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Bon Voyage Christmas Party Idea
4/24/2009 11:07:00 AM
What better way to say Merry Christmas than with a Christmas party? Right? This is particularly true if you are throwing a going away party for friends and/or family members who are moving far away. If they are moving before or around the holidays, consider throwing them a “Bon Voyage Christmas Party.” That way, they will be able to see all of their friends and family members during one last joyous event before making their big move.
Christmas decorations: because this Christmas party carries a travel theme, consider using goods from a party supply store or online supplier that loosely match vacation or distant vacations. Even though the guests of honor are moving, and not going on vacation, that does not mean the travel themed party decorations cannot take on a more festive and relaxed feel. Consider using beach accessories, foreign country symbols and icons, airplanes, ships, boats, busses, & trains mixed in with your traditional Christmas decoration choices.
Christmas craft and game ideas: most likely, there will be children in attendance at this Bon Voyage Christmas Party. Consider setting up a large buffet table filled with crafts, projects, and
coloring pages for the children to work on during the course of the party. Choose projects that can be given to the guests of honor as going away presents so they can have a “piece of home” to bring with them from the little ones.
Christmas present ideas: take into consideration the fact that the guests of honor already have a lot to travel with and move into their new place. So, ask guests who attends to put together a care package to give to them as a Christmas present. However, rather than having the guests of honor take these care packages with them, pool together your money with the rest of the guests and offer to ship them out to their new home. When assembling the care packages, ask each guest to wrap each of the items so they can have a “housewarming party for two” when they reach their new home. Choose items that are typically forgotten when setting up house, like cleaning supplies, fresh towels, and other toiletries.
Christmas card ideas: ask each guest to either make a
Christmas card, or choose one that is store-bought. Then, ask them to write a note or letter on the inside. Encourage them to fill the card with writing, and use additional Christmas
stationery if necessary. Remind them to write their mailing address, as well as their email address somewhere on the card so it is easy for everyone to keep in touch following the move.
If you are serving food that you have made or that guests have brought, compile all the recipes on to recipe cards to mail to the guests of honor after the party. That way, they can recreate the entire Christmas party (or portions of it) whenever they want following the move! Yes, this is a good-bye party, but that doe not mean it will be a sad occasion. Make it a send off they will never forget!
Unique Ways to Wrap Christmas Presents
4/23/2009 9:56:00 AM
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love how a
Christmas tree looks when it has Christmas presents underneath that are wrapped in unique and decorative ways. It adds to the Christmas decorations, and it’s a great way to bring the holiday cheer to those who are receiving the Christmas presents. Here are some ideas about unique ways to wrap Christmas presents:
Use Christmas themed fabrics: this is a lot like creating a Christmas craft project in that you sew pieces of fabric together in order to wrap the Christmas present. Choose fabrics that have an old Christmas image on them, Christmas music, or other Christmas themes of interest. You could also create a patchwork quilt type of pattern if you have several scrap pieces of fabric.
Use plain brown paper: plain brown paper is an environmentally friendly choice many people are opting for these days. Not only is it made from recycled paper most of the time, but it’s a great way to add unique decorations and embellishments. Consider writing out Christmas quotes, or Christmas lyrics all over the paper, and then use rubber stamps to decorate the rest. This is another Christmas craft project type of idea that would be great to work on with children. It will give them a lesson in Earth-friendly Christmas wrapping projects, as well as opportunity to get crafty!
Choose an unusual container: rather than using wrapping paper for your Christmas present, consider using an unusual container. This could range from a glass jar with a decorated lid (or painted surface using glass paint), or a craft box purchased from the store or online. This is an opportunity to add customized and personal touches to this Christmas present, as well as provide the gift recipient with a container they can reuse or re-purpose in the future.
Create your own embellishments: use
gift tags that you either make by hand, or print out. In addition, use die-cut’s and other shapes that are cut from templates to attach to the Christmas present. Consider using glitter glue to edge along the gift tags, die-cuts, and any hand drawn decorations you’ve created on the package. Once you have added the ribbon and bow, you can also add glitter glue to the edges of the ribbon. Choose a silver glitter color, or a color that matches or compliments the rest of the Christmas present’s embellishments.
As you can see, there are a lot of options to explore when creating unique Christmas present wrapping. Don’t forget you can also use old Christmas cards to cover over portions of the brown paper wrapping mentioned above, as well as old Christmas gift tags that haven’t been discarded yet. Think outside the box (literally, in some cases!), and have fun with these projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with something new (a Chinese take-out box!), or something that may seem obvious (an altered Christmas cookie tin).
What are some ways you’ve used unique gift-wrapping techniques for your Christmas presents in the past?
Christmas Flower Arrangement Ideas
4/20/2009 8:13:00 AM
Who says flowers are just for spring or celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries? Flowers can be enjoyed year round, including during
Christmas. Say Merry Christmas to friends and family visiting your home through Christmas flower arrangements. When choosing what type of arrangement you would like to decorate your home with, consider using silk or other non-perishable materials so they last throughout the season and need little maintenance.
Here are a few ideas to place in conjunction with Christmas decoration ideas or table centerpieces:
Place baskets filled with poinsettias (use a variety of white and red) by doorways, next to end tables, underneath coffee tables, and next to the Christmas tree. Not only will this arrangement create a festive environment, but if you choose a silk poinsettia it will be hassle free. Just dust it every now and then and you’re good to go!
For those who enjoy creating Christmas craft projects, consider making a Christmas wreath, a string of garland, or a Christmas swag using pinecones, red roses, cinnamon sticks, and greenery. These wreaths can be constructed from foam circles, or grapevine wreaths. Sometimes craft stores have idea cards available for Christmas wreaths, so keep a look out.
Create table centerpieces using chunky candles placed on chargers or large serving platters. Add pinecones, holly berries, cranberries, sprigs of pine needles, and other greenery.
In keeping with the Christmas floral theme, consider sending out Christmas cards or holiday notes that contain floral arrangements or Christmas flowers. Here are several to choose from if you’re stumped for ideas:
When deciding on Christmas present ideas, consider keeping the Christmas floral theme:
Add pine or holly sprigs to gift-wrapping and ribbons, rather than bows.
Hand out baskets filled with fruit, a poinsettia, and some holly berries.
Hand out baskets filled with baked goods, and embellish the basket using pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and holly.
Print out
recipe cards, write out your favorite family recipes, and tie them together with a piece of ribbon. Further embellish the packet using a
gift tag, as well as a cinnamon stick and some holly. Consider choosing a Christmas image to print on the back, or paste to the back if you want a “scrapbook” feeling for these
recipe cards.
There are so many ways to incorporate Christmas flower arrangements and other Christmas floral ideas into your holiday planning. Beyond that of just a simple tablescape or potted plant here and there, adding floral arrangements to multiple areas inside and outside of your home is an excellent way to spread holiday cheer. Don’t be afraid of using too much, and don’t be afraid of experimenting with new ideas. Who knows, you might come up with something you like so much you’ll want to carry it on from year to year as a new tradition.
Do you decorate with Christmas floral arrangements? Do you find ways to incorporate the Christmas floral theme in other areas of your holiday planning?
Stocking Stuffers For Grown-ups
4/17/2009 11:35:00 AM
It is no mystery that buying stocking stuffers can be a challenge for children, let alone adults. Are you stumped for ideas for stocking stuffers for the grown-ups in your life? Rather than skipping out on the stocking stuffers this year, say Merry Christmas using some or all of the following ideas . . .
For teenagers:Pick up what’s practical: Chapstick, lotions, fragrances, toiletries, watches, jewelry, batteries, unusual pens, interesting notepads, date books, and gift certificates. Don’t forget to throw in some chocolate, cookies, and other munchies.
Make it fun: hit the novelty stores, comic book stores, and card stores to pick up things they don’t need at all. This includes plaques, figurines, mini-books, wind chimes, action figures, and scented candles. You can also find munchies wrapped in a gag gift style, too, or you can create y
our own
candy wrappers.
For women:
Pick up what’s practical: stain removing pens, feminine razors, lotions, facial treatments, make up remover, nail polish remover, swabs, toiletries, fragrances, sachets, cosmetics, recipe cards, small
photo albums, small photo frames, small kitchen necessities, night masks, and gift certificates.
Make it fun: fill her stocking with books from her favorite author, figure out who her favorite poet is so you can fill her stocking with gifts containing their poetry (mini-books, plaques, coffee mugs, bookmarks, and so on), or fill her stocking with all of her favorite sweet indulgences.
For men:
Pick up what’s practical: shaving cream, socks, razors, ties, toiletries, fragrances, office supplies, small tools, wind-up flash lights, hand warmers for their gloves, grooming kits, small first aid kits, and munchies.
Make it fun: fill their stocking with their favorite hobby items. For example, if they love to camp, then fill their stocking with small camping equipment. Or, if they love working on vehicles, fill their stocking on small parts and tools needed to work on their current or dream project. Filling a stocking for a fisherman is easy considering most of what they use, aside from the fishing pole and tackle box, is relatively small.
You may wish to include a specialized or customized Christmas card inside these Christmas stockings as well. If so, be sure to create a card or pick out one that is meaningful to the relationship the two of you share. You could also consider asking the children in your family to create coloring pages or handmade greeting cards for these Christmas stockings, as well.
Hopefully, these ideas will get you started. In addition to these ideas, consider asking the children in your family to create some Christmas crafts to put into the stockings of the grown-ups in your family. You could also include a CD of their favorite Christmas music, a personalized Christmas decoration and/or ornament, and a Christmas poem or Christmas quote engraved on to a trinket box or plaque. Consider mixing up what is practical with what is fun for unexpected twists and turns (and the makings of funny Christmas memories in some cases)!
Baby’s First Christmas
4/17/2009 10:04:00 AM
What a wonderful way to say Merry Christmas than to do so with a new baby! Celebrating baby’s first Christmas is a milestone moment, and you will certainly want to capture it on film and keep records in your memory books! For those of you who would like to throw a party to celebrate baby’s first Christmas, here are some ideas to take into consideration:
Christmas Craft Table: if you have the room, set up a separate Christmas craft table (a buffet sized table would work great for this) filled with
coloring pages, miscellaneous craft projects (with instructions), craft supplies, and craft idea books or pages. That way, guests can create something for the baby, or create keepsakes of their own to take with them to mark the occasion. This will also keep children who are attending the party busy with something fun.
Christmas Decoration Ideas: consider creating a “new baby” or “baby’s first Christmas” theme in the main living area of the house. Set up a small tree to use as a centerpiece of a card table or coffee table for guests to hang “baby’s first Christmas”
ornaments from (and hang some candy canes from it, as well, for guests to leave with). You could also use photo ornaments.
Christmas Game ideas: have a coloring contest for the kids who are in attendance, and play a game of Christmas themed “Pictionary” with the adults. You could also play a game of musical chairs with the children, and a game of “name that tune” with the adults.
Christmas Greeting Cards: make up some
photo cards, or some
photo postcards for everyone in attendance. For those who are not able to make it to your Christmas party, send these cards out through the mail. You could also save some time (and send out numerous cards) by using
egreetings.
Christmas Image Sharing: consider setting up a
MySpace page or a blog containing images from the Christmas party, as well as images from other Christmas events you and your family attend. Those friends and family members who are too far away to travel to these events especially appreciate this gesture.
Christmas Lyric, Christmas Song, or Christmas Music: Play “children’s” or “baby’s first Christmas” themed music to play in the background during the Christmas party. Here are some good sources of kid’s Christmas music to check out:
Christmas Recipe Ideas:
Applesauce:
blending applesauce with your Christmas veggies for younger babies
mixing it with well chopped veggies and turkey for babies from 7 months who won't mind the lumps
cutting baby's Christmas meal into bite-sized pieces for your older baby and serving the applesauce as a dip.
When making plans for your baby’s first Christmas celebration, don’t forget to tailor the event around your immediate family’s personal tastes and traditions. Avoid throwing a party you think people will expect to see, or else you’ll wind up losing the meaning behind the entire event.
Have you ever throw a “baby’s first Christmas” party?