[Whimsy tip #1] Table styling with dimension-- Create a tablescape with levels by first putting down a white cotton blend table cloth. Then put a sturdy box with a solid bottom upside down on the table at least six inches away from the edge and drape a second tablecloth over the top, smoothing the top surface before adding items.
[Whimsy tip #2] Cocktails served in mason jars-- Use a favorite recipe for a cocktail, triple the recipe and mix it with lots of ice, cut citrus and mint leaves in a large glass drink decanter (found mine at Costco a few years ago). For a party with an accurate attendee list, hand-write names with a fine sharpie in cut, hole-punched card stock and attach with water-resistant ribbon or raffia to the lip of the mason jars. This eliminates shabby plastic cups and helps guests keep track of their concoction if they added more cut fruit to their drink (raspberries, peaches, etc.). Find the jars at a hardware store! They're surprisingly affordable for the hot trend that they are.
[Whimsy tip #3] Plan ahead to make the game interesting-- find a game that puts the focus on the couple, is positive (no cutting anyone down) and makes people laugh-- I particularly like what I call "Raise the Shoe." Prepare a list of absolute statements that include: most, least, first, last, better, worse, etc. about the couple. For example: who said I love you first, who sleeps the most, who has the better style, etc. Then, sit the couple back to back holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner's. Have the guests decide how many they need right to get the prize. The idea is to have them both raise the shoe of the person who fits the description aiming to choose the same answer. If they hold up the shoe of the same person, they get a point. It's fun, keeps people engaged, and the groom gets competitive and feels less weird making an appearance.
[Whimsy tip #4] Think out of the bakery box-- Find a vendor who makes cupcakes actually flavored with real alcohol. And, unless you've got weeks and the patience of Martha Stewart's test cooks, don't try to bake them yourself. I found a local pastry chef who runs a small business out of her home. Support local creatives when at all possible. I was able to choose flavors that went with the cocktail party theme I started with. I had them frosted/decorated with the color scheme (gray and yellow). Labeling the flavors with simple card stock tent cards really helps people from asking multiple times, and people can more easily choose a flavor they prefer. I also used a pinterest photo (see link here: http://pinterest.com/pin/113434484334819232/) to inspire my milk and cookies tray. I ordered plastic small milk jugs and paper straws online, after a quick google search. Add some milk and Salerno butter cookies and this dessert is whimsical and reminiscent of our favorite childhood desserts.
[Bonus tip] Add fun but inexpensive and convenient favors-- Depend on you area grocer! Cakepops are now pre-made at many area grocery store bakery departments. I bought my (delicious) white cake pops with white chocolate frosting for only $1.30 each. Adorn with mini cupcake liners by poking the stick into the center of the liner, pulling it up to cup the pop, and add a tie 1/4 inch satin ribbon to hold it up at the top. It will make them look not perfect and pristine but instead... well, whimsical!
Here's a milk and cookie toast to wedding showers with whimsy!
May you have eyes to see the beauty. --Meg Teas
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