• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Erika Brechtel

  • Home
  • Bio
    • About Erika
    • Press
    • Testimonials
  • Method
  • Consulting
    • Offerings
    • Featured Brands
    • Client List
  • Speaking
  • Impacting
  • Contact
dashicons-linkedin dashicons-instagram dashicons-pinterest dashicons-email
Entertaining / Food & Drink / How To's

PHOTOS Retro Citrus Bridal Shower

The final product!

So you’ve been seeing me blog and Instagram about this shower for my sis-in-law forever, I know! But I got the pics that photographer Melissa Stewardson captured so beautifully, and had to share!

First let me say it is downright difficult to find party supplies aren’t too pastel (= baby) or too bright (= birthday). Sheesh. I had such a tough time sticking to my original color scheme, but I think we were able to pull it off all the same…

We decided to make the dessert table our centerpiece. I found the aqua tablecloths at Party City for only $10/pop! And the vintage fabric garland is from Etsy, of course!

One of the bridesmaids (the bride’s cousin) makes sugar cookies for events as a hobby (Iced Cookies). She’s phenomenal. She hand painted each one to match my inspiration image from Rifle Paper Co.. (The favor tags coordinated with the invitations and say “She picked the cream of the crop!“)

Another bridesmaid made these amazing cake pops! She created such a variety and they were all so yummy. Love the oreo filled lemons!

Macarons and fondant cake were made by one of my clients (Merely Sweets in Brea, website coming soon!). Cake plates are from Crate & Barrel.

One of the ways we saved money was to make our own flower arrangements. My co-maid of honor (the bride’s younger sis) found all the flowers at our local Farmer’s Market. We were able to create 8 arrangements for $37! All those little vases I’d been saving from years of receiving flowers from my husband sure came in handy.

I purchased a bunch of colorful ribbon from Michael’s to wrap the vases. And yes, I carefully planned out which vases would have which ribbon and on which table, according to our floor plan. (Would you expect anything less?)

We also used hydrangea from my mother-in-law’s garden, and mixed the flower vases with other vases of lemons and limes. Another cute touch: we bought fabric from a discount fabric store (thanks Julie for the reco!) that my mother-in-law sewed into runners for the tables.

One of the silly personal touches we incorporated was to include these little signs of funny things the bride says. I asked all the bridesmaids and her fiancé for suggestions. Great conversation starters! Heh heh.

With the invitation, we sent a recipe card that we asked each guest to fill out and bring with them. I’ve had this little vintage table for years, and it was perfect to display this cute retro recipe box from the Martha Stewart Collection.

The party would not be complete without an appearance from our “his/her” lawn flamingos, with “bows” out of extra pieces of vintage fabric. (They need names…my husband suggested something reminiscent of Florida retirees like Flo and Mel?)

We were able to pull our theme into the outdoor gift-opening “gazebo” — and let me tell you this was no ordinary gazebo…fireplace, ceiling fan, heat lamps, widescreen TV, ample seating. Our generous hostess (a family friend) has quite the party pad – I would never leave this space!

My sis-in-laws and me (bride in the middle, my co-MOH/P.I.C. on the left)

Thanks to all that helped put it together! A big cheers.

…but our job’s not done yet! Off to Vegas today for the bachelorette. Wish me luck, I will need it! Yikes.

All photos by Melissa Stewardson Photography

Erika Brechtel

Erika's passion for guiding women to "Style Your Biz, Your Home, Your Self, Your Life" led her create 'The E List' (formerly the Small Shop blog) in 2010. Since, she's expanded globally into speaking, mentoring, course offerings, angel investing, and social entrepreneurship through the Élanoura Collective for women founders.

Reader Interactions

The Comments

  1. Emily | Recently says

    June 29, 2012 at 6:43 am

    What talented ladies you all are! You did a beautiful job and the details are superb. My favorite part has to be the hand painted sugar cookies. So lovely!

  2. Jinelle - [siempremirabella] says

    June 29, 2012 at 6:52 am

    Just wanted to say how much I love your blog and how also tell you that everything came out wonderful! Can’t wait for the Vegas pictures :)

  3. Julie Khuu says

    June 29, 2012 at 8:28 am

    Funfunfun! You are I are the ever consummate hostesses it seems…just got through hosting a baby shower for 100+! I really miss the days when I get to tone it all down and throw something intimate and private…such a sweet retro theme…totally digging that yummy dessert table! I’ve gotta trade party recs with you Erika! We do live in the same hood after all ;D

    Happy Weekend babe!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

  4. FRECKLES CHICK says

    June 29, 2012 at 9:47 am

    BEAUTIFUL!! This shower, the bride-to-be, & you! Love that color on ya! Been following your blog for a few months now, first time commenter…..I SO dig your flair for entertaining & design. Also, your little Leighton is the most adorable toddler. She melts my heart & I can’t help but think of my little one every time you mention how sassy she is. they’ve got their own agenda, that’s for sure , HA!

    xoxo

  5. Lonely Wife Project says

    June 29, 2012 at 10:38 am

    I love the idea of writing down the stuff the bride says! Everything looks bright and gorgeous. Have fun in Vegas!

  6. Albertina says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    wao!!! I love everything! what a beautiful event….so special. The photographs are so lovely.

  7. KRISTINA says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Wow! Everything came out SO amazing! Where is the discount fabric store that you were suggested? Would love to check it out!

  8. elizabeth says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    Obvs I love the color scheme because it is the same as my Maddie’s nursery! You look like a model, as well! Gorgeous event!
    xoxo -e (modern24seven)

  9. Samantha Penner says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Love the decor and details! Such a fun theme. Those vintage flamingos are the best!

  10. Bettina says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    You have some amazingly talented friends. Those cake pops and cookies were stunning!

  11. {The Design Daredevil} Jessie D. Miller says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Oh. My. Gosh. You completely knocked it out of the park…..simply wonderful! Have SO much fun in Vegas girl!!!! woot woot

  12. Nancy@marcusdesign says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Wow, Erika you did an amazing job! Everything looks incredible. Congrats on pulling off such a great event, and you looked gorgeous too :)

    Nancy x

  13. Drew {Coral Cafe} says

    June 29, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    What a totally spectacular shower you created! Love all of the touches! The color scheme, the flowers, the cake pops and the conversation starter cards! This is just too good!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Erika!

  14. Natalie says

    June 29, 2012 at 10:44 pm

    Everything turned out perfectly, Erika! Love all the little details and personal touches.

  15. Effie says

    June 30, 2012 at 1:54 am

    Erika,

    you are awesome!!! you are not only a great designer but also a party planner ;)

    i m really amaze=)

    cheers
    effie

  16. Gaby [The Vault Files] says

    July 1, 2012 at 1:28 am

    So pretty, you did amazing!

  17. Jessica says

    July 1, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    beautiful shower! The bride certainly has some creative and fabulous friends!
    xx
    Here&Now

  18. designstiles says

    July 3, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Awesome job. You know I love the color scheme and all the cute touches. Flo is the perfect flamingo name. Ha!

  19. Liz {Sequins and Stripes} says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:39 am

    This turned out so beautifully! Also, you are seriously gorgeous Erika, so photogenic!

  20. Jaime @ la vie...j'aime says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:13 am

    this came out SO SO cute. Love all the personal touches.

You May Also Like

RECIPE Nana’s Homemade Granola
Greens for Summer
The Ultimate IKEA Hack: O’verlays Fretwork

Primary Sidebar

LISTEN
Songs for Exploration

Categories

BIZ
Brand Building
Branding & Design
Business & Leadership
Erika's Work
Profiles
Workspaces

HOME
Decor
Rooms & Homes
Erika's Home
Entertaining
How To's
Kids & Family

SELF
Beauty
Fashion
Editorials & Couture
Erika's OOTDs
Fitness & Wellness

LIFE
Art & Photography
Books & Media
Culture & Events
Food & Drink
Living Well
Recipes
Travel & Places

Shopping Guides

The Back Issues

@erikabrechtel

…





Style the life you want to create.

CONNECT WITH ERIKA

Make the next move.

Your next action steps:

  • Contact Erika for her one-on-one brand consulting services
  • Join the Élanoura collective to get invited to the Global Founder's Retreats.
  • Connect with Erika on LinkedIn or Instagram.

set up a call

join Élanoura

connect on linkedin

follow IG @erikabrechtel

join the list

Get updates on new events, courses, and offerings, plus branding and styling tips.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading
  • Bio
  • Method
  • Consulting
  • Portfolio
  • Clients

dashicons-linkedin dashicons-instagram dashicons-pinterest dashicons-email

  • Speaking
  • Impacting
  • Featured
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Erika Brechtel, Elanoura Inc. All Rights Reserved.