Blog swap: Shower for the bride, part 2

As I was telling you yesteday, my blog friend Whitley, from The Queen City Style, decided to throw me a virtual Southern bridal shower. Whitley was positively horrified when she heard that we don't do this kind of showers here in Europe. She's been brimming with ideas ever since and I'm really happy to bring you the results of her hard work today. When I first saw it, I was really amazed: so many beautiful pictures, so many great ideas, and all those wonderful compliments (I confess, even two days after I'm still blushing). Enjoy this perfect picture overload, and if you want to see more, be sure to hop over to Whitley's stylish blog.
Thanks so much, Whitley, it's a real pleasure to have you "take over" my blog today!

"Dear Friends,I am very excited to be hosting a virtual wedding shower todayfor my beautiful, super stylish, sweet friend, Ivana.

When Ivana and I decided to host a blog swap with one other,we immediately got to thinking about what this would look like.Ivana reminded me of her wedding date, exactly one year from today!I've been keeping an eye on Ivana's fun fashion sense,from all the way over in Austria might I add,ever since I started writing the Queen City Style.A contentious risk taker with her own style, trends and fashion,Ivana's got a flair for all things fun, fabulous and French.She has fond memories of a strong bond with her stylish Grandmother,

reminding me of my relationship with my own.

Not to mention, that pretty face.Precious Peanut #1 star gazingly pointed out the obvious one day:
"Mommy, is that pretty lady your friend?" 

Ivana loves the finer things in life as much as the rest of us.Her blog, Macarons and Pearls, is the perfect channel for vicariously livingsuch a fine life, unless of course, you already do.And in that case, cheers to you!

As you can see, like the rest of us girls, Ivana loves an opportunity to be creative and play dress up, so today I am giving her thatby way of throwing her a Southern Wedding Shower.I thought this would be a fun way to share with her a little about ourculture and traditionally conservative and classy way of doing things, 

for which we Southerners are all so proud.So cheers to you, Ivana!  I hope you enjoy your special day today!

Let's start with the location. 

Since Ivana's shower is being held right here in the Queen City,

I immediately turned to the The Duke Mansion.

I've attended a number of events at this gorgeous home, now operating

as a Southern Bed and Breakfast, and I've never been less than enamored

with the home and ground's interior and exterior beauty.

I know Ivana and the closest ladies in her life will enjoy their stay here.

I thought it might be nice for Ivana's guests to enter the Mansion,

and as they pass through the foyer...

 ...delight themselves with either one of these tasty treats:

a Mint Julep garnished with fresh mint, served from a Julep cup.

The gardens at The Duke Mansion are a lovely place 

for conversation and good tidings. 

It's starting to get warm in the South,

so we'll make sure the gardens are flanked with lots of 

Sago Palms and Ferns to help us feel a little more breezy in the heat.

What shall we serve?  Nothing too heavy.  We will dine on a light lunch.  

How about a few passed hors d' oeuvres, consisting of finger sandwiches?

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, of course.

Naturally, Deviled Eggs.

Without question, little ham biscuits.

Making our way back inside, we'll take our seats at tables draped

with white tables cloths and delicate doilies placed at each setting.

I'd find a way to work them into this table, which cheerfully

displays all of the traditional elements of a Southern table, with a

modern twist thanks to the chevron napkins an colored candlesticks.

The table will, of course, be accessorized with 

pink peonies and white hydrangea galore.

If you saved place for dessert, I was thinking about this:

Bananas Foster Belgium Waffles.

Ivana, I know about you and your little sweet tooth.  

Eat your heart out!

We must shower you will gifts, my dear.

I can think of nothing more southern or luxurious than 

monogrammed linens from Leontine Linens.

Since Ivana has a thing for pastels, I thought I would wear

this ensemble I recently styled.  Ironically enough,

the photos were taken just doors down from The Duke Mansion.

How do I look, Ivana?

The floppy brimmed straw hat, a warm weather staple 

for any Southern Lady, is good for keeping cool on sunny days.

You certainly don't need me to tell you this, Ivana, but...

You already are, my dear, and I'm havingso much fun watching your stylish self do it.I hope you have had a lovely day!I look forward to following along with more preparations leading up to your big day!!

For the love of celebrating with friends, in the very best of style-- Whitley"

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