When close friend’s kids are old enough to get married, it feels a lot like when your own kid’s birthday candles exceed two hands and then both hands and feet, you wonder where the years went.
It is the milestones of life—showers, weddings, births, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and many others, which remind us of the importance of friends who have been there, helping us get to the milestones we celebrate. It is a priceless privilege to be called, friend.
In recent years, the bridal showers in particular have been something special, personal, and unique among our group of friends. There are no silly games or embarrassing antics, simply an expression of love for a family, their history, and their future.
We have watched these kiddos grow up, prayed through their illnesses, heartbreaks, and dreams—many times praying for their future spouse as well. We rejoice over life lived, answered prayer, and the new life that is beginning.
Our most recent shower was for a dear friend’s daughter whose fiancé is from overseas. As emotional as it was for the mother of the bride to watch her baby become a bride, when the groom’s mother shared a few words through her interpreter (her son), every heart in the room understood. She bypassed any language barrier with her tearful embrace of a new daughter and the release of her son to be a husband.
It was something truly extraordinary to behold, the tenderest moment, and not a dry eye in the room. We felt like we were witnessing a flower open or a wild animal being born, something you can’t plan or rehearse.
It must come from a yielded heart, ready to let their baby go and willing to love the spouse their son or daughter has chosen like a natural born child. What a precious gift to each of them! (I admit there are tears on my keyboard even as I type this.) This is the privilege of friendship, sharing such intimate treasured occasions.
Once the gifts are opened, rehearsal bouquet fluffed and the tissues put away, of course, we get around to the food. It is a celebration, so there must be food!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, simply a collection of recipes to draw from for a Bridal Shower Menu or celebrations of any sort. Informal fare, intended to balance well on a lap and nosh while mingling. These menu ideas work any time of day, and there are lots of gluten-free [GF] options too.
Goat Cheese with Honey, Balsamic & Blueberries [GF]
Pear and Goat Cheese Appetizer
Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Tomatoes by All Day I Dream About Food
Bacon, Leek, & Cheddar Mini Quiches
Butternut Squash Quiche with Italian Sausage and Sage
Ham, Spinach & Gruyere Quiche by A Cozy Kitchen
Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Salad [GF]
Curry Chicken Salad Boats [GF] (make into sandwiches too)
Shrimp Cocktail with Thai Chili Cocktail Sauce [GF]
Shrimp & Prosciutto with Smoky Honey Mustard Sauce
Classic Vegetable Tray with Blue Cheese or Buttermilk Ranch Dip
Rosemary and White Pepper Almonds by Seasonal & Savory
Almond Lemon Honey Cake by The Urban Baker [GF]
Orange Ginger Tea Cake [Gluten/Grain-Free]
Blueberry-Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting [Gluten & Grain-Free]
Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting [GF]
Triple Ginger & Coconut Scones [GF] (includes link to International Scone Week)
Cheesecake Filled Strawberries with Chocolate Accents [GF Options]
Cream Cheese Fruit Tart with Almond Crust [Gluten/Grain-Free]
Banana Nut Bread Supreme [Whole Wheat]
Lazy Mary’s Lemon Tart [Gluten-Free]
Chocolate Love Surprise Cookies by Savoring Every Bite
Healthy Candy Apples by An Edible Mozaic
Double Chocolate Truffles Dusted with Cocoa
M&Ms & Mints in the colors of the wedding:
Hungry for More?
Tea Sandwiches (Classic)
Tea Sandwiches (Creative)
Shared on the following Blog Hops:
The 21st Century Housewife Hearth & Soul Hop
Premeditated Leftovers Gallery of Favorites
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Alyssa says
Judy, these recipes look great! It’s awesome to see so many delicious recipes in one place.
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
What a lovely, lovely post! I felt quite emotional reading about your friend’s daughter’s shower. It sounds like the shower was such a lovely occasion, and what a beautiful moment when the groom’s mother spoke!
Sadly we don’t have bridal or baby showers in England, and I really miss them! (I grew up in Canada.) I have been able to attend a few back in Canada over the years, but I am hoping to introduce the tradition over here if my son gets married when he is older!
I have so enjoyed visiting the recipe links you provided, and what a lovely menu they would make. Thank you so much for sharing this post with us at The Gallery of Favorites.
Swathi says
Judy,
They looks fantastic. Love to have a friend like you. Thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop.
Alea Milham says
I am at an age where my friend’s children are getting married, so I can relate to the sentiments expressed in this post! Lovely and loving post and a wonderful round up of recipes!
Pure Complex says
All of your mini foods look so darn good. I mean WOW… I wish that was my bridal shower :). Everything is just beautiful. I loved this post
Judy says
Aw, thanks for saying so! It was a pleasure to share, I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Barb Bamber says
How have I not found your blog before? This is so pretty and I loved the list of recipes to try.. the sun is shining here and it’s a perfect day to bake something new and springy like the ones shown here:) xo Smidge
Judy says
Hi Barb, I know exactly what you mean, I was happy to find your blog too! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, look forward to getting to know you better.
[email protected] says
Whoa, what a spread!!
Justine says
Stopping by from the Hearth & Soul Tuesday Blog Hop! http://queenofsavings.com
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
Judy, what a great post and truly extraordinary collection of menu items… wow, where to begin… everything is just so beautiful including your dining room table! (lovely setting and sense of warmth). I must make the Goat Cheese with Honey, Balsamic & Blueberries… I am completely smitten… ;-).
Judy says
Kelly, thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement. The goat cheese and balsamic is hard to stop eating, love that flavor combination.
Geni says
What a beautiful spread Judy! You are quite a generous hostess and your words hit me since I am going through those, “I can’t believe they are almost grown!” thoughts myself. I can’t imagine what it’s like when friends’ kids start getting married. I guess that’s a new chapter I just haven’t gotten to yet.
Judy says
Geni, it does hit us all at once and it is hard to prepare for the emotional swell that comes with it. I am grateful to experience it with some great friends who can relate. The seasons change so quickly and it all seems to happen so fast.
[email protected] in disguise says
That is one amazing list Judy but as much as I love it and can’t wait to try that goat cheese it is your post and memories that I loved the most. It is true, milestones make us feel how much time has passed and reminds us of the journey we made to get here
Judy says
Thank you for saying so. I love the way food makes a celebration special, but it is the people we share memories with that really makes a difference in our lives.
Sammie says
What a fantastic menu! Everything looks great but that quiche really made my mouth water!!
Judy says
Yes! I agree, the quiche is lovely, planning to make it this weekend. 🙂
Granny's Parlour says
What a timely thing to discover this at the beginning of Spring, when we dream of friendly gatherings under sunny skies and the celebration of renewed life. Thank you for visiting our Blog. Your kind words were like a touch of warmth and sweetness and there is much warmth and sweetness to be found here indeed.
Judy says
Thank you, Granny, for including this post in your Weekend Highlights, that was a sweet surprise. 🙂
thedrivencook says
Wow Judy, what a great list! All of those things look fantastic. I just hosted a bridal shower and wish I would have seen this first! 🙂
Judy says
Thanks so much for saying so. The baby shower you put together was lovely too — just love the variety of food that can be served at showers.
Raymund says
Amazing! I feel that I drooled a lot while scrolling down on that list
Judy says
Thanks, Raymund, this post definitely made me hungry putting it together.
sportsglutton says
Great line up Judy. I especially like the addition of the blueberries to the goat cheese. brilliant. Have a great weekend!
Judy says
Thanks Jed, like I told John, I’m delighted my blogging man-friends still came by since it was a bridal shower menu. Of course, we are talkin’ food here. 😉
Mary says
I love your menu suggestions.They all sound delicious. I really loved your post today. You had me dabbing at my eyes with tissue. I hope you have a wonderful day.Blessings…Mary
Judy says
Thanks Mary, for stopping by and for your kind words.
mjskit says
What a feast! I never saw such great food at any bridal shower I attended! I’m quite envious of all of the guest who got to enjoy this delicious spread and experience the love of mothers. Thank you so much for sharing the story of the shower.
Judy says
MJ, it is the love of mothers that makes these occasions so special, but the food helps. 😉
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
A fantastic list…oh to be able to attend a gathering where they were all on the same table. How could anyone choose what to try first.
Judy says
Thanks, Karen, It certainly is hard to choose.
Caroline says
Such a fabulous list of food…everything looks amazing. And I desperately want those prosciutto-wrapped caprese salads. What a creative idea…and so easy!!
Judy says
Thanks Caroline, the caprese salads are definitely a favorite of mine.
ChgoJohn says
Wow, Judy! These look fantastic!
Judy says
Thanks, John, I was so pleased to see my blogging man-friends stop by for this post … I wondered if it wouldn’t be a “pass” since it was about bridal showers. 😉
Linda says
You brought tears to my eyes too Judy! I agree with you on the meaning of these celebrations; the people not the games are what I like to focus on also. Watching those close to us journey on in their lives and being able to share their special moments. This collection is absolutely fabulous for any occassion and I’m pinning it so I don’t forget any of these! I agree with Greg too, that goat cheese is the first one I’m going to make!! Thanks for including my cookies!!
Judy says
Thanks Linda, appreciate your comment and your cookies! The goat cheese is a staple in our house for snacks and you can’t go wrong with aged balsamic on anything.
Greg says
Holy cow, what a list to be on. That goat cheese looks amazing. So does everything else!
Judy says
Thanks for helping me out with your post on strawberries. 😉