Christmas party planning can be a difficult task regardless of whether you are planning a home or office party. You will undoubtedly spend a lot of your time planning the food but you shouldn’t concentrate on the Christmas menus alone, as there are many aspects that will attract and entertain guests more than your buffet. There are plenty of Christmas recipes that are simple and inexpensive to create that will give revelers good food and leave you time to concentrate on other factors like stunning Christmas decorations.
As well as making sure you have bought enough Christmas party supplies (you can never have enough alcohol at a Christmas party) you should consider presenting each of your guests with a little gift. Christmas history is steeped with the giving of gifts and the party favor is no different. There are plenty of Christmas party favors available that you may want to consider. Your best bet is buying the
same present for each of the men and the same present for each of the women. You can avoid arguments this way. As a general rule men love gadgets and women love beauty products, but everyone loves humor.
Good Christmas party ideas will include Christmas party games such as pass the parcel with forfeits. Instead of wrapping a present in each layer of paper, you can use forfeits. Make them as nasty or as pleasant as you like but a combination of both ends of the scale will work best. A combination of good food and drink, enjoyable party games and a party favor will make your Christmas party one that all your guests will remember.
Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Go here for unique Christmas party supplies.
Alcohol Abuse information, tips, recovery and treatment.
You’re tired. You’ve worked hard all week. Suddenly, the kids shout gleefully… “let’s decorate!” … in anticipation of the coming holiday. The “let’s not” is miraculously not permitted to escape your lips. Instead you take a deep breath while you wonder about how this decorating could become an easier and more fun-filled activity.
Well, it can be!
- First, insist on family members pitching in to help and treat this like a family project. This should not just rest on your shoulders to accomplish and it will be much more fun if you all are making changes and creating memories together.
- Next, pick a day and time you’ll all devote no more than one to two hours for a quick holiday makeover at your home (for a major decorating holiday schedule two or three longer blocks of time). It helps if you can set the decorating date about one to two weeks from now, if time still allows for that. This gives you time to gather items together for the project.
- Ask the kids to create one or two new arts and crafts decorations that are suitable to the holiday to have ready for the decorating day. Or, ask them to select ones from among any they may already have on hand, for instance, from school projects.
- Decide on 3 to 4 areas you will focus on decorating this year. Here are some choices: the front door, the front yard, the entry hallway, the kitchen table, the dining room table, the living room, the patio, the bathroom, the bedroom. There are other areas you could consider as well. But if you want quick and dirty, then focus in on only 3 to 4 of the areas for decorating this year. Anyway, you can select other areas next year for a change.
- Keep holiday decorations in separate bags, boxes or baskets in the same closet or in the attic so they’ll be easy for everyone to retrieve when they are needed next.
- Buy items you really love when you see them advertised or they may not be available when you later. It’s common for seasonal merchandise to change from year to year and also they are not stocked year-round typically. So, your item may no longer be available if you wait too long to decide you want it.
Then stash your figurines, statues, wall hangings, and other holiday
decorations in your bags or boxes, sorted by holiday.
- Make or buy some snacks or treats to enjoy together at the completion of your decorating time.
Here are some favorite quick and easy decorating areas and tips:
1. The front door- Have a welcome sign that is theme oriented and you can easily change by season or by holiday. You can either hang up a completely new themed sign, or there are some that come with interchangeable pieces you swap in and out representing different holidays or themes.
2. The dining room table or a table that is centrally located but not used that often- Change the table runner or the tablecloth to a holiday themed one. Then showcase your holiday decorations by arranging a combination of your kid’s holiday creations and your own figurines or other holiday decor on the table.
3. The mantel or entertainment center- Add a string of lights and if you wish, you can also vary the string of lights by color best suited for the coming holiday theme. Wall hangings can be changed around this area temporarily as well. Holiday accessories, flags, figurines, etc. are easy to rotate in and to view on or around this area of your home.
4. Special areas by kid’s choice- Smaller children can help by adding little decorations to windows and glass doors. They enjoy taping up their creations or they can easily put up static cling decorations. Other areas small children enjoy decorating include outdoors, the dog house and their own rooms. Allow them to handle this aspect of decorating while you take pleasure in their big smiles and hugs!
Finally, make your decorating time even more enjoyable by having holiday background music or other favorite tunes playing in the background. Then, when you’re done decorating, finish up with a big family hug and munching on tasty snack treats together!
Author Resource Box:
Liz Hekimian-Williams is founder of Giftsprings.com, a gifts and home decor online shop that features personalized gifts, custom engraved stones, holiday decor and special occasion gifts. Visit the gift shop at http://www.giftsprings.com
© 2003, 2004 Elizabeth Hekimian-Williams, Giftsprings
This article can be freely reprinted as long as the copyright notice and author resource byline with active link are included with the article.
Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the “golden” anniversary, and that the 25th is silver. But beyond that? Here are some traditional and modern conventions to follow when selecting anniversary gifts.
But don’t limit your gift giving to the gifts listed below for each anniversary year. Chances are if you didn’t know what the gift for that year was, then the recipients won’t know either! Use your imagination, but most importantly, use your heart.
Year: 1st
Traditional Gift(s): Paper
Modern Gift(s): Clocks
Year: 2nd
Traditional Gift(s): Cotton
Modern Gift(s): China
Year: 3rd
Traditional Gift(s): Leather
Modern Gift(s): Crystal, Glass
Year: 4th
Traditional Gift(s): Fruit, Flowers
Modern Gift(s): Appliances
Year: 5th
Traditional Gift(s): Wood
Modern Gift(s): Silverware
Year: 6th
Traditional Gift(s): Candy, Iron
Modern Gift(s): Candy, Iron
Year: 7th
Traditional
Gift(s): Wool, Copper
Modern Gift(s): Desk Sets
Year: 8th
Traditional Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
Modern Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
Year: 9th
Traditional Gift(s): Pottery, Willow
Modern Gift(s): Linen, Lace
Year: 10th
Traditional Gift(s): Tin, Aluminum
Modern Gift(s): Leather
Year: 11th
Traditional Gift(s): Steel
Modern Gift(s): Jewelry
Year: 12th
Traditional Gift(s): Silk, Linen
Modern Gift(s): Pearls
Year: 13th
Traditional Gift(s): Lace
Modern Gift(s): Textiles, Furs
Year: 14th
Traditional Gift(s): Ivory
Modern Gift(s): Gold Jewelry
Year: 15th
Traditional Gift(s): Crystal
Modern Gift(s): Watches
Year: 20th
Traditional Gift(s): China
Modern Gift(s): Platinum
Year: 25th
Traditional Gift(s): Silver
Modern Gift(s): Silver
Year: 30th
Traditional Gift(s): Pearl
Modern Gift(s): Diamond
Year: 35th
Traditional Gift(s): Coral
Modern Gift(s): Jade
Year: 40th
Traditional Gift(s): Ruby
Modern Gift(s): Ruby
Year: 45th
Traditional Gift(s): Sapphire
Modern Gift(s): Sapphire
Year: 50th
Traditional Gift(s): Gold
Modern Gift(s): Gold
Year: 55th
Traditional Gift(s): Emerald
Modern Gift(s): Emerald
Year: 60th
Traditional Gift(s): Diamond
Modern Gift(s): Diamond
Hope you found this helpful!
A Heath is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard.com
For most people, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, back to school, and another long weekend. Deep down however, when we stop for a moment and reflect as we often do on bank holidays, we all know that Labor Day is, in reality, meant to signify a time to recognize the achievement, struggle and determination of the working man and woman.
Here are 50 ways to acknowledge your employees in honor of Labor Day. See how many you are doing already, and which ones you could start doing better:
1. Ask them about themselves
2. Find ways to stay in an affirmative frame of mind, by saying yes as often as possible
3. If an employee makes a mistake, keep your emotions in check and mentor them to the make the right decision the next time
4. Be honest, ethical and forthright at all times. Stop yourself from stretching the truth about any issue that may arise
5. Listen to their needs and wants
6. Let them help you with your marketing plan
7. Listen to their stories about their families
8. Inquire if something is wrong if you feel an employee is acting different than usual
9. Remember the names of those employees in other departments you don’t know
10. Find out the birthdays of your employees and remember to send each one a card when that day comes around
11. Present several options when they seek your advice, but also allow them to come up with their own solutions
12. Surprise them with an impromptu incentive, reward or thank you just for doing their job in the unique way that they do it
13. Stay with them a few moments after you’ve resolved an issue, just to make sure there aren’t any lingering questions they were hesitant to ask
14. Have lunch brought in
15. Let them take the reins on a customer issue, giving them the empowerment they deserve
16. Stop by their work area just to say Hi
17. Let them vent
18. Discuss their higher aspirations
19. Let down your guard
20.
Come out from behind your desk when they come to see you
21. Tell them they’re doing a great job (you can’t do this too often)
22. Learn something from them
23. Don’t think with your mouth open
24. Make yourself accessible, answer your phone and return your emails
25. If you make a mistake, say you’re sorry
26. Keep your promises
27. When you talk to them look in their eyes
28. Pass out their pay stubs and checks, and as you give it to them, thank them for the work they do
29. Acknowledge an everyday task they do, and tell them specifically how well they do it
30. Give them your undivided attention.
31. Ask for their opinion.
32. Encourage their creativity when faced with a challenge
33. Find out what they’re best at, and help them become masterful at it
34. Be genuinely glad to see them
35. Bend
36. Allow them to find their own way, but give help when requested
37. Give them immediate feedback.
38. Include them in conversations with your peers, don’t make them feel left out
39. Respect them.
40. Be patient when they’re having a bad day
41. Send them to a meeting in your place, with their permission
42. Believe what they say
43. Laugh at their jokes
44. Encourage them to think outside the box
45. Let them look at the big picture with you
46. Share company goals with them, even if you think they won’t understand it all
47. Encourage all types of feedback
48. Make sure your voicemail message is as friendly as possible
49. Introduce them to your boss’s boss
50. Tell them if they ever have a question or concern they can call you at home, and give them your number
Andy O’Bryan is author of Incentive Toolkit 2005, the new ebook that gives employers creative and easy ways to motivate ttarget=”_blank” he great performance and reward the job well done, available at http://www.incentivetoolkit.com. To book an employee motivation session, consultation or keynote send an email to ajobryan@aol.com for a menu of topics.
Last year, as I turned 50, (FIVE-OOOH!!!), I decided to give myself a birthday party. Part of the party was to have a birthday journal, or diary. (I used my book The 5 Year Journal for two reasons — #1. I had a lot of copies, and #2. The 5 Year Journal is dated) I asked my friends to pick a date telling me why they chose that date, and then write whatever they felt like writing.
After the journal was passed around the party, I then carried it with me and had more friends sign throughout the year. I have now decided that this is my decade journal and it will come with me, and both my old and new friends will become a part of it from age 50 to 60 years old. Then I’ll start again, because a birthday journal is now part of my birthday celebration.
Another part of my birthday journal was writing a yearly birthday wish for myself. My wish last year was: To be healthy, wealthy, wise, happy, peaceful. This year my wish for myself is: To stop, to look and to listen, while staying as quiet as possible. At the time of my birthday I also write a birthday wish for different friends, and the world.
In the back and
throughout my birthday journal I have pasted pictures, a fortune from a fortune cookie, my birthday astrological from the newspaper, and other memories, as they occur.
Birthday Journals Ideas
For your birthday journal you can do what I did, or here are some more ideas you can ask your friends to write:
Retell a funny story about you and me.
Write a birthday wish for me, and a wish for yourself.
Remember your favorite birthday and what happened.
Write about what your hopes and dreams are for me, yourself, friends, family or the world.
Tell me something I never knew about you.
Recall your happiest time.
What was your most unexpected moment?
Write about the silliest time you can recall.
You were most surprised by……
Or ask your friends to write about any other ideas you or they come up with.
Use your birthday journal to share warmth, memories, experiences, joy, and love. Take the time to share your love with your friends, and they can share their love with you.
Copyright Doreene Clement All Rights Reserved
info@the5yearjournal.com
Doreene Clement, a cancer victor and author of The 5 Year Journal, is currently writing a new book, Blessed, about her life and her cancer experience. For more information http://www.the5yearjournal.com 480.423.8095
Copyright 2005 OMDC, LLC All Rights Reserved
Feel free to pass this along to your friends. About Journaling, http://www.the5yearjournal.com
Halloween is a time for both adults and kids alike to delve into their creative sides and dream up inventive Halloween costumes. It is also a time when people want to be something that they cannot be in their everyday lives. Some people choose to use their minds and try something clever, while others stick to the traditional choices of ghost or witch. They also want their costumes to be unique and very different from everyone else’s that they may see on that particular day
Some people are talented enough to create their own Halloween costumes while others stick to store-bought. Have fun with your costume this year and go over the top! Make your costume the best at the party!
If you’re dressing up for a Halloween party, you’re naturally going to want to look at some sexy Halloween costumes before choosing the right costume for you. That’s kind of the whole point of dressing up for Halloween. You have the perfect excuse to go over the top and surprise everyone with your sexy alter ego.
You will easily find sexy versions of traditional Halloween costumes. If you’re thinking of being a witch or a devil, you can easily make them sexy Halloween costumes. Some of these costumes feature very short tops or bustiers and mini skirts combined with more traditional costume elements. They also often feature sexy materials like vinyl and lace. Add heels or, even better, patent leather or vinyl tall boots with high heels, and you’ve made the costume.
Don’t forget to add fishnets, which come in white, black, and red. Just know that white are a little harder to see. Consider wearing regular nylons underneath the fishnets for more contrast and to give your legs a more toned look. Black fishnets work with basically everything. They’re like the nude of fishnets. Otherwise, another kind of stockings is necessary. Thigh highs are a lot of fun, and extremely sexy.
Accessories and props will make sexy Halloween costumes. If you’re a devil, make sure you have horns. If you’re a cat, mouse, or bunny, get your ears and tail. The ears actually make a great headband and they also are great for hiding a wig line. Halloween is a fun time to try long wigs (or short if you have long hair).
Using Halloween decorations such as candles, jack o lanters, table cloth and settings, Halloween props and Dracula teeth along with a costume makes it possible to tell a whole story. What character is truly complete without his or her props? No matter who or what your costume is seeking to portray, there is most likely a way to play the part more fully with the help of Halloweendecorations.
One way to come up with a prop idea is to establish a character and think of something that he or she might want
with him or her more often than not. Think of a cowboy. He may want a gun, a campfire nearby or a horse (this last prop might have to actually be played by a friend). An angel could do well to carry a harp in her hands, or a fairy would likely need a wand.
On a more creative note, a way to make a costume that seems serious more amusing is by incorporating the right Halloween props. This will be easier for some people than others, for there are just those who tend to get really inspired about some small detail and it takes them far.
Perhaps, in the case of using props to hint at something, act as an insight or to make a sarcastic statement, decide to dress as a friend, a celebrity or a politician. This person might be well known for an association with something in particular. Carrying around an item that suggests that well-known personality trait (an alarm clock for the guy who is never on time, a mirror for someonevain, etc.) can end up being a big hit as you hear people exclaiming, “Oh, I get it,” followed by laughter.
Halloween began thousands of years ago Celtic people inhabiting the area that is now England, Ireland and Scotland celebrated their new year on November 1st. The Celtic religious order known as the Druids held a great festival each year on the evening before the their new year. This festival was celebrated in honor of the god, Samhain, the Druid god of death and was known as All Hallowtide. The Druids believed in the supernatural and tried to placate the Lord of Death with offerings. This is the action that “Trick-or-Treat” emulates today. The community also sacrificed animals and offered fruits and vegetables so the spirits would keep their distance. The cold and darkness of winter and the presence of spirits are reasons why Halloween is connected with images of death and evil.
Halloween is spooky, but taking Halloween pictures shouldn’t be. From a jack-o’-lantern’s scary stare to frighteningly fun costumes, this holiday offers unique picture-taking opportunities. The tips below will ease your mind about the unusual challenges that Halloween presents for a photographer. And we’ll also show you a few tricks to capture bewitching jack-o’-lantern pictures.
Halloween is a time for both adults and kids alike to delve into their creative sides and dream up inventive Halloween costumes. It is also a time when people want to be something that they cannot be in their everyday lives. Some people choose to use their minds and try something clever, while others stick to the traditional choices of ghost or witch. They also want their costumes to be unique and very different from everyone else’s that they may see on that particular day
Halloween Fun Learn more athttp://www.halloweentopic.com
Ever wonder why there’s an “Easter Bunny”? Everwonder why he brings eggs? And dyed ones at that!
The Rabbit and the Hare, because of their frequentmultiple births, are long time symbols of fertility.According to pre-Christian fertility lore, long before Jesus Christ was born, the Easter Bunny, akathe Easter Hare, represented the new life duringthe Spring season.
Children of that era believed that the “Magic Hare” would bring them presents during the Spring festivals. Often, these presents were painted eggs, symbolizing a resurrection or rebirth.
In fact, the Egyptians buried eggs in tombs whileGreeks placed eggs on top of graves. The Persians and the Chinese considered the egg to be a specialgift at their Spring celebrations.
As part of a gift wrapping tradition, differentcultures decorated eggs by either dying themor wrapping them in different types of leaves.
In 1880′s Germany, Easter eggs were substituted for birth certificates. The egg, dyed a solid color, had the recipient’s name and birth date etched into the shell.
Later, during the Christian period, many eggs weredyed red. It’s believed
that this was done to honorthe blood that Christ shed.
In England, children rolled eggs down hills on Easter mornings as a game. This signified the rollingaway of the rock from Jesus’ tomb when he wasresurrected. This custom was brought to the New World by British settlers.
And now, in present times, the tradition of theEaster egg roll, or hunt, continues on city halland church lawns. In Washington, D.C., the annualEgg Roll is sponsored by the wife of the currentPresident for children at the White House.
So, as a Latin proverb goes, “All life comes froman egg.” And, in the words of a famous T.V. commercial: “Cluck! Cluck! Easter Bunny!”
Happy Easter!
MORE ABOUT THE EASTER BUNNY
http://www.holidays.net/easter/bunny1.htm
SEND A VIRTUAL EASTER BASKET
http://www.billybear4kids.com/post/basket/maker.htm
HOW TO DYE EASTER EGGS
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/easter/food_color.htm
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Ronnie Kimball lives in Nashville, TN. with hiswife and son. He has recently released his upliftingcd, REACH HIGHER, on MRB RECORDS as a solo artist. He’s also a co-publisher of the REACH HIGHER newsletter. For either, go to: http://www.reachhigher.comor contactus@reachhigher.com
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Christmas is such a special day. It is a day of giving and receiving love, joy and happiness. The Christmas spirit is very pure; just like the immaculate conception of Mother Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. By giving away Christmas gifts, an individual experiences the joys of giving. The best thing about Christmas gifts is that they need not cost the skies to make an impression. When gifts are exchanged on Christmas, all that matters is the amount of love with which it was made or purchased. Best way to do a Christmas shopping is to do it online. No need to rush about stores and malls. Just a few clicks of the mouse will do; your gifts are ready to be dispatched in no time at all.
In case you need some ideas to help you decide upon the best Christmas gifts different categories of people, then here you go:
- CHILDREN look forward to Christmas gifts the most. Hence all efforts should be made to buy the best gift for them. Remember, they can get easily disappointed. The best thing about buying gifts for children is that they can actually be asked what exactly they want for Christmas. Kids do not have inhibitions and are bound give an honest answer. Toys, games CDs and clothes usually top their
list. Find out if the kid is a bookworm. In that case, a mystery novel would do the trick. Sweets and chocolates are a must and should form a part of the gift you plan to give the kid. This doubles the pleasure of the child when he opens your gift packet.
- WOMEN would never tell anybody what they actually want as a gift. So you have to make an educated guess. Apart from jewelry, clothes and accessories you can choose from the following items as a gift.
- Exquisite crystal or ceramic figurines and nativity scenes
- Sweet smelling candles of different sizes and shapes
- Carved musical jewelry boxes
- Decorative pieces like vases and photo frames
- Musical albums
- Cutlery and glassware
- Recipe books
- MEN take a fancy to leather goods of all kinds. Leather wallets, jackets, bags and belts are ideal for them. Formal shirts, T-shirts, sweaters and socks are preferred clothing articles. If the man were a sporty kind, then he wouldn’t mind the occasional baseball or golf stick. Electronic goods are of course a favorite with most men.
- CORPORATE Christmas gifts can include holidays, holiday trips and outings. Gift items are very formal like annual diaries, files and folders.
- BABIES can be given soft toys; cradles, milk bottles, diapers and baby care products like soaps, oils and powders are also preferable.
For further details visit Diwali gifts
Halloween inspires all kinds of activities to do with your toddler, especially pumpkin fun! Visiting the pumpkin patch together, shopping for (or making) Halloween costumes, and decorating the house. But one of the best Halloween activities is doing art projects with Mom or Dad.
Here are two very simple pumpkin crafts that every toddler will enjoy. Prepare for the activity in advance, so your little ball of energy can dive right in.
Pumpkin Painting
Oftentimes younger children miss out on the fun of jack-o-lanterns, because they obviously are too young to handle a knife. A toddler can scoop pumpkin guts, and draw a face onto a pumpkin, but then the carving of the pumpkin’s face must be handed over to an adult.
Here’s a safer option. Pumpkin Painting. Think of how much fun your toddler or preschooler will have designing a pumpkin from beginning to end. And, don’t stop with pumpkins. Paint gourds, too. Simply put an old t-shirt on your toddler, get out non-toxic paints, head outside so you don’t have to worry
about the mess and he’ll go to town.
Simple Paper Jack-o-Lantern
There’s nothing at all fancy about this idea. Simply cut a few pumpkins out of orange construction paper. Then, cut several triangles and a few big goofy smiles out of either black or yellow paper. Lastly, cut a stem shape and leaves out of green or brown paper.
Present the pieces to your toddler along with a glue stick and watch his creativity. Consider framing this work of art with some photos of your child taken at the pumpkin patch.
You’ll treasure that three-eyed jack-o-lanterns years from now.
Spending art time with your toddler is not difficult and doesn’t need to be challenging. Just give him age-appropriate tools, grab your camera, and relax. Your child will feel cherished, and you’ll begin a tradition of making memories together.
Watch out Picasso. There’s a new artist in town.
About the Author: For more fun with your children, visit http://showkidsthefun.com . And, for more information about Pumpkin Painting including designs, don’t miss http://www.showkidsthefun.com/pumpkin-painting.htm.
Flowers are the preferred birthday gift of most individuals because they are beautiful, cheerful and natural. Different months of the year have corresponding flowers, much like birthstones. This monthly guide is a great way to surprise the birthday girl or boy with a beautiful bouquet of flowers especially for the month of their birth.
January is the snowdrop and carnation; February the primrose and violet; March the violet and jonquil; April flowers are the daisy and sweet pea; May represents lily of the valley and hawthorn; June is the rose and honeysuckle; July the water lily and larkspur; August represents the gladiolus and poppy; September the Morning Glory and Aster; October the Marigold; November, chrysanthemum; and December birthday’s the Poinsettia and Holly. Remember, the monthly guide to flowers provides a basis for picking out flowers for a man or a woman, but other
flowers are appropriate as well depending on whether you are buying them for a family member or the love of your life.
It was my mom’s birthday back in summer 1998. I was in London and she was in Birmingham. I decided to head to the internet. Typing in “flowers London”, then “florists Birmingham”, I found the perfect flowers for her birthday. The flowers can be ordered online from London and sent to Birmingham, and would arrive early next morning.
Regardless of whose birthday it is whether man or woman, son or daughter, husband or wife, girlfriend or boyfriend, flowers are always an appropriate and thoughtful gift that will be appreciated immensely.
Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. She enjoyed the online shopping experience with a flower shop in Birmingham for flower delivery in London