Summer months are synonymous with bridal showers and weddings. A bridal shower is the perfect opportunity to equip the blushing bride with the tools necessary for setting up her household and to celebrate the upcoming marriage. Themed bridal showers are increasing in popularity and are a great way to break away from the traditional kitchen gadget shower.

A Recipe Shower

Dinnertime can be an overwhelming task for newlyweds not accustomed to preparing and cooking their own meals. Most recipes stand the test of time, and a bridal shower with an added ‘bring a recipe’ component is a great way to pass on favorite or traditional family recipes to the happy couple.

Before sending out bridal party invitations, purchase some recipe cards and a recipe box. Look for those that are not only functional but decorative as well. Depending on your options, you may even consider having it personalized with the bride and groom’s names.

When preparing your invitations, include a recipe card and request that each guest fill out the card with their favorite recipe. Be sure to instruct the guests to sign their recipe card so that the bride will know who contributed each recipe.

If the bridal shower guest list is more than fifteen, divide the recipe requests equally amongst the guests into categories such as appetizers, main dishes, soups & salads, vegetables, desserts and beverages. With a bit of luck, the bride will receive a well-rounded recipe file jammed with delicious taste-tested recipes for all occasions.

If you’re looking to take the recipe shower one step further, have each guest prepare and cook her recipe and bring it to the shower for everyone to try. You can also designate a guest to record all recipes on a decorative calendar so the newlyweds can use it as a starter monthly meal planner. In addition, invite guests to fill in the calendar squares with their favorite dinner menus so the bride and groom will have lots of meal suggestions to consider.

If you want to add another great twist to a recipe shower, have guests bring a traditional ethnic dish and beverage from their ancestral country. If the shower guest list is exceptionally large, have a few appointed guests bring gifts to set up a formal dining table such as a tablecloth, set of twelve cloth napkins complete with rings, trivets, wine glasses, serving dishes and utensils.

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