A Betsy Ross American Flag-themed Bridal Shower

I recently hosted a bridal shower for my dear cousin Betsy. Since Betsy's new last name will be Rossi, we decided to host a "Betsy Ross" American flag-themed shower. (You know... since Betsy Ross was credited with creating the first American flag.)

I wanted to play up the red, white and blue in a glamorous way.

I set three tables: the dining table, our sunroom table and one long folding table. They each looked a bit the same, but also a bit different.

I worked with my favorite Fiverr artist to create an illustration of Betsy and her fiancé. (Be sure to check out the other illustrations this artist has produced for me. They're incredible. This girl is good!)

Here's my best budget tip for party-planning: Buy wrapping paper and use it as a table runner. (You can find my favorite sources for wrapping paper and all the ways you can use it creatively here.) I lucked out and found this textured navy and white wrapping paper at TJ Maxx for only $2.99. The roll provided enough footage to cover two tables. 

Another one of my favorite tricks: Give bottled water a custom look by removing the labels and wrapping the bottles with patterned Duct tape. Also, if you're going to buy Duck tape, I recommend using a Michael's coupon from your phone and getting 40% off a roll.

As far as the drink selection, we offered water, tea and strawberry lemonade. I used Crystal Light for a low cal option. I also stumbled across a patriotic bottle of vodka and had to buy it. So I said, "Let there be vodka lemonade!"

A first for me... I dropped $15 in candy just to fill an apothecary jar. I recently became obsessed with Party City's wall of color-coded candy, especially the Sixlets. They're so good and you can buy them in the color of your choice.

The Cheeky tableware (plates and cups) were some of my favorite purchases. I always love the Cheeky selection at Target. Plus, the company donates one meal to Feeding America per purchase. 

I've used the chevron cups on a couple of occasions and people always ask about them. They feature a vibrant design, plus are extremely durable.

For dessert, we selected a gorgeous "naked" cake, but it turns out "naked" cakes don't travel well. Our cake had a little sliding incident, so the baker showed up at my house to repurpose the cake-slide into individual mason jar treats. 

Here's what it looked like before we decided it needed to be broken down. Even with it's imperfections, it was still beautiful! 

It ended up looking just as stunning packaged as individual treats! 

My sweet mother made all the pie pops, and once she ran out of sticks, she made mini heart-shaped pies. She is so darn talented! I used the pie pops as party favors. 

To create a keepsake, I asked party guests to leave well wishes for the bride and groom on a large canvas letter. 

I even decorated the porch, although we didn't end up spending much time outside due to the heat.

Overall, it was a lovely day and I hope Betsy felt surrounded by love. 

A special thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate! 

Here's to a wonderful wedding and a lifetime of happiness for Betsy and Dom!

Source List 

See something you liked? Find the items here:

Caricture - Fiverr
Plastic Cups & Plates - Cheeky at Target
Striped Table Runner - Wrapping Paper from TJ Maxx
Red Berry Cartons - Michael's
Blue Gingham Paper Liners - Michael's
American Flags - Michael's
Metal "R" - Michael's
Denim Ampersand - Michael's
Marquee Ampersand - Michael's
Gold Chargers - Michael's
Metallic Paper Stars - Party City
Red & Blue Sixlets - Party City
Crystal Candle Sticks - Macy's (wedding gift)
Large White "R" as Guest Book - Hobby Lobby
Wooden Utensils - Ivana's Gifts and Things on Etsy
Striped Straws - Kirkland's
Pie Pops - My momma
Patriotic Paper Garland (not pictured above) - Snooty Blooms on Etsy
Party Invitation (not pictured above) - Bash Studio