How to Plan an Italian Bridal Shower Tea Party

When it comes to “bringing Italy” to any occasion, food is an obvious entry point. So, plan a bridal shower menu that mixes Mediterranean flavors with classic English tea party sandwiches. These recipes and ideas we found will show you how! (*this section contains affiliate links)

Serve up a Scrumptious Selection of Sandwiches

Set out tiered stands of savory and sweet finger foods (1) with a touch of Italy mixed in. Think mini salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, alongside homemade focaccia with grilled vegetables; classic English scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, plus the surprise of nutella spread; then bite-size pastries topped with cream and fresh berries.

For sandwich fillings “gone Italian,” prepare Caprese Tea Sandwiches (2) made with bread rounds filled with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with olive oil; or similar Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Tea Sandwiches (6) topped on wedges of focaccia bread finished with balsamic creme. For a fresh and light filler, offer Cucumber Sandwiches (3) made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs.

Use different breads like rye, whole wheat, pumpernickel, and baguette slices, and arrange them in a pretty display on doily-lined platters (4). Or stack them up in enticing towers of “Italianized” sandwiches (5) offering tuna in olive oil, prosciutto, mozzarella, mortadella, lettuce, tomatoes, capers, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, roasted peppers, and more.

And for a different take on popular party sliders, try Mini Italian Sandwiches with Garlic Aioli (7) featuring cold cuts like Mortadella, salami, and turkey slices perked up by a zesty pesto spread.

Sources: 1 – Italian Talks / 2 – A Little Claireification / 3 – Spend with Pennies / 4 – Mel and Rose / 5 – Nick Malgieri / 6 – Oh How Civilized / 7 – Cooking and Beer

“La Dolce Vita” Sweets Table

Play up the Italian flair on into the desserts display. Start by announcing the sweets selection with a “La Dolce Vita” (The Sweet Life) sign. Then lay out a tempting array of confections like these! (*this section contains affiliate links)

1 – Rose Gold “La Dolce Vita” Card – from Zazzle
2 – Homemade Italian Rainbow Cookies – recipe from Always Order Dessert
3 – Italian Anise Cookies – available from Amazon
4 – Amaretto Cookies – recipe from All-Clad
5 – Italian Pizzelles – recipe from Land O Lakes
6 – Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze – recipe from Giada de Laurentiis
7 – Lemon Almond Biscotti – recipe from King Arthur Flour

Italian Food & Drinks Ideas as Bridal Shower Favors

Not surprisingly, the flavors of Italy make the most delightful guest favors, too. Your guests will love receiving any of these edible gifts, from drinks to sweet treats! (*this section contains affiliate links)

1 – “Olive Our Love” Wedding Favors – with the most charming bottle labels and seals from Evermine
2 – Personalized Photo Biscotti – from Beau-coup
3 – ILLY ART COLLECTION – Coffee Set by Tobias Rehberger (6 espresso Cups + 6 saucers) – from Amazon
4 – Italian Meringue Cookies – presented in Bellenza’s heart favor boxes
6 – Amorini Hearts (via Amazon) – packaged in Bellenza’s (5)  romantic rose bags
7 – Torrone (Italian nougat) – tucked into Bellenza’s ivory favor pouches
8 – “Grazie” Favor Tag – from Amazon
9 – Tea Cup and Saucer holding pink foil-wrapped candies, as shown in our Bellenza post here

Want to concoct your own shower favors with the taste of Italy? Try these 2 signature drinks featured in our DIY posts!

Limoncello Favors in Pretty Bottles ;

Bellini Favors: Buy and DIY

“La dolce vita” indeed, with a Bridal Shower Tea Party with the flavors and spices, drinks and sweets of sunny Italy!