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REAL PARTIES: Under the Tuscan Sun Bridal Shower

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Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

I’m so excited to share this latest “Real Party” feature with you… it’s a gorgeous ‘Under the Tuscan Sun” bridal shower featuring vibrant sunflowers and the rich colors of Tuscany. The hostess behind the party – Lina Wallace from A Stunning Affair – created this for shower for her sister-in-law and she did such a fantastic job…here are all the details on how she pulled everything together, as told by Lina herself:

Laura’s Bridal Shower

When my sister-in-law, Laura got engaged, I immediately started thinking about ideas for her bridal shower. I felt so honored when her bridesmaids asked me to create something that would be not only unique, but also a reflection of the bride. When compiling ideas for a theme I thought of all of Laura’s favorite things:

  • Favorite Color: Yellow
  • Favorite Food: Pizza or anything Italian
  • Favorite Flowers: sunflowers
  • Favorite Dessert: Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
  • Favorite drink: Anything with champagne =)

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

After much thought, I ended up with an “Under the Tuscan Sun” theme for the Bridal Shower. The color scheme was based on patterned ribbon, which was purchased from The Floral Supply Syndicate. Decorative candles and containers were all bought from Moskatels in Los Angeles.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

The Bridal Shower was held at the Jerzy Residence (the home of her maid of honor). Upon arrival, guests walked down a pathway of sunflowers leading them to her backyard. Each place setting was topped with a sunflower that doubled as a bridal favor. All centerpieces had a Tuscan flare and also included lemons from the maid of honor’s garden.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

The children sat at a separate table decorated with a centerpiece of flowers and lollipops, which they took home as party favors.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

Guests’ first stop was at a table where they wrote “Words of Wisdom” for the bride to be. Laura is still talking about some of the comments written by her family and friends.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

Invitees were then greeted by hosts, (Laura’s bridesmaids) and sipped on Peach Bellinis while listening to music by Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Prima.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

To continue with the Tuscan theme, lunch included some of the bride’s favorites: pizza, antipasto salad and garlic rolls. Yum, yum!

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

After lunch guests participated in a “Bridal Shower Jeopardy”. To familiarize themselves with the trivia, information cards were provided for anyone to review. Cards were discretely removed just before the game.

Laura then opened oodles of presents. My favorite was a “lady” given by the bride’s Aunt. The lady was made up of an iron for the body, a mop for the hair and an apron for her dress: practical items to be used for the home. Too cute!

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

The delightful afternoon ended with the bride’s favorite dessert: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with a sunflower design created by Joeleen of A Sweet Design.

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

The bride’s mother also brought strawberries dipped in a yummy cream dip, which everyone loved!

Italian sunflower bridal shower theme

 

Thanks for the inspiration, Lina! The shower truly was “a stunning affair”! ;)

Vendor Credit

36 Comments

  1. Laurie January 23, 2009 at 10:31 am

    This is truly stunning! I’m definitely pulling some ideas from this for a bridal shower I’m hosting in March – thanks!!

  2. Kelli January 23, 2009 at 10:35 am

    This is stunning! I love all the happy colors and the wonderful details. Wish I would have thought of this for my shower :)

  3. Marsha Nadybal January 23, 2009 at 10:42 am

    What a beautiful setting – so cheerful and happy!
    The cupcakes, decorations and food make my mouth water! Good job!!!

  4. Joanna January 23, 2009 at 10:53 am

    This shower is beautiful! I love the Tuscan theme, the sunflowers, the menu, everything!

  5. Michelle @Everyday Celebrating January 23, 2009 at 11:14 am

    love love love using fruit! I use lemons in floral centerpieces all the time! And have cut some up for topiaries:
    http://www.everydaycelebrating.com/2008/05/fresh-fruit-sho.html

  6. Pumpkin Petunia January 23, 2009 at 11:35 am

    Gorgeous!!! Makes me wish I were invited!

  7. girlrunningaround January 23, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    This is absolutely gorgeous! And giving me good ideas for my next dinner party.

  8. Maribel January 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    This is absolutely adorable!!! The decorations and theme blend in so well together. What a great way of incorporating the sunflowers, I would have never thought of it :)

  9. Joeleen Medina January 23, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    What a wonderful display of all your hard work Lina. The photography was just stunning.

  10. Maraly January 23, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Beautiful work. It must be hard coming up with all these wonderful ideas. Keep up the good work!

  11. Carol January 23, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    I love it, I love it, it is wonderful. I will call you for sure. My sister’s bridal shower will be in August of this year. I do not have words to express how much I liked it. I will share it with my cousin, sister and mother.

    Thank you

  12. Dawn Strasyersbrug January 23, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    I loved your work….the intricate detail of the flowers was phenomenal. I really liked the organization of the tables. Please provide me with prices and contact information.

  13. Marcie January 23, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    The table settings are gorgeous!!! i loved the flower details.

  14. Dacia January 23, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    So dang cute! I especially love the cupcakes!

  15. Colleen January 23, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Oh My God, I just loved everything! I wish I was hosting a party so I could use some of your ideas and then look so creative! :) Can’t wait till more.

  16. thatswhywerefriends.blogspot.com/ January 23, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    What a beautiful shower! I love the ironing board lady! She is too cute:)

  17. Rebecca January 23, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love it! I love it! Makes me want to move to Tuscany!

  18. ROOM design studio January 24, 2009 at 8:17 am

    What a lovely color combination!! it does brighten our day and send us some warmth in this cold weather!

  19. Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor January 24, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    I grow sunflowers every year in my garden so this party is especially pleasing to me. Think I will adjust some of the ideas and adapt it to a summer garden party. Wonderful ideas! Thank you!

  20. Sarah January 25, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    I’m reading Under the Tuscan Sun right now and that tablescape is exactly what I picture in my head! Beautiful!

    -Sarah from Create Studio
    http://www.createstudio.blogspot.com

  21. Celeste January 26, 2009 at 10:12 am

    I really love this idea. It is so bright and festive.

  22. Creations by RagsNehali January 26, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Hi Jennifer,
    This is absolutely stunning! The colors are so vibrant and lively. Your site has so many creative ideas.

    Thank you so much for referring my Etsy shop to Abbie ( Abigail Tuller from Pregnancy Magazine ) for OWL themed Post It Note holder. I appreciate it!

    Regards,
    Nehali.

    http://ragsnehali.blogspot.com

  23. Madelyn @ Southern Weddings January 28, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    I absolutely adore this beautiful theme! I love the colors used. It is so creative and fun! So fantastic!

  24. KL February 2, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Magnifico! Bella Bella!

  25. Emily February 7, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    I love how bright and warm this layout looks!

  26. Shay February 9, 2009 at 9:37 am

    Truly refreshing! The Tuscan theme was just absolutely beautiful.

  27. gracing February 28, 2009 at 8:12 pm

    I am interested in “The Mop Lady” I want to make it for my daugther-in-law’s bridal shower that is in a couple of months. I can’t find the direction on how to do this Mop Lady. Will someone out there be so kind in how to do this???? Does it come with a poem to read at the sametime as well?? I am also trying to find someone who knows how to make a wish & well for the Groom(who will be my son)?? It’s a black sear garbage pale(large) one they make it look like the tux with white shirt and blow up a picture of the grooms head and it comes with a poem that i guess gets put into the bridal shower invite for the guest to buy tools from home depot,sear, or tools to b-que with or anything one can think of to get for the groom??? HELP ME< HELP ME< PLEASE????????????

  28. Fleur de Lis April 25, 2009 at 4:15 am

    I am in the process of planning a Mother’s Day brunch with a similar look. The main centerpiece will be a huge glass vase filled with whole lemons under the water line, and then fresh sunflowers. The place settings are on round black wicker placemats with white plates, and white linen napkins tied with yellow ribbon and a sunflower. The stems of the champagne glasses will also be tied with yellow ribbons and a small sunflower. I am making gift bags for all the mothers (their gifts are cute black aprons with detachable built-in faux pearl necklaces) in black gift bags with yellow tissue paper, and a silk sunflower pushed through the paper on the bag. I’ll post pictures!

  29. Lea McIntosh June 26, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    I ran across this post! Beautiful pics and party! The details are exquisite!

  30. Kelli May 12, 2011 at 6:36 am

    I did the napkins wrapped with a sunflower and have to say that all of the girls went crazy over it! Such great and elegant idea yet so easy to put together..

  31. jackie guynes April 7, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    We’re using under the tuscun fun for my grandaughter’s bridal shower in July. Have gotten a lot of ideas here. Has anyone see the cheese and grapes tray in a shape of a sunflower? I saw it once but now don’t know where to go to find it. Has anyone else seen or know of any cute sunflower looking food ideas.

  32. Cathey April 18, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Class……
    Beautiful, a lot of work and creativity when into this. I love the place setting, and the bricks under the buffet serving plates. I using these ideas for our Mother’s Day brunch (ladies only).

  33. Diane Moleta April 2, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I absolutely love the idea! My daughter is getting married in Tuscany this summer and I am using your theme. I was if you could tell me where you purchased the vases for the flowers?

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