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The summer bridal season is upon us and you may even be in charge of hosting one for a friend or loved one. Skip the fuss of a formal sit down bridal luncheon and spend more time getting to know the other guests by setting up a stress free bridal shower buffet table and letting guests help themselves to bite-sized menu items like mini bacon quiche, seared and sliced beef filet and fresh vegetables served with buttermilk dipping sauce.
If you are familiar with my recent article Setting Up a Beverage Station, you know that I love to find ways to entertain with beauty and style that also allow the host to enjoy spending time with her guests. Bridal showers are no exception. In fact, bridal showers frequently lend themselves to an added level of event styling while playing host to guests who frequently do not know you or the other guests.
Turn these possible obstacles into opportunities to show off your best hostess skills by setting a gorgeous table to act as decor and a foolproof way to ensure you will have time to welcome guests and make introductions.
Recently I had the honor of co-hosting a bridal shower for my youngest sister along with my fellow bridesmaids – my sister and niece – and my aunt, who graciously opened her home for the gathering. Since we all live in different towns, most of the planning was done virtually. I wanted to be sure we all shared the work so my aunt didn’t have to take on the entire process herself.
To reduce stress on the day of the bridal shower, we set up the table the day before with platters and serving utensils – all labeled and ready to be filled the next day with tasty finger foods. To ensure there would be enough space for the flowers on the table, I tentatively placed the milk glass vases in the center. They would soon be filled with peonies from my mother’s garden and hydrangeas in theme coordinating colors, accented with my favorite eucalyptus branches.
I always feel bridal shower tables should be ultra pretty and lady-like. All white or glass platters, cake stands and vases keep this theme on the table. Bite-sized appetizers allow guests to feel comfortable eating as they interact with each other rather than having to cut into large portions on their laps or bite into messy sandwiches.
Make mini quiches!
A variety of mini quiches are perfect for a bridal shower – pretty on the table, easy to make and easy to eat! You can keep it simple by serving only cheese and a bacon and cheese recipe or you can mix it up and offer a Chive and Leek Quiche too.
Mini Bacon Quiches
Ingredients
- 1 package 15 ounces refrigerated pie pastry crust
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- ½ pound sliced bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Dash fresh pepper
Instructions
- Sprinkle each pastry crust with 1 teaspoon flour; place floured side down on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut 12 circles from each crust, using a 2-½ inch round cutter.
- Press one dough round into the bottom and sides of miniature muffin cup pan coated with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture into each prepared muffin cups.
- Bake at 400° for 14-18 minutes or until filling is set. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Yield: 2 dozen.
Nutrition
Of course, we didn’t forget about dessert! We served fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream and biscuits, another easy and pretty dish everyone loves.
What are your favorite finger foods to create when hosting special gatherings?
Let us know what you think or ask a question about the recipe!