Plan an amazing bridal shower

    Forget the cliche pink decor and cucumber sandwiches,here's how to throw a great bridal shower.Come up with a theme. Instead of hanging a bunch of tissue paper wedding bells and calling it a day, come up with a '50s housewife theme party with wooden spoons, whisks, and aprons as decor; give a nod to her favorite food with a Mexican fiesta; or let something as simple as a button inspire the entire party. In the very least, let the guest of honor's favorite colors guide the details. Skip the tea sandwiches and cookies and reinvent the menu. Start the party late in the day and do a champagne and chocolate bar or even an ice cream sundae and milkshake bar with all the fixings. If you have the time and the skills, look for ways to deck out the space with simple paper projects. Create a "happy shower" banner to hang over the food table, make small labels to wrap around cocktail stirrers, and create cute tented card labels for the table. Create a "pimp your own cupcake" bar for a retro party; include a wine tasting for an elegant lunch or dinner shower; or give out temporary henna tattoos for a Bali-inspired party. Instead of awkwardly watching her open presents, skip the gift-opening portion of the party and take the opportunity to go around the room and introduce one another and tell stories about the guest of honor.