Though we got married in the fall, it sure seems like June is still the start of wedding season! The save the dates are rolling in and soon some of our close friends and family members will be tying the knot. If part of your wedding guest duties is hosting a bridal shower I’ve got the perfect DIY decor and cocktail recipe for the party.
I love the idea of giving the bride something not on her registry at the shower. Since it’s likely that other wedding guests will fulfill their registry, I prefer to give her something a little more heartfelt. And what’s more heartfelt than handmade, right? This DIY gold foil table runner does double duty. It can be using during the shower to decorate the food spread and then the bride can keep it to decorate her new home.
Though I love the bubbly, why not serve something a little more unique than plain champagne at the shower? In leu of a typical mimosa bar I prefer to serve something simple and unexpected like my sparkling elderflower cocktails made with Michelle Brut sparkling wine. If you’ve never had elderflower before you’ve got to try this recipe. It’s slightly florally and slightly sweet and pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes. This cocktail is versatile so you can serve it any time during the day, whether you’re hosting a bridal brunch or an evening shower.
Supplies: canvas table runner / 1″ wide brush / gold foil / foil adhesive / iron / parchment paper / scissors
Time: 1 hour
Step 1: Cut the gold foil into 1″ x 6″ strips and set aside. Iron the table runner to remove any wrinkles.
Step 2: Working in a small area at a time, paint a few vertical lines with the adhesive. You want the paint to be thick enough to coat the canvas but not so thick that you see it. You can achieve the right amount by painting over the same line a couple times.
Since you’re painting with adhesive, I recommend using chip brushes since they are cheap enough to throw away when you’re done rather than a nicer brush like I did—it’s a bit difficult to clean afterwards!
Step 3: Allow it to dry for 30 seconds then place a strip of cut gold foil on top of each line. Press down to adhere the foil to the painted areas.
Step 4: Cover the foil with parchment paper and iron for 30 seconds on the medium setting (without steam). Remove the parchment and allow it to dry for a couple minutes, or until it’s cool to the touch.
Step 5: Carefully remove the foil strips and discard. Repeat this process all over the entire runner until you’re done.
The gold foil can be machine washed on the delicate cycle, though hand washing is preferred.
Sparkling Elderflower Cocktails
serves 8
Ingredients: 1 bottle of Michelle Brut / 2 cups elderflower cordial / 1/2 cucumber, sliced thin / fresh mint leaves
Pour sparking rose in a large pitcher. Add elderflower cordial, cucumber slices and fresh mint. Stir to combine and serve in champagne flutes or any of your favorite glasses.
This post is sponsored by Michelle Sparkling Wines. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that keep Sarah Hearts going!
Love this Sarah! So far, my experience with gold leaf has been less than stellar, but you’ve inspired me to give it another try!!
Hi Sarah, I Love this! I can’t wait to make my own, the hubby and I are planning a dinner party next month and this is it- the table runner of my dreams! Thanks for sharing this awesome IKEA hack :-)
xo, Maritza.