New Year's Eve Parties

It's New Year's Eve! Got plans? Many of you will be having small, intimate dinner parties at home, others will be traveling to restaurants for dinner and in some cases, dancing, yet others will opt for more formal galas to bring in the New Year. Here's wishing all of you a very Happy New Year and we'll talk and share ideas about more parties for 2008!!

Christmas "grab bag" gift party

I recently attended a party where I was asked to bring a wrapped Christmas gift. I brought my gift and received a ticket in exchange. After we ate, the first ticket was called, a guest went up to a table and took a gift. The next ticket was called and that guest had the option to take a wrapped gift or take the one from the first guest and so on. The last guest had the option of choosing the last wrapped gift or any of the gifts that had been opened. Lots of "stealing" and laughs ensued. How many of you have been to this type of "exchange?" And what is this game/idea called?? No one could agree! I've heard several names for it....what's the consensus? (By the way, I got a very nice array of red scented candles which I will use during the holiday season.)

A Re-Gifting Party?

I just became aware of a new trend, a "re-gifting party." It occurs after the holidays and guests are asked to bring a gift that they would like to "re-gift." Does the adage about someone's trash being another's treasure apply here? I guess you'd have to be careful not to bring a gift if the giver of your "treasure" could possibly be in attendance! What's your take on this new trend? Have any of you been to one of these? "Recyling" idea or not?

Christmas Tree tailgate

We see license plates from several hours away coming to the Hudson Valley to get that perfect tree. Why not add a tailgate when picking out the tree? Pack a picnic of sandwiches, snacks and hot chocolate. Make it an event!

Trim-a-Tree Party

'Tis the season.....why not make trimming the tree another opportunity to throw a party? Everyone brings an ornament and adds one to your tree. You could incorporate the "pot-luck" here very easily. This is great for young people who are just getting started collecting holiday decorations, or a great way for older couples to "downsize" and donate a treasured ornament from their tree. If you have a "theme" tree, mention the theme in the invitation.

Holiday Cookie Exchange Party

How many of you have been invited to a cookie exchange and declined because you are too busy to make the required cookies? (I'm guilty!) Rethink this, it's not as scary as it appears. As the host, give a few weeks notice, invite a few friends and neighbors over, ask them to bring maybe 3 dozen of one cookie,(adjust this according to the size of the group)and a large container to take home the offerings. Have holiday music playing in the background, spread a festive cloth on a table, serve some nibbles (or just more desserts) and beverages. Everyone will gather around the table to collect their cookies, they will receive the amount they brought. Even if some cookies are large, others are small, it will all even out in the end. Ask each to bring a copy of their recipe to pass out. We're all busy, but maybe this is just what some of us need in this busy time of the year? Allow ourselves to schedule this in order to make time with friends and neighbors. By making just one kind of cookie, we get to take home several dozen different kinds of cookies for the holidays. How many have been to one and who's planning one for this year?

Holiday Wrapping Party

How many of us are up very late wrapping holiday presents alone? Why not turn the chore of holiday wrapping into a party? Invite a few friends, maybe incorporate the idea of a Potluck party (or at least a few snacks and beverages) and wrap your gifts together? Bring and share your supply of boxes, bags, tissue, wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags, decorations and all your creative ideas. Do your gifts usually look the same as they did last year? (and the year before?) Perhaps one of your friends brings a different perspective to wrapping a package, while another is a whiz at bows? Is there someone who can write the names on the gift tags using calligraphy? Even if another is "all thumbs" they could be go-fers and keep the food and beverages coming. Channel the particular strengths of the group and have some fun...while getting your holiday chore done!

Potluck Parties

With the holidays coming, and with so much to do, it might be time to employ an old-fashioned "Potluck supper" get-together with friends.
The term "potluck" was used when inviting someone to an informal family dinner where the guest would be taking his/her chances with what was in the "pot." Another definition was of a community meal comprised of contributions. Many "Potluck suppers" were held on Sundays, after church services. Today's twist on the Potluck supper can be a casual party with friends and little work for the busy host/hostess.
The rules for a "Potluck" are easy: food should be portable and not require last minute fussing, a quick heating up is all that should be necessary.
Call a few friends, eliminate the possibility of everyone bringing a dessert by asking for a specific course: appetizer, salad, meat or casserole, side dishes, bread, beverages, dessert(s). Often the host/hostess will provide the main dish and beverages with friends bringing the rest of the meal. Make sure there are lots of serving dishes and utensils available.
Why not try this with a few friends after a hectic day of holiday shopping??

Thanksgiving Dinner

Most of you probably have your Thanksgiving plans set by now. Some of you will "do it all" the planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning. Youll make the turkey and all the trimmings while others will opt for a group effort. I'm hearing of lots of friends and family dinners where guests bring a favorite dish, making it more personal with their particular "comfort food" being served and having it less stressful for the host since some appetizers, accompaniments and desserts will be provided. Do any of you have a tradition of saying "thanks" before the meal that you'd like to share? Some use cards with just one word to trigger a thought for their guests to speak about. Others have the oldest and the youngest at the table say their "thanks." Do any of you have memorable Thanksgiving dinner moments that you particularly enjoyed and would like to share?

Scrapbooking Party

Scrapbooking has become very popular and many are finding it more fun to work on their scrapbooks with a group to share ideas and supplies. I just heard of a group of 8 women who went to a resort for a weekend to work on their individual projects. Lots of laughs, food, wine and scrapbooking! Great way to bond and get your project launched, have help with an existing one or finish the one that's been sitting idle for awhile. I'm hearing of many who are doing scrapbooking for their kids high school graduations, they have approximately 18 years of pictures to be used. I attended a wedding shower where the bride-to-be was given one from her future mother-in-law with lots of pictures and memorabilia about the groom-to-be. A treasured gift! One mother I know made one for her son's Eagle Scout ceremony which featured pictures and awards from all of his years in Boy Scouts. How many of you are working on a scrapbooking project and have attended a scrapbooking party?

Progressive Dinner Party

A progressive dinner party is a great way to get together with your neighbors for a fun evening. If you live in an area with neighbors within walking distance, it's a little easier to maneuver. For a smaller group have one house designated to be the "appetizer house." All the neighbors gather there for appetizers and then head out to the various homes for dinner. All have the same menu for dinner. Each host will make the same entree and the accompaniments are provided by the attendees (delivered earlier in the day.) After dinner all reconvene at one home for dessert. If you have a large group, I would suggest a committee to draw names from a hat to divide the guests as to certain homes for appetizers and main courses. There could be more than one home for appetizers, several for dinner (usually 8 for dinner works well, obviously the owner would be at this home) and then, if possible, gather at one to two homes for dessert. Decide on the menu and the cost, and divide it equally among all. Everyone should have the same amount of work: providing the appetizers, main courses, accompaniments and desserts. How many of you have participated in one before? Great idea for a holiday party! Have fun and tell us all about your experience.

OctoBEAR party for moms and tots

How about a party for moms and pre-schoolers? This party is inspired by the song "The Teddy Bears Picnic." A playdate party where the children bring their favorite teddy bears. Make bear prints leading to your front door for the children to follow. Have books on hand with bear themes, such as "Corduroy," "Winnie the Pooh," We're Going On A Bear Hunt, "Bear Snores On," "Every Autumn Comes the Bear" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"
Each child could wear "bear ears" which can be made out of chenille pipe cleaners. Spread a blanket or tablecloth on the floor and serve out of picnic baskets lined in red and white checked fabric. Depending on the age, you could serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut out using bear cookie cutters. Don't forget "teddy grahams," "gummy bears" and teddy bear stickers as favors. For the moms you could serve sandwiches (other than pb&j) or salads. Have the theme of "The Teddy Bears Picnic" playing to greet your guests. This can also be adopted to include a birthday celebration. Add teddy bear balloons, a teddy bear cake and give teddy bear books as favors.

Oktoberfest

How many of you have been celebrating at an Oktoberfest this month? Now is the time! Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September and early October. To have your own version of "Oktoberfest" invite friends over for some pale ale or a hearty stout (or your favorite beer or a micro-brew.) Decorate with fall foliage (anyone have edelweiss?) incorporating the German colors: black/red/gold. Serve German fare for your menu such as bratwurst, pork, sauerbraten, Black Forest ham, cabbage, German potato salad or spaetzle and finish your meal with apple strudel or Black Forest cake for dessert. Tell us how you celebrated Oktoberfest!

Holiday Open House

The leaves are falling, November is around the corner and time to think about hosting a Holiday Open House. Open House parties are usually held in the late afternoon. Guests are not obligated to arrive at a particular time if it's an Open House, but state a beginning and ending time such as 4 pm to 6 pm, or 5 pm to 7 pm on your invitation to ensure that someone won't be dropping by when the party is over. One can make it simple and serve hors d'ouevres with wine and beer or add spirits for a full bar. You can hire a bar tender or make it a self-service affair. If you decide to serve wine, you will need one bottle of wine for every 5 guests.
A buffet with many choices of hors d'oeuvres, hot and cold arranged on a table where they are easily accessible for guests to help themselves. Plan on 8 hor d'ouevres per person. Some of your guests will plan on your appetizers being their dinner, while others may have dinner plans for afterwards. Better to plan on having more than less!
Try different heights for your appetizers, place large books under the tablecloth to elevate some dishes for a more interesting table. Gourds, pumpkins and leaves are an easy way to decorate your table at this time of year. A dessert table with coffee and tea offerings for the ending time. Finger food desserts such as cookies, brownies, fruit on skewers, chocolates are the simplest and always well received.

Halloween Party costumes

What to wear to a Halloween party when the invitation requires a costume? If you are attending as a couple, how about a famous couple from tv or the movies? Singles can go as a pop star, cartoon character, politician, animal, food item, popular toy or stuffed animal? Perhaps a favorite team mascot or sports figure? Country western singer or a Broadway show star? Fictional characters? Song and dance team? A popular character from a children's nursery rhyme or fairy tale? Costumes from foreign countries? What have been some of your favorite costumes, either you have worn or have seen on others? Was there a theme to the party? What costumes were awarded prizes? Tell us some of your most creative costumes.

Halloween Parties for Children

How many of you are planning a Halloween Party for children?
Many parents today would rather have a party at their home instead of having their children go "trick or treating." Parents want a fun and safe way for their children to celebrate.
About.com has a wonderful website with great suggestions for Halloween games for children's parties. The October issue of Better Homes and Gardens is filled with Halloween tricks and treat ideas. Kaboose.com is another website for fall crafts and fun snacks. What's your favorite way your child will be celebrating Halloween?

when the invite says "dress to impress"

Having heard from "golfgirl" about what to wear for a party when the invite says "dress to impress," do any of you have ideas for her? How many have been in a quandry about what to wear for a particular party or affair? Any great tidbits to pass along?? Have any of you hosted such a party? What were you expecting to see? How many of us go shopping at the last minute...panic stricken for something that's "just right?" Anyone???? (golfgirl's question is from her comment posted on the last blog - Leaf Peeking.)

Leaf-peeking party

Parties in the fall tend to be more relaxed and Mother Nature can do a lot of the decorating for us. Vivid hues of coral, amber and apricot help us with our decorating scheme. Look for apples, pumpkins, gourds and artichokes and add some greenery from the garden to add to your table decor. Platter of cheeses with these accents will add a rustic touch to your table. This can set the stage for a "leaf-peeking" party. Plan to take an afternoon drive with friends and explore our breathtaking Hudson Valley fall foliage, then complete the afternoon at an outdoor table decorated with natural elements, wine and cheese.

Bachelor/Bachelorette parties

What's the current trend with Bachelor/Bachelorette parties? Are they all out-of-town trips? Do the bridesmaids and groomsmen feel an obligation to attend? What's your thinking on this?

"Empty Nest" Party?

Are you experiencing "empty nest syndrome" now that your youngest is off to college? We know we give our children "roots and wings" but this can be a difficult time for some parents. Others relish the thoughts and have been planning a party for years!
If you are new to this "empty nest" why not throw a party for other parents who find themselves in this position? Many schools plan "parent weekends" in October, but you'll need to send packages of goodies, home-made or store-bought before that. Why not extend an invitation to the parents of your son or daughter's friends? Ask them to bring items they would be packing for their son or daughter's package from home. Maybe some are known for their brownies, cookies, or other treats. It would be fun for your child to get a treat from a friend's mom or dad too. Pool your resources. Add other items to encourage your college student to keep in touch (besides e-mail) with some note cards, stamps, candy, rolls of quarters for their laundry, maybe a favorite magazine, perhaps give them a subscription to the local paper so they can keep up with local news and their high school sports teams. Take some pictures of the parents together and send them off with the packages! Enjoy!

Jack & Jill shower

Engaged couples today are both involved in their registries. Some choose to have registries at local hardware stores or large chains in addition to department stores and specialty shops.
The first shower is said to have originated in The Netherlands. A father of a bride-to-be was against the marriage of his daughter to a poor miller. He was adamant about not giving the customary dowry. The villagers took pity on the young couple and got together to "shower" the couple with gifts. Now there are many variations on the shower. Here is one of the newest: the Jack and Jill.
First of all, both the bride and groom are celebrated, his and her friends are invited. A theme for gifts could be a "stocking the bar" shower and could include barware and accessories. Another theme could be the "Handyman/Handywoman" shower and could include tools,ladders,and gardening equipment. A more traditional take could be a practical "room by room" theme which would assign a particular room to be furnished: living room (lamps, rugs, pictures), dining room, bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, barbeque items for the patio. If the couple are sports enthusiats,items for outdoor sports, camping gear, equipment for the sports they enjoy or chairs for spectator sports. Electronics could be another theme and of course luggage for their honeymoon. Has anyone been to a "Jack and Jill" shower? Comments?

A new breed of bride?

A reader just told me of a letter to Dear Abby concerning a wedding invitation which was sent that included a deposit slip to the engaged couple's bank account "in lieu of gifts." The couple who received it were obviously insulted and were wondering if this was a new trend? Is this worse than the "suggested donation" amount we heard of before? I think so!! Abby responded to the rude behaviour and said that it could have been worse, the bride and groom could have requested the guest's bank number for a debit transaction! OMG!! Comments??

Tailgating Party

With fall around the corner, it's time to think about tailgating parties. Make sure that the stadium parking lot or arena allows for tailgate parties before you head out for the game.
Pack simple and fun foods, supplies and drinks. Think about food that can be cooked ahead, can be transported easily, or if grilling, can be easily grilled.
Check first if alcoholic beverages are permitted before you bring the beer and wine.
You'll be leaving early, so pack the night before. Bring disposable plates, napkins, utensils, bottle openers, condiments, paper towels, folding chairs, radio, small grill (or smoker), coals, cooler, trash bags.
You can also modify a tailgating party by throwing one in your home. The point is to enjoy the game and the company you've gathered to watch it.

Retirement Parties/New Beginnings

Retirement parties can be more than just toasts and roasts. Since many retirees will pursue new careers, hobbies, or a passion that has been put "on hold," plan a party that will reflect this. Make it fun and "up-beat." Encourage guests to bring gifts that are practical, inspirational and fun. If you know they will travel, suggest gifts that will help with this such as luggage, gift certificates to local restaurants or tickets to cultural opportunities. If they have a hobby they will actively pursue, use this as a theme for the party. New equipment, services or a subscription to a magazine on the subject could be given. A membership to a fitness club or a voucher for educational classes could be another option. Celebrate their "New Beginning."

Escort cards vs. Place cards

What's the difference between escort cards and place cards? Escort cards indicate the table where you will be seated, while place cards indicate your particular seat at the table. Some couples choose numbers for the tables, others opt for names of favorite places, romantic celebrity couples, songs, movies, beaches, hobbies, etc. Place cards are usually written in calligraphy. Displaying the escort cards can be as simple as having them lined up on a table, hanging from branches, served on a silver tray or a framed chart. Place cards can be tucked in a napkin fold, put in a frame or incorporated into a favor. Use your imagination and have fun with both. Who has seen some different takes on these?

Top Five List for throwing a Surprise Party

Surprise Parties are a great and fun way to celebrate an anniversary, retirement, "sweet sixteen", bridal shower, baby shower, or a "special" birthday celebration.
If having the party at your home:
1. Send invitations and make sure guests know that this is a surprise party. Have rsvp's sent to someone else or to a work number/cell phone.
2. Have a friend take the guest of honor out for the afternoon of the party. Keep in mind what the guest of honor will be wearing and have guests dress accordingly.
3. Ensure that decorations are not seen from the outside.
4. Have food, beverages and music ready. Food and beverages can be arranged by friends and neighbors or hiring a caterer. Music can be a hired band, DJ or cd's.
5. Have guests arrive at least 30 minutes before the guest of honor will return, and have them park away from the house so their cars are not visible.
Yell "surprise" when the guest of honor arrives!

Wedding present - how much does one give?

A reader just told me of a letter which was recently written to Dear Abby asking how much money is appropriate for a guest to spend on a wedding present. The bride-to-be/good friend was not-so-gently reminding her guest of the amount being spent per person and how she was looking to "recouping" the cost at her wedding with monetary gifts. Abby's answer was to "take the bull by the horns" and spell out for the "good friend" her financial situation and that she most likely would not be coming up with the "entrance fee." Abby told her that if she felt her friendship might be terminated, it would be anyway since the amount she would give would most definitely not be up to the bride's expectations.
I recently heard of someone receiving an invitation with the words "suggested donation: $350." Yikes! Is this something anyone else has experienced? If so, how did you handle this? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Welcome Bags for Wedding Guests

>Welcome Bags are becoming very popular to welcome your guests staying at area hotels. It's a great treat to register at the hotel and receive your Welcome Bag from the bride and groom. It's an extra special touch for your guests. These usually include a welcome note from the couple, an itinerary of the wedding day/weekend, noted area attractions, water, savory or sweet treats (such as biscotti or chocolates) to munch. The treats can be something akin to the area, for example an apple treat would be a nice touch for Hudson Valley guests. Depending on the time of year, something appropriate for the season and something that is indicative of the area. What's the best "Welcome Bag" treat you have received? Anything unusual that
you especially enjoyed?

Labor Day...Brunch?

How about a twist on the Labor Day party? Why not try a brunch? Not as much work as a Labor Day barbeque and you can enjoy the rest of the day!
Five easy steps:
1.Beverages: Mimosas and Bloody Marys, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
2.Main course: make-ahead dishes such as eggs with cheese, scrambled eggs, frittatas, stratas, enchiladas, eggs benedict. Also waffles, pancakes, crepes with strawberries and cream, cheese blintzes or quiche. Accompaniments: bacon, sausage, tomatoes and hash browns.
3.Centerpiece: why not a large edible centerpiece of fruit?
4.Dessert: muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls or coffee cake
5.Coffee, regular and decaf and assorted teas

Top Five List for Hosting a Cocktail Party

We all know that cocktail parties are social events where guests mingle. Here are some suggestions for ensuring that your guests are comfortable.

1.Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages in addition to your usual offerings.
2.Limit the number of heavy scented candles as some guests may have allergic reactions.
3.Control the music volume and room temperature so that guests can mingle and are
not too cold, not too warm.
4.Provide seating for guests who may need to sit.
5.If having buffet table, serve from both sides to alleviate wait.
Bonus tip: Relax! Guests will take their cue from the host/hostess.

A Ladies Brunch for wedding guests

A friend of mine just told me about the lovely "Ladies Brunch" she attended that was given for all the ladies who attended her son's wedding. It was held the day before the wedding and all the ladies got to meet and mingle before the wedding. I have also attended a "Ladies Tea" for my niece where each guest was asked to bring an English tea cup and saucer to be given to the bride. Does anyone have a similar tradition they could share?

Thank you notes

I was recently asked the question "If you thank someone in person when they give you a gift, do you need to send a "thank you" note?" It's not required, but always appreciated and shows thoughtfulness and good manners. If someone has taken the time to shop, wrap and deliver a present to you, it's always nice to send a thank you note. It doesn't matter when it comes, although the sooner the better. Whenever it arrives, it will bring a smile to the recipient!

Book Club Party

There are so many Book Clubs today that a Book Club party is a fun way to celebrate a great book and summer. Send simple invitations to your friends with enough notice of the book you will read and discuss. Two weeks or a month is usually enough time. Depending on the book being discussed, pick decorations that would go with the theme of the book. A fun "summer read" could have simple beach items around with umbrella drinks. If it's a tear jerker, put out plenty of tissues. A more elaborate party could have fancy hors d'oeuvres with the host/hostess dressed as the central character. For a gothic novel, dim the lights and have plenty of candles out. Whatever you decide, just make it fun!

Wedding Programs

I was recently asked by a bride-to-be about wedding programs. What are wedding programs and do we need them?
Wedding programs are not required, but they are a welcome addition to the wedding ceremony. Usually the names of the parents and grandparents are listed. Also listed are the names of the bridal party. Sometimes there are details about the bridesmaids and groomsmen. It's an extra touch to know the relationship between the bridesmaids and the bride, groomsmen and groom. You can make it simple, stating Sally is a friend of the bride, or more elaborate with how long they have been friends, where and when they met, college roommates, etc.
If one is unfamiliar with the protocol of a particular wedding, it will help to know what is coming next in the ceremony for when to stand and/or sit. The music to be played and names of the composers are also listed. Deceased relatives can be listed with a special remembrance. The bride and groom usually thank their parents, relatives and friends for attending their special day.
Any unusual programs that you have seen??

Mother of the Bride & Mother of the Groom attire

There have been concerns as to the attire for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. Usually, they will coordinate colors with each other so they are not wearing the same color, but complement each other. It's a good idea to coordinate with the color of the bridesmaids dresses as well for the pictures. Of course the MOB and the MOG do not wear white, this is reserved for the bride.

Feeding the musicians? Photographer?

I received an e-mail concerning having a meal for the musicians, dj, photographer, videographer, etc. Yes, all of these people need to be fed. They will be there for several hours, some will start before the actual reception and should be given a meal. This usually will happen during a "break" in the reception. Depending on the venue, this will vary. I've seen some musicians and photographers eat at a table at the reception, some receive a meal in the kitchen area. Other venues will have other designated areas. But yes, they need to be fed and arrangements should be made ahead of time.

Bridal Shower Gifts

I recently read an article concerning gifts for a bridal shower. This article stated that one should give a gift that the bride would never buy for herself. I respectfully disagree. This completely disputes the bridal registry. The bride and groom have carefully selected things that they need and would like for their new home, why would you ignore this? One of the suggestions was monogrammed bathrobes. These are great, but do they already have enough regular towels? So many young couples are buying houses right away, they certainly need many more things. What's your take on this?

To Favor or Not To Favor?

There seems to be definitive pros and cons regarding wedding favors. Some want to dismiss them, others want help finding inexpensive ones, others prefer to look for unique and elaborate ones. Ive seem small picture frames, bells, individual boxes with special candies, luggage tags (which doubled as your escort card - very clever bride Betsy!) wine bottles, wine bottle openers in the shape of a bird - in keeping with a bird theme, beeswax candles tied with a ribbon, beautifully decorated cookies in a small bag. These cookies are usually in keeping with a theme. I've also seen individual cakes with small cake boxes that the guests can take home. I was a guest at an outdoor summer wedding on a beach where we each received a large fan with the program on it. This came in very handy! This past weekend I received a cd with the couples favorite songs, I've been enjoying it all week!
Some couples prefer to make a donation to a charity in lieu of a favor and there will be a note stating this.
My findings have been that for the most part, people prefer a favor that is useful.
Now, who is "pro" the favors and name some you've enjoyed. Who is "con" and tell us why??

Save-the-date cards

A bride-to-be recently asked when should "save-the-date" cards be sent? First of all not everyone is aware of this new trend of "save-the-date" cards. These are sometimes postcards, short one page announcements, magnets, or more formal notes that give guests the opportunity to have a "head-start" for planning to attend a wedding. They are especially helpful for out-of-town guests to book flights and hotel reservations early. They can be sent out as soon as the date is set. A year is not too early to send them. No one will complain about having too much time to plan on attending, especially a destination wedding.

Invitations

I attended the National Stationery Show for four days last week in NYC. The show was very well attended, which bodes well for the industry. Since the invitation sets the tone for the party or event, it was interesting to see how many choices there were from the newest in traditional and formal to the different and very colorful, fun and funky. Favors were also big! I know there are some who choose not to have favors, but who still doesn't like to take home a "goody bag?" The chandelier motif was big in both invitations, stationery and favors. What's your take on different invitations and favors?

Attending the wedding ceremony

Does anyone else wonder why the wedding ceremony is not as well attended as the wedding reception? I brought the programs for 150 guests to a wedding on Saturday and had about 100 programs left after the church ceremony. Is this a new trend? I hope not!

RSVP

How many times have you sent an invitation and wondered why you still haven't heard from a few people? Even if you had a deadline? RSVP loosely translated from the French means "please respond." The host/hostess needs to know for planning the food amounts, beverages, tables, seats...yet, we still have to call and ask "did you get the invitation? Are you coming?" This is even more difficult with formal affairs when you are billed if they show or not. I have yet to hear of any bride who heard from all her invited guests! How many stories to share on non-responders?

Send the Wedding Gifts

I've been told by quite a few MOB's that they wish all wedding guests would send their gifts ahead of time to the bride. Registries make this so easy, the store will ship it directly. Obviously, if you are bringing a card with a check, that is different. But to have to take care of the gifts after the wedding puts undue stress on the parents and the newlyweds. This happens even at destination weddings where sometimes the gifts have to be shipped home. Has anyone had experience with this? Other thoughts or ideas?

omg, it's high school all over again?!?

Remember your first day of high school? The classes were fine, lunchtime came and oh, where to sit? Fast forward years later, you're invited to a dinner...same drama! Placecards take the stress away! Someone took the time to think about where you would be most comfortable. Whew! You don't have to freeze when you arrive at the table and they're a great conversation starter. Placecards...obsolete or necessary?

You're been invited for dinner

You've just been invited to a friend's house for dinner. You offer to bring something, he/she politely says "no." What do you do? Just show up? Bring something? But what? You don't know what is being served...
How about bringing some flowers, a plant or a bottle of wine? Flip-side: what, as the host or hostess, do you want a guest to bring? Even after your polite "no?"

Help! I need a gift!

It's that peak gift giving time of year!! Graduations, weddings, showers, anniversary parties, summer birthdays...if you're like me you want to give a gift with style.

If you haven't discovered on-line registries, they are a godsend. It shows their taste, colors, and you can shop within any budget. Baby boomers, like me, sometimes resist the on-line buying without actually seeing the item. But it's soooo much easier! For weddings check out www.weddingchannel.com and you can see exactly where he/she is registered. Everybody has a horror story of that awful Elvis lamp that must be taken out of the attic when Aunt Rita comes to town! Registries eliminate all that.

What's your fave registry? Let me know and we'll all share.