Pink and Glitter Bridal Shower!

Margie, Mother-of-the Bride, Amy, and
Tara, Mother-of-the Groom
Photos by Raina McIlwain

My dear friend Amy picked a destination wedding in the Bahamas to commemorate her lifelong commitment to Ryan. Since not all Amy's friends would be able to make the trip, my daughter Lauren and I threw a bridal shower to include all her friends. Amy wanted a dressy evening cocktail party for her 20-something friends. Her mother preferred a more traditional daytime cake and punch shower for her friends. We compromised by starting at 6:00 p.m., serving heavy appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and a light signature cocktail of strawberry nectar and champagne.
We begin gathering ideas and planning the shower six months before the chosen date. Amy's colors are pink and glitter. I researched current trends and pinned over 85 ideas to my Bridal Shower Pinterest Board. Some of the following are my original ideas, some came from Pinterest.
I got lucky to find "Bling" as a huge trend in the Christmas decorations. It began showing up at Hobby Lobby at 40% off in September.

I used glass ornaments hung on pink and silver garland to add sparkle.

Stairs wrapped in lights and silver mesh ribbon brought
more glitter to my home.

My dear husband outlined the walkway
in lights. I dressed up the "dogs" for the party.

A veil and a touch of bling decorated
the front door.

An area for the guestbook included Amy's favorite flower,
candles, and pictures of the couple.

A birdcage held gift cards.

We went to great expense to give each guest a ring as big as Amy's.

Above the fireplace are champagne bottles frosted with pink glitter. I wrapped a pink boa 
with rice lights, elevated silver candles on graduating sizes of cake stands, and 

 made arrangements with glitter picks, pink hearts,
and silver balls.

My daughter made the finishing touch, a banner hung on garland. 

These decorations were in place at least a week before the shower. I never wait until the last minute to do anything if I can help it. It's my idea of being in control. A false idea as it turns out. Of the 70 invitations mailed, I only received four regrets. I planned food and chairs for 35 to 40 people operating on the theory that only half of those invited will actually attend. I had no idea how many guests would show up. My anxiety alternated between fear of not preparing enough food and food going to waste. I'd rather make a trip to the homeless shelter with leftover food than not have enough, so I over-prepare.

I have a tendency to push myself and not delegate responsibility, but on this occasion I asked Lauren to come into town early to help me. For three days we tackled our chores. As we finished one list of tasks, I made another. On Saturday morning we rose early. Lauren frosted and assembled the "Dress Cake." We were almost to the point of assembling the sandwiches when disaster struck. 

I used an emulsion blender to cream strawberry jam and cream cheese. The mixture was to be spread on thin slices of pound cake and cut into finger sandwiches (no pun intended). I pulled the blender out of the bowl to check the mixture. As I tested the consistency with my left index finger, fatigue caused my right hand to twitch on the switch. I dropped the blender and rushed to the sink. I ran water over the cuts, but felt nothing. Lauren seeing blood in the sink, screamed for my husband. He rushed downstairs. I wrapped two paper towels around my finger and turned from the sink to assured her that I was okay. "Mom, there's blood all over your face!" she cried. I washed my face with my right hand. Ralph calmed her and took me out of the chaos of the kitchen and into the bathroom to inspect the damage. 

"I have butterfly bandages. We can fix this up," he said unwrapping my finger."Oh, no!" he said immediately wrapping my finger back up, "We are going to the emergency room. Apply pressure and keep your arm up. It's bad. Get in the car. I'll get my keys." 

I did as instructed, but protested, "I don't have time for this! People will be here in five hours!" I didn't stop to put on a bra or makeup, but began calling out instructions. "Lauren, call Margie and tell her what happened. She'll come help you. I'll call Karin and Laura from the car. They've offered to help. Follow the list on the counter and I'll be back as quick as I can." With my left arm in the air, I buckled my seat belt and dialed my cell phone with my right hand.

In hopes of a shorter wait, we chose Urgent Care rather than the ER. Luckily, I was their first patient of the afternoon.The nurse checked me in immediately. Waving a bloody hand in the air seems to expedite matters. She took my temperature, checked my blood pressure, and put me in a room.

As I lay on the table panic rose and threatened to overwhelm me. My brain whirled with doubt and fear: How can I finish the shower preparations; can I make all the sandwiches and put out all the food; can I finish the floral arrangements; can I tell someone else where the serving platters are if I'm laying on the couch; can I take a shower, much less do my hair and makeup; will I be able to host the party through the pain, or will I be in a haze from pain pills?

Dr Wu came in and introduced herself. She examined my finger and shook her head, "I will try to put it back together, but you didn't leave me much to work with." She explained the procedure and left the room to get the necessary supplies. 

While I waited for her to return it occurred to me that I never was in control. In spite of my compulsive organization and lists, life happens. Good things and bad things. They happen. I don't have any control. A verse came to me, "Cast all your anxiety upon Him; for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB). The stress and anxiety drained from my shoulders as I gave up control. I gave up trying to micromanage and be perfect.

 I remembered another verse, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8 MSG) I began to fill my mind with the best, not the worst. I still have a fingertip. It didn't mess up my manicure! I am blessed with amazing friends. My daughter is a wonder, she can do anything I can do!

It only took seven stitches and an hour and a half to get me back home. My marvelous friends had dropped everything to help Lauren. All the sandwiches were made and in the refrigerator. My friend Karin finished the flowers and helped me put together a table for the party favors. When she left I still had time to call my mother, cause sometimes you just need your mother. After a twenty minute nap, my husband bagged my hand and helped me take a shower. I had no problem with hair and makeup. I used extra trim to bling  my finger, popped a pain pill, and began setting out the food. 

Hostesses: Lacene, Lillee and Lauren

I ran a little behind getting the food out. A couple of ladies
jumped in and put out the sandwiches.

Other than my blinged up finger no one was
the wiser. My Sweetheart played bartender
and caretaker.

Lauren made her wonderful Mexican
Pineapple Cake

And the gorgeous Cake!

I made Lemon Tarts and Turtle Brownies to round out the desserts.

Lillee enjoyed delivering presents almost as much as 

Amy did opening them!

Lillee showed everyone where the food was

About fifty ladies attended and we had enough of everything!

The bride's thanks were so effusive she cried.

From the point I gave up control, I relaxed and had a great time. Not everything I wanted to do was accomplished, but it no longer matter. Our bride, and her mother, were thrilled. I call that a success.