Thai and Caribbean Chicken Skewers. Photo: Kerry Reynolds

I'm sure several of you have been to at least one bridal shower in your lifetime, but I think I already need both hands to count all of the ones I've attended. Bridal showers usually include some sort of game, a specific time to open presents, an embarrassing hat made from bows and -- if you're lucky -- great food and (possibly) liquor!

While we all have outstanding memories of our own, I have to say the ladies who threw my shower this past month absolutely outdid themselves -- especially with the eats. OK, so there was a little pressure to provide good grub (I mean, I am a food writer), but what I didn't expect was a full-on display of one tantalizing bite after another.

A full menu and more tasty pictures after the jump.

The hunt to find a caterer for the party was no easy task, I'm sure. Heck, I expected a lot of homemade fare (and would have been very happy with that). My mom and best friend finally settled on Tia's Food of Love, located in Northern New Jersey. I've eaten a decent amount of great cocktail food in my day, but the bites these ladies put out from a tiny caterer's kitchen (without a stove) proved to be innovative and, more importantly, delicious.

Gazpacho Shooters with Grilled Shrimp. Photo: Kerry Reynolds

Luscious garnishes showcased the food's bright colors and made them pop, leaving quite an impression on guests. The full menu included:

Deviled eggs with smoked salmon, dill and poppy seeds
Strawberries stuffed with brie, wrapped in prosciutto di Parma and drizzled with balsamic syrup
Caprese skewers with fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes and fresh basil
Thai and Caribbean chicken satay
Brie cheese with raspberry in puff pastry
Melon and prosciutto di Parma skewers with mozzarella cheese, orange zest, cracked black pepper and fresh mint chiffonade
Mediterranean lamb kabobs with grilled lemons and a cucumber feta dip
California sushi rolls
Petite quiche Lorraine with hickory smoked bacon and Gruyère cheese
Mini macaroni and cheese served in demi cups
Pizzette Margherita
Fresh fruit skewers with a honey-lime dip

Stuffed strawberries wrapped in prosciutto di Parma. Photo: Kerry Reynolds

How do you create a truly personal and memorable shower for the bride in your life? Truly focus on what she loves, not what tradition dictates. I am a young bride, and I wanted something a little upbeat and different. A cocktail party complete with an amazing bartender muddling mojitos was more than I could have ever expected. Add in a guest list full of family and friends and a bridal party that makes my life easy -- I couldn't ask for more.

What was your bridal shower like? Let me know, and don't forget to follow The Hungry Bride on Twitter!