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April's
Articles for Giftware News:
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Brides - out of
the registry
July 16, 2007
It is the bridal season—wedding showers, engagement parties,
celebrations in fields or chapels, cathedrals and country clubs
are filling every summer weekend, it is now and will likely continue
for another ten years—the marrying times of the baby echo.
Today the weddings, tomorrow the babies—how exciting!It
Speaking to my spies in bride land—there is much new afoot
in the shower and celebration business. Wedding showers are getting
fun! And some even have men at them [yeah!]. Tea and cakes have
moved to cocktails and canapés. The pedestrian themes of yesteryear
have given way to fun and fresh ideas that are as personalized
as the couple that they are given for.
The Registry—the fine and the fancy—the dream china—the
crystal glasses and monogrammed cutlery—yes, it still exists,
but my advice would be to leave it to the family and let the friends
give gifts from the heart. This is the time to give gifts that
will be cherished for a lifetime—family will always be there
and can keep giving gifts over the years—but friends will
often be remembered with that special gift from the wedding.
Put a little heart in your gift giving.
Put a little art in your gift giving.
Put a little smart in your gift giving.
I love the idea of a nature theme—light a table with beeswax
candles and put a mini birdbath in the middle—float flowers
in the birdbath and create faux bird nest bowls for nuts and munchies.
Pretty gift ideas are stone bowls and statuary, angels of the
garden and brass wind chimes—A hydroponic garden, bonsais,
wreathes and mini planted herb gardens are all beautiful and natural
additions to a home. Binoculars and guide books, for hikers and
beginning birders, collecting baskets and—if you really
need a special gift—a handcrafted canoe would be over the
top! Think of young couples starting out—they are a little
different than young couples used to be—they may already
have a home and a garden, or a verandah to decorate—quality
garden tools, or a well-made wicker rocker –these are gifts
that are thoughtful and fun, and will last forever.
Serve salad fresh from the garden, tomatoes from the farmers market,
fresh fruit juices and local cheeses. Your napkins and linens
can reflect the natural theme, and be sure to use baskets and
natural containers as packaging for the gifts.
Then there is the beach or picnic shower—a pair of fun beach
chairs, matching beach towels, plastic margarita glasses, beer
coolers and wine chillers, chip and dip sets, outdoor placemats,
mini barbeques, lobster bibs—think of fun times and the
accoutrements required. Serve beer and chicken and throw in a
couple of Frisbees and whiffle balls and flip flops to get the
couple started on some joyful relaxing!
I particularly love the idea of a recipe shower—this is
a wonderful way to share a favorite recipe, and the dish to make
it in! From your family egg nog recipe—with great nog bowl
and cups to have forever – to banana bread with a loaf pan
and cute plates to serve it on—all things homey and domestic
make this shower special. Give homemade jams with their own spreading
knives or a pie in a pretty dish wrapped in a floral table cloth—stacked
cookie tins filled with different family cookie recipes—and
then a great cookie jar to sit on the counter—the gifts
at this party can be reasonably priced and are not too hard on
young friends of the bride and groom.
Recipe parties can have all of the guests in aprons, and a table
that groans with some of the favorite dishes of the guests. Homemade
wines, rich stews, and fresh breads with placecard holders announcing
the dishes and their cooks will add a homey and personal touch
to the table.
I love this one—the library party—oh what fun—to
create a library of wonderful books for your friends. Every guest
could supply a different author or a different type of book, a
selection of American authors, Fitzgerald and Hemmingway, Morrison
and Steinbeck, and Twain, or Plath. Great books that will stand
the test of years—just like the marriage!
Add some of the classic Russian writers and don't forget the monolithic
"War and Peace" or Dostoyevsky's 'Idiot.' Wrap your books in newspapers
and attach collectible bookmarks. Remember both Dickenson and
Dickens!
Decorate the table with quotes from your favorite thinkers—The
Dalai Lama—Mother Teresa—Anne Landers! Whoever tickles
you—the messages can be amusing or serious—advice
for the future or witticisms of every day.
A series of reference books is a must for every home—a big
fat dictionary and a wonderful world atlas—and perhaps a
globe will all add to the intellectual wealth of the home. I would
throw in a dozen great mysteries to while away a lazy afternoon,
some light reading by humorous authors and a couple of Soduko
and crossword books to round-up the collection.
A wooden bookcase—with some funky bookends and a smattering
of pretty picture frames will make this little library ready to
set up. Copy your meal from a Julia Child cookbook and throw in
a cookbook too!
Weddings and all of their attendant festivities are a good excuse
for both fun and creativity—they are happy occasions—all
about the going forward in life—take the time to make new
memories with them.
April Cornell
Burlington,Vermont |
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