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Going Gourmet
Cuisine's the theme. For a clueless gourmet shower, guests should
bring gifts of recipes along with some of equipment necessary to
prepare it. Basic or simple cookbooks make another great gift. Hosting
a Pampered Chef party is another way to go. The consultant will
end up doing much of the work, and everyone will gain insight into
preparing simple, yet delicious food.
For gourmets who already have a passion for cooking, gather guests
for a fabulous meal and have them bring presents like gift certificates
to local restaurants, specialty cookbooks, or a subscription to
a cooking magazine. Guests can also visit local gourmet shops featuring
kitchen items to purchase state-of-the-art cookware and utensils,
or specialty food stores to stock the bride and groom's pantry with
unique cuisine ingredients.
Fit For Life
Help the fitness-conscious couple stay in shape with a healthy shower.
Consider holding the shower at a local fitness center or decorate
your place accordingly. Set up a juice bar and a buffet featuring
raw vegetables, assorted salads and a fruit platter. Have guests
comprise presents of nonstick skillets, hot-air popcorn maker, healthy
cookbooks, organic goodies, gift certificates for a massage or health
club membership, salad bowls, small exercise gear, the latest workout
videos and such.
That's Entertainment
Decorate the shower site to resemble a movie set or a scene from
a romantic or favorite movie. Some guests might want to pool resources
to purchase a home theater system for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
Individual gifts can include items such as certificates for movie
rentals, a classic DVD, CD or video, blank videotapes for recording
favorite television programs, popcorn and bowls, a cozy afghan to
curl up in on the couch and so on.
Home Work
Print invitations on computer paper for this home office shower.
Circulate a classy address book and have guests fill in their space.
Personalized pencils, i.e. "Susan's Shower" and the date
make great favors for guests. Gift items can be items such as computer
accessories, a cordless phone, stationery, a desk lamp, address
labels, desk sets, decorative file folders, a luxurious pen set,
and other miscellaneous office supplies.
Hands On
If the couple has purchased a fixer-upper for their first home,
there might not be anything they'd appreciate more than a labor
of love to help spruce up their house. Consult with the bride and
groom to find out what needs to be done, throw on your work clothes,
pack up a picnic, and give the gift of service. Have guest brings
hammers, nails, buckets of paint and so on. Gifts can include tools,
materials, gift certificates to local lumber stores, or the services
of professional craftsmen.
Happy Holidays
From January through December, have guests bring items to help them
celebrate holidays throughout the year. Assign a holiday to each
guest. They don't have to provide everything the couple might need
or want for each event, but they can help the newlyweds get started.
Presents can range from disposable (New Year's Eve confetti and
paper hats) to decorative (seasonal wreaths) to utility (barbecue
utensils for Independence Day).
Mad Hatters
For the bride who likes traditional with a twist, host a Mad Hatters
Tea Party. Draw from Alice in Wonderland for activities, decorations
and food (hint: little cakes…). Have guests design and wear
wild and zany hats. Take votes and award a prize for the most outrageous
creation.
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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