freshen up!
With the wedding a few days away, it is always a good idea to organise a bridal luncheon, not only to say thank you to your lovely ladies, but also to spend some real quality time together. And whilst the last thing the bride may want to do is plan another party, be rest assured that our DIY spa day is easy and economical – so that the bride too can sit back and relax!
SPA DAY STATIONERY As the bridal luncheon is only attended by a few, it will be easy to post or hand out an invitation. Be sure to invite your retinue early on, so that they can be sure to reserve the date. After all, it is in their honour!
SALON SET UP This party is designed to be held at home, the ideal location being your dining room table, or if weather permitting, a patio table and chairs. Initially the table will be “set” for the spa activities and then afterwards it can be quickly transformed into a dining area for a light lazy lunch. However, all luncheon foods and drinks can be set up beforehand alongside on a sideboard, so as to minimise tasks to be performed during the lunch. Set the table with linen then for the first setting place a face cloth like one would a placemat. In addition, place the goodies that each guest will need to perform their own manicure and facemask.
SAVVY SUCCULENTS For long lasting flowers, and ones that can be prepared days in advance, fill ceramic pots with succulents. For an added touch of elegance push through a pin with pearl or diamante bead on top into the centre of each flower. These potted flowers also make great favours for your guests.
SPA BUFFET Cotton Buds Soap Hand Lotion Orange Sticks Nail Polish Remover Clear Nail Polish Coloured Nail Polish SALON STYLE Whilst everyone loves the indulgence of going to a spa and letting someone else do all the work, a just as relaxing time can be had by doing it yourself in the company of the girls and good gossip.
FRESH! Make things easy, serve dishes that require no additional prep. and need only be served at room temperature: DINE & DITCH Set up a food and drinks buffet alongside the activity table. Stack plates, cutlery and napkins for guests to be able to help themselves. To minimise clean up, use disposable bamboo plates, bowls, cutlery and napkins. LIGHT LUNCH Salmon and Avocado Sushi served with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. Rye and Sunflower Seed Bread Low Fat Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Chicken Caesar with Pecorino Cheese & Lettuce Wraps Butternut and Feta Cous Cous Salad Fresh Medley of Melon Fruit Skewers
THIRST QUENCHERS Set up a tray of bottled still and sparkling water. Alongside set up glass bottles of flavoured syrups and straws.
MANICURE Materials Nail Polish remover Nail Clippers Emery Board Cuticle Remover Soapy Water with lemon juice Orangewood stick Cotton Balls and Buds Hand Scrub Hand Cream Cuticle Oil Clear Nail Polish Coloured Nail polish Directions Remove any old polish from the nail bed. Clip the nails straight across, slightly above the skin. File nails straight across, rounding slightly on the corners. Apply cuticle remover on the cuticles, and then soak fingers in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Use an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton to gently push back cuticles from the nails. Massage hands with a hand or body scrub, and then rinse and apply hand cream. Add cuticle oil to the cuticles and massage. Clean the nails of oil by using a cotton ball with polish remover. Apply a base coat to all nails. After letting the base coat dry, apply the first coat of color polish. Use three strokes of the brush, the first one down the center and then one on each side from the bottom of the nail up to the top. After the first coat is dry, apply a second coat. Use a small brush with remover to clean up any spots. Apply a clear topcoat and allow nails to dry.
FACEMASK This simple cooling mask is great for all skin types.
Ingredients 1 tablespoon natural yoghurt, room temperature (not low-fat or non-fat) 1 teaspoon runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)
Directions Combine mixture, then apply to face. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wash face with a steaming washcloth. For dry skin, use an extra teaspoon of honey. For oily skin, add a few drops of fresh lime juice.
SWEET SENTIMENTS Whilst you may reserve the bridesmaids’ gifts for the rehearsal dinner, a bridal luncheon may be the ideal time to thank your bridesmaids in an alternative gift giving way. Put together a small photo album of photos of you and the bridesmaid. Or frame your favourite. Write a traditional long letter about how thankful you are for being your bridesmaid, as well as highlighting special memories that you share. And pop in a pick in the flower arrangements and give one to each girl. |
