A blogumn by Debra Barlow Notes from a Nest Two weeks ago I co-hosted a bridal shower for a dear friend. The matron of honor organized the guest list, the food and decorations. I offered my home. So maybe co-host is too strong a word, but I did help! And, as before any party, my house was spotless and clutter free for about 2 hours. And, as before any party, I vowed that it would remain that way always. I think we know how that turned out. The bride is in her thirties and so were the vast majority of the guests. It really got me thinking — how do you plan a shower for a thirty-something bride when so many of the typical shower traditions are based on the bride being young, naïve and lacking any kitchen appliances? With parties I feel there are three cornerstones to making it a success: good company, good food and lots of good wine. And, in this case, one very strong vodka cocktail! In the post college rush to the altar that I witnessed amongst by friends, we had delicate cucumber sandwiches, frou-frou salads and tea at every shower. We made wedding dresses out of toilet paper and twittered about the wedding night. They were casual affairs – short, sweet and all about the gifts. And they bore no resemblance to the shower I helped throw two weeks ago. My friend’s shower was elegant and the gifts, while appreciated, were almost an after thought at the very end. The decorations were simple –fresh flowers, colorful linens and lots of Martha Stewart pomanders. The food was thoughtful – featuring the bride’s favorite comfort foods classed up for the occasion like coconut shrimp, cheese and crackers and crab cakes....