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There are a lot of people who love shopping for wrapping paper (myself included) and wrapping presents. Whether you love it or hate it, a holiday gift wrapping party is an excellent idea. If you love the act of wrapping presents you’ll appreciate the concept, if you hate it at least you’re surrounded by friends while you have to do something you’re not all that fond of. As an added bonus, you get to transport all of your vulnerable presents to a safe haven away from prying eyes. Plus, cocktails are an optional perk.
(above images via Martha Stewart)
First things first, send out an invitation:
(above invitation via Evite)
As part of the invitation be sure to ask guests to bring their own scissors; 2 or 3 (depending on how large your party) rolls of wrapping paper (if most or all guests have kids you can ask guests to bring one kid/fun roll, a modern, traditional, etc.); a few rolls of ribbon; their own supply of tape (double-sided makes for a great wrapping job); and gift tags can be swapped, too!!!
If you’re searching for the perfect wrapping paper or gift box look no further.
(above- all images via The Container Store)
Ribbon? If you’re lucky enough to live in New York City, you have Mokuba on West 39th Street and B&J Florist Supply on West 28th Street and 6th Avenue. If not, here are some links to ribbon you’re sure to love!
(above- top row via JKM Ribbon, second row via Midori Ribbon, third row via Nashville Wraps, fourth row via Paper Source, fifth row via Hancock Fabrics, the sixth row via Michael’s)
Enjoy!
If you still need some inspiration this Thanksgiving eve for your big gathering tomorrow, here’s some festive images to feast your eyes on. Remember- don’t fret. You can always call the Butterball Turkey Hotline: 1-800-288-8372 for all your bird-related questions or the Crisco Pie Hotline: 1-877-367-7438 and get advice from two National Pie Championship winners and other pie professionals. Any time you start to get frazzled stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember something for which you are thankful.
(above images via: Amy Atlas, Hostess with the Mostess, Real Simple, Disney Family Fun, Digs Digs, Better Homes & Gardens, iVillage, Martha Stewart)
If you’re extremely ambitious and feel like braving the lines or if you already have the goods… try out these DIY place cards and tags! Wrap a string around a jar and voia! the perfect vessel for sending home left over gravy, cranberry sauce or whatever else won’t fit in your fridge.
(above via Kim Vallee)
(above- Robin Loves Cake, Kim Payne Cakes, Confetti Cakes, Honey Bee Cakes, Duffy’s Cake, Cakes with Personal Touch, Merci Beau Coup, Pastry Prince, Something Sweet by Michelle, I Dream of Jeanne Cakes, Cheryl Kleinman Cakes, Bijoux Doux Specialty Cakes, Ana Parzych Custom Cakes, Maureen P. Duffy, Martine’s (right here in Lexington, KY), Delicious Desserts, Cake Line, Katrina Rozelle Pastries and Desserts, Wildflowers by Lori)
*Thanks to Brides.com for images.
There are approximately 216,000 babies born every day. I kid you not. (No pun intended) With numbers like these I’m thinking we all need to go into the baby-shower-invitation business. If you’re hosting a baby shower and you have enough time, written or custom invitations are fitting for this momentous occasion. If you plan on distributing custom invitations order at least three weeks in advance. Below are a collection of baby shower invitations plucked from just a few fine paper families.
(above invitations via Fine Stationary)
(above invitations via Storkie)
(above invitations via Tiny Prints)
A fall wedding can be done in more ways than one; it can be done in more ways than two, as well. Here I’ve highlighted two ways to create a fall-like wedding. The first is very fresh and airy with mostly white and pops of orange. The second, completely saturated with the rich colors of fall.
(above- images via Style Me Pretty, invitation via Sarah Drake Design)
(above- images via Style Me Pretty, invitation via Coordinately Yours)
Morning of Party
~Prep and cook last minute items on the menu and put your turkey in the oven
~Chill beverages
Before Guests Arrive
~If centerpiece is fresh, place it on the table
~Set out condiments
~Set out appetizers and beverages
(above- Pesto Palmier Appetizers, Mushroom & Arugula Quiches, Zucchini Flan with Smoked Trout, Figs stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Fresh Prosciutto…Served with a Caramel-Balsamic Vinegar Sauce, Baskets with Goose Pate and Cranberry Jam, Caprese Salad Skewers)
As Guests Arrive
~Greet your guests
~Try not to worry about what didn’t get done, help has arrived so ask people to pitch in (give willing participants an assignment)
~Enjoy the party!
At your holiday get-together there’s bound to be someone who’s not a fan of pumpkin pie, but loves pumpkin. Just grab this silicone pumpkin cake mold…
Need a pumpkin cake recipe? Here’s one with and without gluten!
Oftentimes there isn’t a table big enough to fit the entire family. Even with the best intentions the family gets split apart. Usually the easiest division is those between the children and the adults. Most holiday festivities have at least one child that no matter how young or old, always feels like they are too old for the “kids’ table”. This post is dedicated to the cool relative that was way too old for the kids table but that joined in so that the other kids didn’t feel like outcasts. Hopefully the below will remedy this dilemma by attempting to create a space that children of all ages will enjoy.
(Above- Turkey Cake Pops via Bakerella; Book of Blessings via Better Homes & Gardens; Finger Puppets via Martha Stewart; Acorn Brownie via Michael’s; Squirrel Salt & Pepper Shakers via Target.)
As an adult, the holidays are one of the few times that everything isn’t about added responsibility. During this time it’s important to sit back and appreciate what you have (and recognize the things you weren’t allowed to have as a child: the option of a cocktail and something as simple as a candle that illuminates your table.) Neither of these simple decorations would have flown at the kids’ table. Furthermore, an adult’s palette is usually more sophisticated than the younger counterpart, not only in a culinary aspect but also in design. With good food, good design and family and friends– what more do you need?
(Above: Sweet-Gum-Tree Spur Place Setting via Martha Stewart; SURevolution Frangipani Server Set, Antique Silver Cheese Knives & Antique Silver Ladle and Server Set via Pottery Barn; Pumpkin Spice Latte via Buzz Critic; Turkey & Pumpkin Fondant Toppers via ClineffsConfections; Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake via Smitten Kitchen; Glass Candle Holder w/ Leaf via Real Simple; Give Back – Plant a Tree in Your Guests Honor via: Better Homes & Gardens.)
Two Days Before
~Start preparing side dishes, as appropriate
~Clean up the house and prepare the guest bathroom
A plush robe for your guests is always an added luxury. Bath salts will make your guests feel like they are allowed to stop and relax and enjoy a bath. Place a bedside carafe on the nightstand. Put a box of Choxie chocolates on the pillow. Often times in the rush of the holidays it’s easy to forget the most basic toiletries. Create a box for your guests with toothpaste, a toothbrush, sewing kit, stain stick, emory board, a shower cap, moisturizer, etc. Holiday scented hand soap and lotion will be sure to get your guests in the holiday spirit! Large, soft organic towels will make them feel welcome. The flicker of candles and the soothing aroma of natural oils will be sure to leave your house guests feeling special!
~Set up your party space
One-Day Ahead
~Set and decorate the table
~Prepare desserts and other side dishes
~Do the math and figure out how early you’ll need to put your turkey in the oven (there is a calculator on www.butterball.com)
*Huge thanks to Momologie for the Holiday Entertaining Checklist*
Three Weeks Ahead
~Compile guest list
~Start inviting your guests by phone or e-mail;
(above- via Pingg)
For a formal gathering, send a traditional invitation
(above- via Kate’s Paperie)
~Plan the menu
(above- images via Martha Stewart’s Magical Christmas Menus)
Two Weeks Ahead
~Consider how you will accommodate your guests, and place an order for any rentals you might need (tables & chairs for extra seating)
~Organize serving pieces, seating, table linens, etc. to see what’s missing and purchase or borrow what you need
(above- via Martha Stewart’s Table Setting 101)
~Ask family to bring side dishes or desserts
~Plan your centerpiece and table décor
(above- via Easy DIY at Home)
~Order a fresh turkey, ham, roast beef or special desserts
~Create a time line for preparing food ahead of time and the day of the party
*Huge thanks to Momologie for the Holiday Entertaining Checklist*