Shower Favors From Antiquity
Never Go To Shower Without Your Umbrella

A Scandinavian custom alleges that a Bride-To-Be was snobbish if she did not go door-to-door to receive her shower gifts in a pillowcase. At each stop along the way, the bride-to-be’s escort (traditionally an older gentleman, maybe an uncle), carrying an UMBRELLA for shelter against inclement weather, would be invited in for a cocktail during the gift exchange. You see, you can’t just fill up your pillowcase and leave; instead a whole social affair was created, and in order to insure that Uncle “Jim” makes it to all the women’s homes, a midday concoction was in order.

However, it is not Uncle Jim’s problem with sobriety that became the custom. Today, an umbrella is a decoration that signifies protection. For a wonderful do-it-yourself (DIY) shower favor that expresses to your guests the time and appreciation that you have devoted to your friend’s shower, give your guests miniature umbrellas that you have personally made. Perhaps, they could even be used as a garnish to your cocktail service.

Take a lacy, paper doily and pipe cleaners. Fold lace doily in half. Bring both sides together at the tips. Cut pipe cleaners in half. Place pipe cleaner inside the lacy doily and secure with tape. Form the handle, by bending the bottom of the pipe cleaner into a bow. Use address labels, type the bride and groom’s name, shower date, and wedding date. Place a label on each umbrella.