Finally ....the day has come and I'm able to show you some of the things I have been working on for my little sisters bridal shower.. I cant believe it.. even as I type this that my baby sister will be a wife! Memories flood into my mind as I gathered pictures and supplies to give her a bridal shower where family and friends can celebrate together and share the joy she is experiencing.. and here she is all smiles... This is the beginning of the idea..plastic pedestals painted and made to look like old rusty metal..textures that represent a rustic elegance theme that Lily has chosen... Brown tablecloths layered with green grass mat, brown burlap, branch runner and pedestals topped with a rustic wood stained in dark brown... and here it is all dolled up! And topped with yummy cupcakes made by my sister Holly...maple and triple threat chocolate with peanut butter filling.... We had great food thanks to my niece Merissa who is Lily's maid of honor..that's sister in law Shelly..thanks to her for lending her home for this event..it was great.. Rustic breads and pasta salads and pinwheels oh my! So perfect...that I cheated on my diet...yes I did! heheee Coffee punch and limeade... I prettied them up with tulle and wooden tags.. Our drink bar.... Our guest were welcomed with this wooden heart that I originally had above my bed...I added the letters and colored ribbons in Lily's colors.. A little sentiment of Lily's feelings this night... remember this from a post long ago?..Well, it's done! Our tables for the guests...we had a beautiful evening as the weather cooperated...it was nice! Wild flowers go with the rustic woodsy feel.... the runner is wrapping paper from the dollar store.. You don't have to spend alot if your willing to scavenger the fields and Costco has great deals on white flowers..love it Lanterns offered by a friend Ruthie..thanks! We had a candlelight evening that made it magical. oops posted twice.... And this is a favor that I dreamed up as a thank you gift for our guests..Lily is a hardworking college student who is planning a wedding ..the nicest gift we could give was to help with the "thanks you's "for all the great gifts she received..so instead of thank you cards they received this ...I don't know about you but I would rather get one of these than a card that I read and throw out! lol A votive candle in clear glass wrapped in burlap string and pearl..covered in tulle.... tied and tagged with wood chip, acorn star and thank you charm. All clustered together in an old crate I bought at a flea market... photos of Lily and her fiance' Carlin.. My son Carlin made this wooden sign that I clipped the photos to..she loved it so much she will be using it at her wedding... The card basket and extra photos for guests to pick through... The "brides chair".... I had this chair in my office that I thought would be perfect to put by the gifts...with ribbons, tulle and a wooden garland I revamped it's extra special... A look at the whole area...Games were so fun and I enjoyed the guests faces as they tried to draw a wedding dress off the top of their heads! And the game that had guest designing wedding dresses out of toilet paper..good times.. And the winner! Well done with great details..... Lily picks her favorite with a smile! opening presents at dusk by candlelight... The entry to the party lit by candles... What a great time..Lily was so thrilled and she enjoyed her bridal shower... As for me.. it was a blast to plan and I want to thank Lily's maid of honor Merissa and her second made of honor Karie and all her bridesmaids..your all so great..thanks for making this event one to remember! Thanks Shelly for letting us use your backyard..Duane (her hubby) for all the yard work and everyone who helped in their own way..Holly thanks for the cupcakes! So.... its back on the diet and on to the wedding!!!! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it!Stephanie