Goin’ to the Chapel

It seems like there have been so many things to celebrate lately! 

Yesterday we celebrated my co-worker Kristana's upcoming nuptials with a shabby chic/vintage inspired bridal shower.  This shower had been rescheduled two times previously and luckily the third time was a charm. 

Check out the fun decor and yummy recipes below:





First of all, I love glitter and loved the way these poofy dresses turned out.  They were originally part of a garland, but I loved the way they looked standing with the other centerpiece items.

By lightly "painting" on some glue sprinkling with glitter you can add a bit of pizazz to any table centerpiece.

Ball jars with fresh flowers tied with fabric sat atop fun and colorful place mats for a spring inspired look.  Sweet trail mix and advice cards also adorned the tables.

 

Although the bride was registered at Bed Bath and Beyond and received a few registry items (it's always fun to open gifts), our main focus was the "money tree".  My co-workers did this for me when we were getting married and it was a HUGE help! 

The tree had everything from cash to gift cards and even honeymoon excursion donations (they are registered at http://www.honeyfund.com/).





The gift table was topped with candlesticks (personal ones from home) holding up a fabric garland made by yours truly.  I have seen similar garlands on Etsy.com and have always wanted to make one and I'm so glad I did!

It was SO EASY and turned out to be very festive!  I cut strips of fabric to the desired length and just started tying them onto a long strip of grosgrain ribbon and then attached both ends to the candlesticks.  The garland can be as full or spread out as you want.  Play around with it and have fun!






As for the food, that was pretty yummy as well.  My contributions were two new versions of old favorites that were super easy and could be made ahead.  Score.

Mexican Chicken Roll Ups

and

Banana Bread Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Walnut

Cream Cheese

Mexican Chicken Roll Ups

Print this recipe!

1 10 oz canned chicken, drained or 1 1/2 C cooked, shredded chicken
1 can Ro-tel mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
2  8 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic salt
3 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
6 large flour tortillas


In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, drained tomatoes, cheese, taco seasoning, garlic salt, and scallions. Mix together until well-incorporated. Add chicken and stir together.
Lay out tortillas and divide mixture evenly in the center of each. Spread into a thin layer leaving the edges clean. Roll each tortilla tightly. Do not fold in the ends like you would with a burrito but leave them free.

Use a sharp knife to cut into 1" thick slices and transfer to a serving platter. (The end pieces will likely unroll a little so just eat the extras). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.


Banana Bread Tea Sandwiches
with Pineapple Walnut Cream Cheese

Print this recipe!

For the banana bread, just prepare your favorite version as indicated on the recipe and let cool.  Cut into thin slices and form an assembly line.

For the cream cheese spread:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can crushed pineapple

1 tsp brown sugar
2 to 3 tbsp. chopped walnuts

Blend together and chill. (If you wish a smoother spread, add a little pineapple juice.)

Spread cream cheese mixture onto the banana bread slices and top with dried cherries (if desired).  Top with another piece of banana bread and cut in half or into thirds for bite size sandwiches.  Refrigerate until needed.  Best if served at room temperature.

Next time I might even try to add a bit of fruit preserves or jelly as another layer of flavor.

A happy day for a happy lady! 

Congrats Kristana!