So, what do cookies have to do with bridal showers? At my mother’s house this week I walked into some serious baking. I knew right away that these cookies were for the bridal shower. All the ladies make homemade Italian cookies; almond biscotti, amaretti, fig bars, nut clusters, strufoli, … I could go on.
This tradition started way back as a way to celebrate the bride and as a form of respect given to the parents of the happy couple.
When I got married we held our bridal shower at a local hotel. We had to request special permission to allow “the cookies”. The Catering Director who we became friendly with didn’t understand what we meant and why it was so important for “the cookies”. We pleaded and humbly begged and he relented. The day of the bridal shower the trays were parading into the room. He came up to me and said, “Lisa we have a problem… I need to put another table in to accomodate the cookies. I counted 52 trays and they are still coming in!”
I laughed and said “Don’t worry.” The containers are here and by the end of the shower they’ll all be gone.” He was astonished.
After we made him and the staff plates of cookies to take home, he finally realized the importance of “the cookies”. You can’t buy these type of cookies at a bakery. They were all homemade!
The cookies are an important part of Italian celebrations. We joke about the cookies and look forward to the end of the shower when we are given our handy little plastic containers to fill up with the goodies.
Our mothers have kept this tradition going for many reasons; to share their favorite recipes and show the family that they respect and appreciate each other. It’s their way of truly celebrating.
As you see in the photos the cookies were a hit! I picked up my favorites to enjoy with a “bella tazza di caffe” this morning.
Homemade Italian cookies and coffee – nothing better than that!
Tagged: amaretti, biscotti, family, Homemade, Italian bridal showers, Italian cookies, traditions
Everyone Wants To Be Italian 
Great Post Lisa! I moaned and groaned about getting in the line to take my cookies, but Chicky and I enjoyed them all weekend with coffee! I am glad my in-laws have introduced me to this special tradition!
Thanks Erica! We ate all our cookies too 😉
This is exactly how my niece’s and cousins shower was. It brought back memories. Thanks Patty!
Thank you Marge, I appreciate the comment!
I love that all the old ladies line up immediately to make sure they get “the cookies” some even have brought their own containers in case none were provided…its hilarious!
Thanks for commenting. It’s funny because back in the day people probably used napkins, now the person planning the showers got savvy and buy the plastic containers.