I hosted a bridal shower for my friend Ally, who loves mismatched china. When I sent the invitations, I requested that each lady purchase a mismatched cup and saucer to bring and use at the party. I have a set of china, but I liked the idea of using mismatched ones to honor Ally’s love.

In addition coffee (very important in Seattle – every lady had one cup before we got started, and they dove into the tea later), teas of all kinds, and water, I had fruit, sandwiches, scones with fake devonshire cream and jam and tiny raspberry muffins.

For sandwiches I made traditional cucumber on white bread with tarragon butter, chicken salad on mini croissants and ham, Havarti and cream cheese on raisin bread. For fruit I had strawberries, grapes, apple slices and bananas.

It was a huge success. One of my favorite parts was using real sugar cubes, which I put in one of my own mismatched teacups.