Wedding Blog

This weekend, my FMIL hosted my first bridal shower. I knew she was bringing gifts for all the guests, and since I wasn’t sure what the proper etiquette was, I decided to get quick gifts together for all the guests, as well. Since the shower had a “tea party” theme, I thought a tea-themed gift would be appropriate. I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday to pick up some paper bags, which were kind of expensive… and I also found some at Target, which were really cheap.

However, the Target bags were really wrinkled and were kind of lopsided when I tried to stand them up… so I went with the alternative. (Lesson learned: cheap is not always better.) I also picked up two boxes of tea (what else?) and a package of cookies from Target. I supplemented this with some more cookies that I baked Saturday morning… thank you, Martha Stewart.

I trimmed the tops of the bags to create the bumpy edge. I created slits in the paper bag with an X-Acto knife and just pulled a ribbon (bought from Hobby Lobby-isn’t it tea party-ish?) through, tied a pretty knot, and snipped the ends. Unfortunately, this project was kind of thrown together at the last minute because, like the rest of Austin, I was suffering from severe allergies for most of last week. However, I think the guests still enjoyed them, and appreciated the thought and effort.

Martha Stewart’s Recipe for French Butter Cookies:

• 1 c unsalted butter, room temp.
• 2/3 c packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 c flower (sifted)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (I didn’t include this, and they tasted fine)
• 1/2 c granulated sugar

1. Combine sugar and brown sugar in an electric mixer and cream on high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix to combine. Add the flour and salt, and mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated.
2. Roll the dough into 3-1 1/2 in. diameter logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight (I refrigerated mine overnight).
3. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet w/ parchment paper (I used wax paper). Roll the cookie logs in the granulated sugar, coating them evenly, and slice into 1/4 in. rounds. Place them on a baking sheet about 1 in. apart.
4. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 mins. Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely. Cookies will keep at room temperature in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Anyone else stumbling through wedding etiquette 101? Are you giving your guests gifts at your shower?