Wedding season is quickly approaching, and no one does wedding season quite like the South.

From the traditions (like burying a bottle of bourbon) to the food (we’re partial to Southern wedding cakes), a Southern wedding is an experience everyone should have at least once.

And the months leading up to this party are usually a series of party after party. What can we say? We love to celebrate.

While nothing can top the actual wedding, the bridal shower can be a close second, if done correctly, of course.

Lauren of the blog Going for Grace is a baking queen (make sure you check out her Mini Strawberry Rhubarb Pies), a Knoxville, Tennessee resident, and an expert in the field of entertaining.

So when Lauren told us about this amazing bridal shower brunch she was throwing, well, we just had to experience it for ourselves!

Luckily, Lauren was kind enough to share her six key tips on throwing the quintessential Southern bridal shower (plus, her recipe for Savory Ricotta Scones) so y’all could have a taste, too.

1. A theme

Think of the theme as your outline for the event. When thinking of a theme for your shower, consider the bride and her tastes.

Once you narrow down the theme of the shower, everything else will fall into place–from the invitations to the menu. The theme of this shower was a “bridal brunch.” The menu consisted of brunch food, of course! Some other darling bridal shower themes are: a summer garden party, a tea party, a biscuit bar, or an outdoor picnic.

2. Plenty of food

Would it be a Southern shower without plenty of food? When it comes to bridal shower food, there are two main tips to remember: Rather too much than too little, and options are essential.

Not only do multiple overflowing dishes make for a beautiful tablescape, but it’s also considerate of your guests. Everyone has different tastes, and it is good form to be considerate of that.

For this bridal brunch, the menu consisted of waffles (both traditional and gluten-free), strawberry doughnuts, yogurt parfaits, a large bowl of mixed berries, vanilla scones, and savory ricotta scones (recipe below).

3. Decoration

Decorating seems to be the most intimidating part of throwing a bridal shower, but it doesn’t have to be.

All you need are one or two statements, a variety of serving pieces, and fresh flowers. After you have chosen the shower theme, think of one or two decor statements to be the focal point of the shower. For this brunch, the statements were the balloon wall and the doughnut board. Balloon walls, photo booths, or flower walls make for excellent statement pieces as they double as places for memorable photos to be taken.

Next, make a list of the serving pieces that you already have access to. Remember those crystal cake plates your grandmother passed down to you? Use those! Get creative, and think of new ways to use what you have.

At the bridal brunch, I used crystal drinking glasses as utensil holders, cake stands for waffles, and a cheese board for scones. As the finishing touch, pick up some fresh flowers to fill in those areas that need a little extra. No Southern bridal shower would be complete without a few hydrangeas!

4. Details

Every Southern girl knows it’s all in the details! When planning the shower, put yourself in your guests’ shoes as much as possible.

Which dishes will require large serving spoons? Which serving platters present the food in the most appealing, yet accessible way? What type of utensils will they need? When the details are taken care of in advance, you will have more time to be a welcoming and gracious hostess.

5. An activity

When hosting a bridal shower, you want your bride and guests to feel as comfortable as possible. To create comfort and encourage mingling, introduce a fun activity early on in the shower.

Some examples include: a game, a drawing, or even a quick craft. A shower filled with conversation and laughter is music to a hostess’ ears!

6. Shower favors

Although shower favors are not deemed necessary, they certainly add a special touch of Southern hospitality to the event.

That being said, favors do not have to be expensive or extravagant. A sweet treat that is beautifully wrapped makes a perfect and easy shower favor. Another favor idea is to set up a craft for your guests to make at the shower that they are able to take home with them.

For this bridal brunch, I set out all of the supplies and a how-to sheet for the shower guests to make baby’s breath flower crowns. Cute, fun, and an excellent shower favor! By adding a favor to your shower, guests will leave knowing they are loved and their presence was appreciated.

Now, for the recipe y’all all have been waiting for…

Going for Grace’s Savory Ricotta Scones Recipe

Makes 12

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and cold

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup ricotta cheese

¼ cup green onion, chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

¾ cup heavy cream

1 egg, for wash

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until combined. Add cubed butter to bowl and coat with flour.

Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut butter into mixture until small pea sized balls form.

Stir in green onion, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and desired black pepper. Add ricotta, using the pastry cutter to mix it in until just combined.

Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently with a rubber spatula as to not over mix the dough.

Transfer dough to a floured surface, and gently knead the dough until it comes together.

Be careful not to overwork. Press dough into a large rectangle about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.

Slice into triangles, and place on the parchment paper. Place into freezer for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops begin to golden.

Photography by Morgan Smythe Photography

Styling by Going for Grace