The details surrounding Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding remains the world’s best kept secret. Millions of people (including me!) will get up early Friday morning to be the first to see what her dress looks like.

Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her special day. If you are planning a wedding shower, give the bride-to-be and guests the royal treatment.

Handkerchiefs might seem a bit old-fashioned; after all we live in an age of disposable tissue. But fabric hankies are not only reusable, they’re charming in an old-world way. Besides, using a hankie for tears of joy at the ceremony is really much more elegant.

For my niece’s shower, I collected initial hankies, one for every guest, including the bride.

You can use them as napkins at a sit down luncheon. Iron with spray starch for crisp, neat folds.

Or slip into an elegant crystal napkin ring. This plastic one looks like the real thing at a fraction of the cost.

Make soft gathers and tie with a white ribbon. A fresh or silk flower adds color to the table setting.

I like the idea of two gifts in one. Wrap the hankie around a pair of pillar candles and tie with a coordinating ribbon.

Create a fairy tale shower for your favorite bride-to-be. I used white dinner plates, clear salad plates and a colorful table cloth.

You don’t have to use the same colors the bride-to-be is using for the wedding. Instead, pick a color that suits your theme.

Have a blessed and lovely day!

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.

Save this article (PDF)