Jackson Free Press

The bridal shower is a day where a bride has the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with her female friends and family. If you are hosting the event, it is your responsibility to orchestrate a memorable and unique day for your bride. Along with lots of activities, incorporate a theme into the day, such as friendship.

A friendship bridal shower consists of friends giving their time and talent instead of purchasing gifts. It's a great theme for groups, especially office or church groups, as well as an opportunity to show love and attention to the new bride.

Shower invitations should direct guests to bring a slip of paper with the special talent or gift they would like to give to the bride-to-be as her wedding present or shower gift. They should include their phone numbers and any other necessary information to "redeem" the gift. Place the slips of paper into a basket or wedding goblet decorated with white ribbon and small flowers for the honoree to read aloud, perhaps after serving refreshments.

A time and talent gift can be as small as a tray or two of the Benedictine sandwiches, or an offer to run errands to help with the wedding, or assist in the kitchen or reception area on the wedding day. It can also be as generous as offering your time-share for the honeymoon, or making the bridal gown or wedding cake.

If you are the shower hostess, make sure to follow up with guests after the party to make sure they "make good" on the time and talent gifts. The person giving the gift should also call the bride-to-be a few days after the shower.

Benedictine Sandwiches

The Benedictine Sandwich is an old recipe created at a time when food coloring was in vogue. It was a tradition at formal weddings and teas. You can leave the food coloring out and serve the filling on whole wheat bread. You also can use low-fat cream cheese. Plan to make at least two triangles per guest.

2 thin slices onion
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
1/2 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced)
Dash of garlic salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2-3 drops green food coloring
1 loaf thin-sliced white bread

Mince onion and cucumber in blender.

Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise with mixer. Add onion-cucumber mixture, seasonings and food coloring. Mix on low speed. Refrigerate until thick.

Make sandwiches, then trim crusts and cut into triangles.

Makes approximately 54 triangles.

Variation: Add additional mayonnaise and use as a dip for veggies or crackers. Or, pile on top of washed and cut celery stalks.