There are so many games that people play when it comes to relationships. There's the cat 'n mouse of capturing your prey. The charade of being more cleanly than you actually are. There's the rouse that you genuinely care when in fact you just want them to shut up so you can go to sleep.
Sure, not every game is intentional, but sometimes certain times call for games. At some point in your life you get sick of playing these games and just want to get down to the real stuff.
For instance, almost ten years ago my sister had her own bridal shower where we were forced to play games in order to win gifts. The rules were simple - one person was given a wrapped gift. They couldn't cross their legs the whole evening. If they were caught, they would forfeit the gift to the person who called them out. An updated take on Hot Potato, but with more rules.
While I applaud group games and icebreakers, sometimes I find myself sick of having to yet again find an adjective that starts with the first letter of my name to introduce myself to strangers.
My sister, B threw a bridal shower for me, sans games. I loved her for it.
It was at Bookwalter Winery with some family members and girlfriends. Wine, fine finger food and fruity cheesecakes are the best recipe for a great time. And I'm not playing around - I mean that.
I'm not the best wine savant, so I pretty much stick to sweeter whites. Bookwalter's Belle ice wine was sweet ambrosia and was a big hit with everyone there. We later switched to a Riesling, but clearly the Belle had us saying, well, ciao bella! Even my 90-year-old grandmother took a sip, exclaiming "It tastes like juice!"
Appetizers included decadent cheeses, sticky rice wrapped in grape leaves, hummus, tomato caprese and an assortment of various olives. My favorite was this fresh baguette topped with crème fraiche, smoked salmon rolls with fresh dill, capers, red onions, and lemon wedges.
The best part of the shower was opening the gifts. C'mon, gifts are great, I'm not going to lie. But I think I'm at that point in my life where I prefer household items over non-functional ones.
My girlfriends gave me some phenomenal lingerie that will be tucked away for when I do feel like playing games. I scored some awesome kitchen utensils as well, and while you can't play with them, they are equally just as great.
My sister had some help from my other bridesmaid, A. I love them both and the fact they got along behind my back to plan the shower made me even happier. It's one instance I didn't have to play any games... I had a truly good time. And Mr. Big got to sample the shower food, thanks to several doggy bags.