Bridal Shower Recap

My dreams of becoming the next Amy Atlas finally came true... well sort of.   My mom and I hosted a bridal shower for my cousin, Leah, this past weekend with our family.  I was assigned (or more like I designated myself) the task of creating the menu.  I was in heaven planning, decorating, prepping, cooking and baking all last week.  

We wanted to keep the menu simple and, of course, I placed a heavy emphasis on the dessert table.  For the decor, we used burlap and other natural elements to incorporate some of the wedding details that we will be seeing at the September nuptials.  Leah and Tyler -- we can't wait to celebrate the big day with you!!

I will be posting all of the recipes, some new and some old.  For today, I will leave you with all of the highlights!  

A shot of the full spread.  Pie table in the background!

MENU

Appetizers

Cheese, Nut and Fruit spread

Honey gouda, granola-crusted goat cheese, pecan and blue cheese dip, rosemary raisin crisps, parmesan cheese sticks, whole wheat crackers, grapes, fancy mixed nuts

Lunch

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with a balsamic glaze

Fruit Skewers

Fresh fruit with honey yogurt dip

Pesto Tortellini Salad in Crispy Parmesan Cups

Cheese tortellini, roasted red peppers and arugula in a pesto sauce served in a crispy parmesan cup

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Chicken salad with dried cranberries and candied pecans served on whole wheat bread

Smoky "Pimento" Cheese

Cheddar, smoked gouda, sun-dried tomato and cream cheese spread on white bread

Dessert - Pies for all

Banana Cream Pie Cake

White three-layer cake with banana cream pie filling and whipped vanilla buttercream frosting

Mini Caramel Apple Tarts

Cinnamon apple crumb in a buttery homemade pie crust

Blackberry Pie "Cookies"

Fresh blackberries in a buttery crust -- the perfect "hand-pie"

Mini Lemon Tarts

Tart lemon curd with a cinnamon graham cracker crust

Drink

Arnold Palmer for the future Mrs. Palmer

Lemonade and iced tea mixed with vodka

Favors

Cherry Pie in a Jar

Pretty fresh fruit skewers

Crispy parmesan cups with pesto tortellini salad -- one of my favorites from the day.

Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze.

Blackberry Pie "Cookies" -- I can't get over how cute these turned out.

Mini Caramel Apple Tarts -- bite-size so you can eat as many as you want.

Pretty little Lemon Tarts

Cherry Pie in a Jar favors were sent home with guests :)

Molly and I

With the beautiful Bride-to-be!!