Planning A Bridal Shower? Need A Theme?

Photo courtesy of Michelle Burt/Maddycakes Muse at iVillage

Throwing a shower and can't decide on a theme? Why not base it on a color? Or type of color.  The photo above uses neon colors to throw a great party. In this case they are looking for an 80's look.

What can you take from this? No matter what color you are using the five vases on the table runner filled with gebera daisies (also in bright colors) catch your eye are are really easy to make! You can choose to either color the water (wow simple right?) or use some acrylic paints and just swirl it around a tall glass or Dollar Store vase.

(For a similar look in a smaller size, see this Dollar Store post photo below too(complete with link to tutorial from Nest of Posies!) 

Photo and directions from Nest of Posies

And see that flower pot to the right in the photo above from Nest of Posies? Just another simple trick to make yourself! It is a painted flower pot decorated with bright rick rack.  (All it takes is a little glue, rick rack and a painted flower pot and coaster under it) How simple can it be? (Oh and don't forget to add the potted flowers!)

So if you can't come up with a theme for a bridal shower, make your color scheme the theme! It allows for lots of DIY projects. (It is also easy to use these ideas for any kind of party you might be throwing!) I'd love to use these votives at Christmas time, or the vases with with a single red or white rose or even carnations if you are budget conscious.

Gumball Wreath

Gum Ball Wreath! Ingenious! Michelle Paige's blog, called simply Michelle Paige, has the total tutorial for this incredible looking wreath. Not for every bride, but for the bride who is young at heart!

Use lots (and I mean LOTS of glue sticks) and lots of gum balls. A Styrofoam wreath from the craft store for the base and some primer and spray paint (yes these gum balls are PAINTED so they are NOT edible!!!!!) But the spray paint lets you choose your favorite color or have it color coordinate with your wedding or decor.

Michelle warns this is one heavy wreath, so be sure to hang it securely (and use some strong ribbon as a hanger.)

I'm envisioning the other things I can use spray painted gumballs for... topiary, that would look so cool! Round ones, tree shaped ones, the options are only limited by the foam designs you can come up with!

Would love to see this in metallic too. So if you're a bride who gets to this before I do, send pics and I'll post it for everyone to read. 

Let's see, glue, check; not enough gum balls, hit the store; primer, check; metallic paint, check; Styrofoam shapes, hit the craft store... well see you later! Have some errands to run!  Thanks Michelle Paige, these look great!