What I’d Pack for My Sister’s Next Chapter, The Married One
In an imaginary trunk, of course
My little sister is getting married next month. She’s the youngest in the family, and even though we’ve done everything wedding-related, from dress hunting, to helping her as much as she’s wanted, and we even finished writing the speech with our brother well ahead of time, I still can’t believe that in exactly one month, she’ll be walking down the aisle!
My sister is ten years younger than me, and for obvious reasons I didn’t take part in her bachelorette, so instead I’m taking her on a little sister getaway just before the wedding. As part of that trip, I wanted to get her something special. Not the couple’s official wedding gift, but something just from me. A sister’s gift.
At first, I couldn’t think of anything that felt quite right. And then I remembered something my mother once mentioned, an old tradition that might be considered outdated, definitely not on trend, but one I’ve always found charming.
Have you ever heard of the bridal trousseau?
An old-fashioned, romantic tradition, where the bride would gather beautiful things for her new life: embroidered linens, nightgowns, lingerie, porcelain… In the past, especially in Europe and parts of the Middle East, preparing the trousseau was a family affair. Mothers and grandmothers would help collect and often hand-make each piece over the years leading up to the wedding. It wasn’t just about what the bride needed, but what she would love. Objects that felt personal, thoughtful, maybe even a little indulgent. It was a way of passing down traditions.
So I started thinking: what would a modern-day bridal trousseau curated by the bride’s sister look like? Not a pile of monogrammed towels or crystal platters, but a mix of small treasures, unsolicited advice, metaphorical bits and a few things she doesn’t know she’ll need yet.
Here’s 8 things I’d pack for her, in an imaginary trunk, of course.
1 A Couple of Recipe Cards from My Go-To Dinners
Because even the best hosts run out of ideas sometimes, or just want someone to tell them what to make. I’ll write down my favourite menus (starters, mains & desserts), the ones I turn to when I want to impress with minimal effort, or feed people I love without spiralling into a full tablescape situation.
Love these by Papier.
2 One or Two Beautiful Silk Negligée (To Start Her Collection)
Yes, it’s old-fashioned and romantic but I’m a sucker for that kind of thing. They’re not for now, necessarily. They’re for later. For future versions of herself.
And if you’re wondering, Sabbia Rosa is where to go.
3 The Unofficial Rulebook (For Her Eyes Only)
We all have a user manual, whether we like to admit it or not. A set of unwritten rules, preferences and little quirks that make us who we are. Most of the time, we know them. Sometimes, we forget. This one is just between me and her. A fun and cute reminder of all the things I know to be true about her!
(Her rule #1: Drink your morning coffee before anything…)
4 One Embroidered Tablecloth with Matching Napkins
I know… I’m going full old-school again. But believe me, this one’s worth it. I was lucky enough to receive a similar set from my siblings and their other halves for my 40th birthday and it is my favourite thing.
There’s something about having a proper tablecloth. The kind you reach for when you want to impress or make it look like you have your life together (even if the whole meal was ordered…). It’s not about being formal, it’s about creating special moments.
5 A Movie, a Playlist… or a Book
Let’s be clear: I wouldn’t dare give my sister a movie rec. She works in film, has her own Substack full of recommendations (you can check it out here), and she’s the undisputed queen of playlists. So those are definitely off-limits.
But books? I can take that.
I’ll put together a short stack of my favourites — ten titles she hasn’t read yet (I hope…)
For your sisters, a playlist or movie list might be perfect. But when your sister is the playlist, you go with what you’ve got.
6 A Boring But Necessary List of Older Sister Advice
I don’t know about your younger sister, but mine definitely doesn’t need my advice for a wiser life. If anything, I could probably take a few lessons from her.
That said, time (and maybe turning 40) teaches you a thing or two, and I do think it’s worth passing some of that down, not as rules, but gentle reminders.
These are personal, just between her and me. But if you’re stuck, start with the 3 S’s: Sleep, Sport, and Speak up for yourself.
Don’t worry, I’ve got a lot more, and a lot less cliché, but that part’s staying private.
7 A Membership to Something Cultural
A membership to a museum such as the Tate or the RA or to the Royal Opera House, depending on her taste and where she lives. It makes it a lot easier to plan things ahead and as a working married woman, this is not something to ignore.
8 A Vintage Camera or A Very Special Vinyl
Find something special that speaks your sister’s language. For me, either of these would work. The only catch? This is definitely not my area of expertise… which means I’ll need to do some serious research (and make sure to include an exchange ticket).
Well, that’s it for the content of my imaginary trunk. 8 things, zero crystal platters.
Will I actually gather them all in the next month? Unlikely. But she will get some, most probably one by one, in the next couple of years!
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Aaaaah what a wonderful idea! love the Beautiful Silk Negligée :) x
Now I want it all!!! Amazing ideas. Love you 🥰