Emily's Shower

[Styling by Carolyn Quartermaine, photo by Jacques Dirand from Carolyn Quatermaine Revealed, Rizzoli, 1997.]

[Boxes from Bell'occhio.]

Emily Evans Eeerdmans, a witty and ebullient art historian who wrote the invaluable tome, Regency Redux, is newly wed and I've been invited to her virtual shower hosted by Mrs. Blandings.

[Photo via Emily Evans Eeerdmans]

[Robert M. Peacock's photo of Milk Punch from Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions & Classic Libations, Chronicle Books via G & G.]

A year ago, Emily mentioned serving champagne punch for the first time.

[Vintage sterling punch bowl available through Shelton Gallery.]

Since the shower is virtual, price doesn't really matter so I think a sterling silver punch bowl from the 40s is in order. Initially it was going to be 18th-century Chinese Export, something classic and a little Wearstler-esque (Kelly Wearstler wrote the forward to Regency Redux).

But I second-guessed myself on colors and shifted to works-with-everything silver. It's not English Regency, although it is from another era that Emily knows well -- the glamorous 1940s. A simple shape that will become magical in her hands. Will she fill it with libations, floating scoops of ice cream, or a mass of peonies? Whatever she does, I doubt it will be ordinary. Best wishes EEE!