bit personal with guests you had not met yet, but it was all in good fun! From the game we moved on to lunch, starting with a delicious salad topped with strawberries, oranges, and walnuts. There was a pecan encrusted chicken dish for lunch with sides of wild rice, carrots, and broccoli. It was a lot of food but so delicious! The mimosas and wine were also flowing and it seemed everyone was really enjoying themselves!

Kristin began opening her gifts during dessert-- tiny cupcakes from the Fancy Pantry-- while Alex worked on making her bridal ribbon bouquet. Guests were very generous and the gifts she received will definitely add to her and Ryan's house and make newlywed life a little easier! Some of the favorites were a scrapbook from Donna Harvey, a monogrammed laundry basket and towel set, and a photo album of our girls trip to Cape Cod that I surprised Kristin with at the end. All the bridesmaids chipped in and bought her a Kitchen Aid mixer! We had a great turn out from my mom's golf and tennis friends, to Kristin's sorority sisters, to cousins and aunts and old family friends.

Because so many of our relatives came from out of town I decided to host a dinner at my house on Saturday night for them. Dad made his famous lasagna and Alex and I spent all evening Friday and then Saturday afternoon cooking up a storm and cleaning the house. She worked her magic making white chocolate craisin cookies, cream cheese fudge brownies, and mini cheesecakes. I stuck with appetizers like shrimp cocktail, veggies and fruit, and spinach artichoke dip. I also cleaned like a maniac because it was the first time they would all see the new house! Fourteen people came over to enjoy a good meal and company. We finished quite a few bottles of wine and had a great time! And thankfully, the dogs were on their best behavior and everyone loved the house! Now I can't wait til October!!