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Hospitality "baskets" are a distinctive way to say hello
to out-of-town family and friends. A basket doesn't have to be a
basket; a glossy gift bag, or even a hand-decorated brown paper
bag will do the job. Jazz up your container of choice with tissue
paper, tulle and/or ribbon featuring your wedding colors to kickoff
the celebration. Next, pack your bags with a mix of some of the
following selections or brainstorm your own ideas:
Wedding Fillers
A welcome note; a roster of invitees—where they're staying,
and phone numbers so they can contact one another; an itinerary
of planned wedding and guest events; and hand-drawn maps to key
sites make a good beginning. If your budget allows, include a keepsake.
Think of something that reflects you. If "fun" is your
middle name, consider a travel mug marked "I survived Eve and
Ed's Wedding" and the wedding date. Are you musically inclined?
Maybe a custom CD would make a memorable giveaway.
Local Attractions
Help visitors from afar get to know your hometown by including a
current copy of the information-packed Juneau Guide—it's free!
As well as tourist attractions, sightseeing adventures and historical
highlights, guests might want to know where shopping centers, laundry
services, beauty salons, fitness centers, film developing sites,
ATM services and some of your favorite dining spots are located,
so mark up and hand out a detailed city map. Just for fun, you also
could spotlight sites like "where we met," or "where
we were engaged." You can also add in items such as a few colorful
postcards, the local newspaper, and/or discount coupons towards
local eateries and activities.
A Taste of Juneau
Snacks are handy for visitors, and if they feature local flavors,
so much the better. Candies, beverages, or other palatable items
made just in Juneau should be a sure-fire hit. Guests will also
appreciate nonperishables such as, assorted cookies, crackers, nuts,
tea bags, as well as fresh fruit.
Miscellaneous
It's helpful to throw in some frequently forgotten, but often needed
necessities: sample-sized packages of antacids or aspirin, for instance,
or small-sized grooming items, such as soap, toothpaste, and so
on. Other handy items you can include are disposable cameras, caps,
personalized (or non) pens and notepaper, etc. And what about something
that features our state flower or bird?
Child's Play
Design special baskets for kids featuring inexpensive toys, bubbles,
coloring books and crayons, animal crackers, and so on. Localize
these baskets with miniature stuffed versions of local wildlife,
colorful socks with Alaska motifs, miniature state flags, and so
on.
Remember, your hospitality basket or bag doesn't have to be expensive.
Whatever you choose to welcome your guests from afar will surely
be appreciated.
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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