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A Bridal Shower is a special occasion but can be overwhelming for the host if not properly organized.
Here are a few tips to help keep a Bridal Shower running smooth:
- Always set a budget and make every effort not to exceed it.
- Make sure you have enough help. By asking close family and friends to be involved you can delegate tasks and spread out responsibilities. For example, you could ask a family member to be in charge of games or to bring the party favors. This will help off-set costs and stress.
- Ask the bride a few questions regarding her preferences if you are unsure, but keep it to a minimum. You don’t want to stress the bride by asking her to make more decisions!
- Decide how many guests you will have. It is important to include RSVP information in your invitation so you have an idea how many guests to expect. Unfortunately providing RSVP information is not full-proof. You will have many who will respond at the last minute. This is not a big problem unless you are having a sit-down luncheon verses a buffet and scattered seating.
- If you have a large number of guests, a buffet luncheon might be your best option. Sit-down brunches are ideal for smaller gatherings.
- Plan the location and time. Consider ambiance and size needed. A back yard if the weather is nice makes a perfect setting. Don’t be restricted by tradition. Morning, afternoon, and early evening showers are all great choices.
- Set up a gift area that should include comfortable seating for the bride. Leave a pen, notebook, and trash bag under the chair so that you are prepared to throw away the gift wrapping as the bride-to-be opens gifts. The pen and paper will be handy to keep track of the gifts and givers for thank you notes.
Game Suggestions:Be careful not to put your guests on the spot. If you wish your guests to say something in front of a crowd, it is best to prepare them. You most likely will have a multitude of personalities so be considerate of all your guests. I prefer to use games that are non-intrusive.
- Guess How Many? For this bridal shower we used marshmallows because the groom was quite fond of them.
- Advice for the Bride-to-be. Not exactly a game but it does provide an activity where guests write inspiring words of advice or quotes for the bride-to-be without having to stand in front of an audience. It is also a nice keepsake for the bride. For this shower we provided a mailbox and sheets of prepared journal pages that was later bound to a personalized altered art journal.
- He Said She Said. Ask the bride and groom a series of the same questions. Pick the answers you wish to use and have them prepared on paper. I usually add a silhouette of a girl and boy that the guests can circle. I also point out that the answer could be both!
- Hide a tag under a seat that reads “Congratulations” or something similar. The person who sits in the seat receives a prize.
- What’s in Your Purse? I usually have this typed up and handed out to guests. List at least 25 – 50 items that might be in a purse. The more common items would receive the least points and more unusual items more points. Whoever receives the most points wins. (i.e. lipstick, moisturizer, notebook, tea bag, screwdriver, picture of your mother-in-law, etc.)
How can a kitchen stay sparkling clean? The larger the family the more difficult the task so developing good habits is important for every family member.
Consider these small tips:
- Make it a rule to have everyone clean up after themselves at the time the mess is made. Children can begin to learn simple habits at a young age. Messes should not be left for mom!
- When cooking, clean as you go. If your family takes turns cleaning and cooking consider it best to have the “cook” clean the kitchen area and the one not cooking take care of the dinner dishes. This way the cook can clean as they go and will be more careful of the mess being made. Large family? Team up!
- Keep dishes washed and put away. Do not let them pile up. If you have a dishwasher, rinse the dishes as you use them and place in the dishwasher. After dinner run a load and empty right away.
- Do not let the counters pile up with unused appliances. Get rid of appliances you do not use and keep appliances not used often in a cabinet.
- Wipe down the counters, floors, cabinets, and handles as needed. Keep cleaning wipes under the sink for quick access.
- Keep baking soda on hand. Baking soda is an inexpensive, multi-purpose staple for any kitchen. You can use it to deodorize your garbage disposal, refrigerator and sponges. It is an effective cleaner for chrome, sinks and by adding a few tablespoons along with your dish soap can help cut grease on dishes, pots and pans. It is also a safe way to scrub fruits and vegetables.
- Keep trash bins emptied. Add a few extra bags at the bottom of the trash can for a quick changeover.
- Once a month do a thorough cleaning and wipe out cabinets and pantries.
- Clean out the refrigerator and discard expired food prior to grocery shopping.
- Try keeping plastic bags in an old tissue box. Be reasonable if you have hundreds saved. If you don’t really need them … recycle!
- Do not keep dish soap and sponges out in the open. I keep mine under the sink and use an old spoon rest to house the sponge.
- Consider donating items you do not need. Do you really need ten spatchula’s?
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