Birdcage Couples Shower

May 09, 2011

Birds and bird cages are everywhere this season - and they make a wonderful theme for a bridal shower or couples shower. We've done some of the planning and legwork for you to make is simpler to pull the shower together. You can use the classic "love birds" idea, or take a different approach and play up the "nesting" idea for the shower.

Let's be Flexible:  This party would work just as well for a baby shower - you could add a nest and egg in the birdcage and -voila! - it works for baby, too!

1.  The Invitation

We've chosen Swanky Press' birdcage bridal shower invitations to set the tone for the party.  They are wonderful for a shower intended to help the love birds "stock the nest".

2. The Cake

Can you believe how amazing this cake is?  It was created by Yvette at Baking Addict.  She really has some amazing creations - I'm sure I'll be posting more of her goodies in the future.  Please check out Baking Addict on facebook and flickr.

3.  A Gift for the Bride

This antique-style love birds necklace from Penny and Paper would make a great gift for the bride.  It will always remind her of the party, but also looks funky enough to enjoy wearing day-to-day.  Check out the full etsy shop of Penny and Paper.

4.  Birds Nest Cookies

Yum!  This recipe by Laura Flowers of The Cooking Photographer made me drool.  They are moist coconut macaroons that look like little nests with an egg inside.  Laura was sweet enough to let me reprint the recipe it below.  It's looks a bit long, but she swears it's as easy as it is delicious!

• 2 egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened baking chocolate
• 1/3 cup hazelnuts
• 1/4th teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (14 ounce) bag sweetened coconut flakes. (I used Mounds)
• 16 to 18 white chocolate Lindt Lindor balls (2 bags)

1. Move the oven racks to the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 275 degrees. Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. Separate eggs, put the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Save the yolks for something else. Set aside.

3. Microwave hazelnuts on high in a small bowl two times for 30 seconds each time. Stir in between cooking times. Immediately rub together in a paper towel to remove a little of the excess skin. Leave most of the skin on. Chop coarsely and set aside.

4. Melt baking chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave on high 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each stop until melted. Set aside.

5. With a hand mixer or stand mixer beat the egg whites on high until stiff and glossy. Add the salt, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate. Beat until mixed. Stir in the coconut and hazelnuts.

6. Scoop into mounds with a small (size 24) ice-cream scoop or a 1/4th cup dry measuring cup. Place on cookie sheets and make an indent in the middle with your thumb.

7. Place both cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Switch the cookies to the opposite shelf halfway through baking. This will prevent overbrowning. Meanwhile unwrap the candy.

8. Immediately move cookies to a cooling rack and set a timer for exactly 5 minutes (and see notes). Working quickly, set the Lindt balls on top of the cookies. Let cool completely. The Lindt balls may drip a little so you may want to place a sheet of parchment underneath the cookies.

Notes: These cookies need to be just warm enough for the Lindt balls to stick, but if the cookies are too warm the white chocolate will melt into goo. Check and place the Lindt balls on the cookies when they are just slightly warm to the touch, but not hot.

Makes 16 to 18 large cookies.

5.  DIY Bird Party Lanterns

These adorable bird party lanterns are the brain-child of Laurie Cinotto of La La Laurie.  These would look awesome at the bridal shower.  You can read the step-by-step instructions here.

6.  Muslin Favor Bags

These sweet favor bags by Paper Moon by Kat would be perfect filled with goodies for your guest.  I love the idea of filling them with pink and blue Jordan Almonds (reminiscent of bird eggs).  At only $1 each, they will really add a lot to the party without draining the bank.

7.  Birdcage Stamp

This bird cage stamp by Skull and Cross Buns is a great way to embellish all sorts of goodies for the shower.  You can use it for gift tags, to make custom notecards, or even as an accent on the buffet's food labels.  Feeling extra crafty?  Consider hand stamping this image onto linen napkins - and don't forget to make a set for the bride and groom!

8.  Truffles

These extra large blueberry truffles are beautiful, and remind me of robin's eggs.  You can find them at Calabasas Candy Company on etsy.  I haven't tasted them personally, but considering that Calabasas Candy has sold over 3,000 sweets on etsy AND has a 100% positive feedback, I am sure they are quite tasty!

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