Christmas Games For Home & Office

Unwrap the Gift Game / Pass the Parcel
Supplies: Gift items, wrapping paper, tape, music - that can be turned on and off

This gift has layer and layers of wrapping paper but who will be the lucky person to unwrap the last layer and win the gift! This hot potato type game has variations that can make each unwrapping entertaining.

Wrap a gift or gifts if several groups in several layers of wrapping paper. The number of layers depends on how long you want the game to last, plus the more people the more layers.
Have everyone sit in a circle and give your group / groups a gift and tell them when you turn on the music to pass the gift in one direction and when you turn off the music who ever has the gift gets to take off ONE layer of wrapping paper, continue this until the last layer of paper is taken off and whoever has the gift unwrapped gets to keep it.
Thanks Elaine

Variation
Place a slip of paper in between each wrapping. On each piece of paper will be and Action / Challenge or Prize.

Examples:
Action: Hop on one foot 20 times, Blow up a balloon and pop it, etc… something silly
Prize: Include 1 small prize in 4 or 5 wraps – Could be a candy bar or dollar store gift.

By adding these twists guests don’t know whether they want the gift or not! We recommend you randomly add in these pieces of paper so you don’t even know what is next. Then it is a surprise for everyone.

Dice Doubles - Unwrap the Gift Game
Supplies: Gift, dice, various wrapping paper, tape, scissors

Announce that you are going to play a game where you upwrap a gift sounds simple enough, then tell after everyone is seated and ready to go place a set of oven mitts next to the gift. Now it gets a little harder!

Get a gift or gift certificate and place in a solid box. We used a hard jewelry case but most boxes will do.
Then wrap the gift with paper, then masking tape, paper, masking tape, paper etc… The more layers, the harder the game will be to play and the more interesting.

Sit everyone in a circle and announce how the game is played.
- Each player takes a turn at rolling 2 dice.
- The first person to roll doubles goes to the center of the circle put on the oven mitts/gloves and then starts unwrapping the gift with their hands. They can not use their teeth.
- While the person is working on trying to unwap the gift, the dice continue to be rolled and passed until the next person rolls the dice and yells, “Stop unwrapping”.
- At that point the person in the middle must put down the gift, take off the oven mitts/gloves and return to their seat. The next person now puts on the mitts and works to unwrap the gift.

The dice rolling and unwrapping continues until someone finally gets through all the layers of wrapping paper and tape and holds up the gift. Then the gift is theirs to keep.

Hint - to build the excitement, do not tell players that you used masking tape and several layers of paper.

Dice Game Variation:
Have contestants wear more clothes hat, scarf, and gloves, this just adds more prep time.
Instead of changing places every time doubles are rolled, change to be every time double sixes or ones are rolled.

Christmas Stocking Guessing Game
Supplies: Oversized stocking, holiday objects, pen and paper
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Can your guests figure out what Holiday objects are in the stocking? Well pass around a Christmas stocking filled with Holiday items and see how many they can identify.

You take a new large Christmas stocking. Then you put objects, that you see or use around Christmas time, into the stocking. If you have more than one stocking make sure you put the same things in each Christmas stocking.

Consider things like holly, scotch tape, ornament, pine cone, etc. Make sure you put about 20 to 25 different objects in. Tie a ribbon or rope around the opening to make sure nobody peeks.

Give everyone a piece of paper and pass the Christmas stocking or stockings around at your party and tell them how many objects there are in the stocking and have them write down all they can feel. Two stockings just make the game go a little faster. The person that correctly guesses the most objects in the sock is the winner.
Thanks, Patsy

Variation
instead of one large stocking. Have lots of stockings with 1 item in each. Then number the Christmas stocking and have a list of numbers on a piece of paper. Then as the kids check each stocking they can write down what they think is in it. The child with the most correct wins.

Santa’s Christmas Puzzle Mystery
Supplies: Camera, photos, planning and craft supplies
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This is a Christmas scavenger hunt type game where you challenge teams (tables) or individuals to find out where Santa’s elves have hidden the toys / Christmas gifts. First you set the stage by sharing the Santa doesn’t know where the gifts are and needs help else there may not be a Christmas.

The good news is the elves had left clues so they would remember where the toys are, but one of our favorite elves Patty Puzzle thought they were toys and cut them all up! Now we need your help to find out where the toys are.

Now you give out envelopes with a puzzle to each team. Once the puzzle is finished it should give a hint to where the toys / gifts are. Once completed the team can go and find the gifts. Note: Each team can be sent to a different location if everyone gets a gift, this is a fun way to play.

You can play this as the first team to find the gifts wins or maybe someone from that team has a shot to win a bigger prize. (Vary as needed.)

If playing with kids, you can set this up as a scavenger hunt and have several photo puzzle clues. So one puzzle clue resolved leads to another puzzle clue. This will keep the kids busy and once the gifts are found, there would be a gift for each child.

So How to Prep for the Game:
1. Plan where to hide the gifts first and then take photos of the hiding place. Helps to have 1 or 2 gifts in the photograph place have a green glove on so it has an elf touch to it.

2. Have photos printed and choose 8 x 10 or larger for groups. You can do small if for just kids. Now you need cut up the photos into squares. (1, 1.5 or 2 inch blocks) and place into an envelope. If you want to make it really tricky turn the photo into a real puzzle, this is great for office events because it is a huge challenge.

3. Now just decide whether you are solving one puzzle or if you are creating a photo scavenger hunt.

4. Make sure you place presents at the hiding place. If you want have the toys in a sack and have whoever finds it to bring it to Santa to get a reward and then Santa can give a special gift to those that find the gifts and then hand out the rest.

This Christmas game is easily adaptable for office parties, small gatherings where you have kids or it can be a fun indoor event on the weekend for families.
A Party Game Ideas Original by Sarah

Increase the challenge, Create a real puzzle for your event.

Holiday Office Guess Games
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Supplies: Varies by game - Childhood photos, item from desk, time to get everything, pen and paper

How well do you know co-workers and could you match up an item from their desk to them or would you be able to identify who is in the childhood photo? Two office guess games

1) Our law firm had a Christmas party last year. Our accountant was able to get childhood photos of each person who worked in the firm from spouses, family members, significant others, etc. It was a secret!!!

At the party, she posted each picture on a huge white poster board with a number under each. Each member of the firm had to write down who they thought each person was. It was great fun!

2) The day before our Christmas party, our accountant secretly went around to each person's desk in the firm and snatched one somewhat 'personal' item off of their desk. At the party, she laid everything out on a table, each assigned with a number. Everyone had to figure out which item came from whose desk!

It is interesting to see who knows what is on other people’s desks.

Christmas Carol Pictionary Relay
Supplies: List of Christmas Carols, paper and pen and people willing to sing
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Team member race to receive the name of a Christmas Carol which they must get their team to recognize and then sing. The first team to have all team members complete the task wins.

Based on the number of Christmas Carols you come up with not all players may get a chance to draw out the name of a song. The goal is however that everyone would have a turn. (Adjust game as needed.)

Divide group into teams. Each team sends one person up to the Gamemaster / Host who gives them the name of a Christmas carol. Then the person returns to group and in the manner of Pictionary tries to get the group to guess the name of the carol by DRAWING ONLY.

As soon as the group knows the song, they must sing it as a group until the Gamemaster / Host gives the thumbs up sign (10 – 20 seconds). Once they get the thumbs up, the team sends a new person for another song. Play continues until one group completes all their songs.

Here are some Christmas Carols to get started. Remember there can not be any duplicate carols.
Jingle Bells
Deck the Halls
Here Comes Santa Claus
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
Silent Night
Joy to the World
Away In a Manger
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Up On the Housetop

Wedding Locations In Redmond, OR.

There are more locations than these five to have a Wedding, your imagination can be limitless, however, these are good locations for our locals. Don't forget to think about Parks, Homes, Church Halls, Wineries, Restuarants, Resorts, Hotels etc.

Redmond has 5 different wedding locations to choose from. Whether planning your wedding in a church, chapel, hotel, mansion, estate, or outdoor venue, Redmond has the perfect place for your wedding ceremony or wedding reception. Make sure to pick a wedding site that has all the right meeting space for your special day. Book your wedding reception site in advance as well; if you wait, it may not be available when you need it.

Think about what the wedding venue has to offer and what you have always wanted to make an intimate setting to begin your marriage. Many wedding halls include a gazebo, a courtyard, a garden, and sometimes even a place to host your rehearsal dinner. Couples need to be very careful in selecting vendors such as caterers and photographers; often you will want a backup just in case.

If you are the bride and groom, taking care of all these details ahead of time will help you enjoy your wedding and get you off to the honeymoon without a care in the world!

River Run Event Center
1730 Blue Heron Dr
Redmond, OR
4 Event Spaces (Max Cap: 225)
Contact

The Historic Redmond Church
641 Sw Cascade Ave
Redmond, OR
2 Event Spaces (Max Cap: 250)
Contact

Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill
190 Se Cascade Ave
Redmond, OR
2 Event Spaces (Max Cap: 100)
Contact


The Gardens At Flying Diamond
4691 Sw Helmholtz Way
Redmond, OR
1 Event Space
Contact

Incredible Events
3873 Nw 21st St
Redmond, OR
1 Event Space
Contact

Home Make Candy Cane Ornament

Neat twist on a classic, these canes are virtually indestructible (and they make excellent gifts).

Materials
2 skeins of DMC Pearl Cotton, one red and one white
Scissors
Red pipe cleaners
1/2" to 5/8" ribbon

Instructions
Open a skein of cotton and snip the loop at each end so you have two bunches; repeat with the other skein. Then take one red bunch and one white bunch and tie them together into a single knot around the end of a pipe cleaner.

To make the stripes, twist the two colors around the pipe cleaner and knot the ends together around the other end. Trim the cotton at both ends and trim the pipe cleaner if need be.

Bend into a candy cane shape and adorn with a ribbon bow.

Tips: These canes were created with fine DMC Pearl Cotton, but younger kids may have an easier time with chenille yarn or cord.

A Twist On Christmas Trees

Fake or real? The sight of all of those Christmas trees tossed out to the curb, once the new year dawns, has always made me wonder whether an artificial tree wouldn't be more eco-friendly.

The Original Living Christmas Tree Company, based in Portland, Ore.,began renting trees in 1992 and other companies and non-profit groups have since joined the business.
CAPTIONOriginal Living Christmas Tree CompanyNow comes what may be the perfect solution: renting a live potted tree. This isn't a new idea, but it's one that is catching on in the United States and abroad.

In Portland, Ore. (no surprise there!) in 1992, the Original Living Christmas Tree Company began renting out live trees, picking them up after the holiday and replanting them in watersheds across the Pacific Northwest.

Since then, companies or non-profit groups in San Diego (adoptachristmastree.com), San Francisco (fuf.com) and Vancouver, British Columbia, (evergrowchristmastrees.ca) have also started offering this service. I've noticed quite a few in the United Kingdom as well.

"It's a concept whose time has come," says the website of Rent A Living Christmas Tree, which began this year to deliver pot-grown pine, cedar, redwood and cypress trees along California's central coast. By planting them after the holidays, it says, "you will be helping the environment."


In Portland, Ore., the Original Living Christmas Tree Company delivers trees, picks them up after the holidays and replants them.
CAPTIONOrginal Living Christmas Tree CompanyThe Vancouver company replants the trees year after year. Its website says a live potted tree may not be right for everyone. It notes that the trees are natural, so they may not appear "perfect," and as live plants, they require basic care. It cites, however, five reasons for renting a live tree:


It's alive. The trees keep on growing. You can even request to have your tree back the following year. When your tree becomes too big to live in its pot, it will be planted outside where it can continue to grow, sequestering carbon and converting greenhouse gases to life-giving oxygen.
Ultimate convenience. Tree delivery and pick-up to and from your living room or business. It's that simple. Avoid a trip across town and the hassle of wrestling a tree to the roof of your car.
Locally grown. These truly are 'green' Christmas trees as minimal energy is used to bring your environmentally friendly tree to you.
No mess. Unlike cut trees, live trees are not a significant fire hazard. Consider them like a house plant: alive and actively transpiring. All you need to do is to make sure your tree gets water.
Forget that old tree stand. The sturdy pots our trees grow in negate any need for a stand or support. Your tree is ready to decorate as soon as it is set down on your living room floor.
So how much does this eco-friendly service cost? If you live in the Portland area, the Original Living Christmas Tree Company charges $80 to deliver and pick up the tree. It offers several different types of trees, ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall.

For those who don't live in an area with such a service, the Portland company encourages people to buy a potted tree and if you don't want to plant it outside yourself, donate it to your local parks department or a landscaper who will. Or, if you're passionate about the idea, it recommends you consider starting your own service

Great Article and Great Idea!
Let's Go Green
Jenniene

A Twist On Christmas Trees

Fake or real? The sight of all of those Christmas trees tossed out to the curb, once the new year dawns, has always made me wonder whether an artificial tree wouldn't be more eco-friendly.



The Original Living Christmas Tree Company, based in Portland, Ore.,began renting trees in 1992 and other companies and non-profit groups have since joined the business.
CAPTIONOriginal Living Christmas Tree CompanyNow comes what may be the perfect solution: renting a live potted tree. This isn't a new idea, but it's one that is catching on in the United States and abroad.




In Portland, Ore. (no surprise there!) in 1992, the Original Living Christmas Tree Company began renting out live trees, picking them up after the holiday and replanting them in watersheds across the Pacific Northwest.

Since then, companies or non-profit groups in San Diego (adoptachristmastree.com), San Francisco (fuf.com) and Vancouver, British Columbia, (evergrowchristmastrees.ca) have also started offering this service. I've noticed quite a few in the United Kingdom as well.

"It's a concept whose time has come," says the website of Rent A Living Christmas Tree, which began this year to deliver pot-grown pine, cedar, redwood and cypress trees along California's central coast. By planting them after the holidays, it says, "you will be helping the environment."


In Portland, Ore., the Original Living Christmas Tree Company delivers trees, picks them up after the holidays and replants them.
CAPTIONOrginal Living Christmas Tree CompanyThe Vancouver company replants the trees year after year. Its website says a live potted tree may not be right for everyone. It notes that the trees are natural, so they may not appear "perfect," and as live plants, they require basic care. It cites, however, five reasons for renting a live tree:


It's alive. The trees keep on growing. You can even request to have your tree back the following year. When your tree becomes too big to live in its pot, it will be planted outside where it can continue to grow, sequestering carbon and converting greenhouse gases to life-giving oxygen.
Ultimate convenience. Tree delivery and pick-up to and from your living room or business. It's that simple. Avoid a trip across town and the hassle of wrestling a tree to the roof of your car.
Locally grown. These truly are 'green' Christmas trees as minimal energy is used to bring your environmentally friendly tree to you.
No mess. Unlike cut trees, live trees are not a significant fire hazard. Consider them like a house plant: alive and actively transpiring. All you need to do is to make sure your tree gets water.
Forget that old tree stand. The sturdy pots our trees grow in negate any need for a stand or support. Your tree is ready to decorate as soon as it is set down on your living room floor.
So how much does this eco-friendly service cost? If you live in the Portland area, the Original Living Christmas Tree Company charges $80 to deliver and pick up the tree. It offers several different types of trees, ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall.

For those who don't live in an area with such a service, the Portland company encourages people to buy a potted tree and if you don't want to plant it outside yourself, donate it to your local parks department or a landscaper who will. Or, if you're passionate about the idea, it recommends you consider starting your own service

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets:

New Year's brings in a brand new year filled with the promise of hope, prosperity, health, and happiness. But be alert to any pet hazards such as fun noise-makers and confetti which can very easily pose a serious threat to your pets' sense of well-being and health. Noise-makers can frighten your pet causing the pet to bolt out an open door window, or leap to a precarious area in search of safety. Confetti can be ingested, wreaking havoc to the digestive tract.


Caution: Those adorable holiday costumes for your pets may be cute at get-togethers or in family photos, but pet owners should be wary of costumes which have rubber bands to keep them securely in place on the pet. If rubber bands are accidentally left on the pet after the fun of dressing up is over, the pet could chew off and swallow them, causing choking and/or intestinal injuries. And, too, the bands can become embedded into the pet's flesh.


Valentine's Day is a day of romance and love, renewing old friendships and making new. Please don't forget the hidden dangers to your pets in those wonderful boxes of candy gifts and lovely bouquets of flowers your beloved one gives you. Check here for a listing of toxic and non-toxic plants.


Don't leave the candies out - most animals love the sweet taste, especially chocolate. Chocolate is often fatal to animals, especially cats, if consumed in a large quantity and/or over a period of time.


Easter has its hazards of pets nibbling the colorful Easter "grass" used in baskets and other decorating. The goodies tucked in the baskets can create havoc to a pet's digestive system as well - chocolates, teeny Easter toys, plastic items, etc.


St. Patrick's Day brings the jolly Irish out in us all. Remember during your festivities, animals and alcohol DON'T mix. Alcoholic beverages are toxic to our pets.


July the Fourth in the United States brings picnics, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and the sense of pride to be living in a free country with so many privileges most other countries aren't able to enjoy. But for our pets, the Fourth is also a day of terrible mishaps and even abuse related to fireworks. Please keep your pets indoors during the holiday and watch traffic at doorways. The sudden loud noises and flashing colors can cause your pet to run away in terror. A carelessly thrown firecracker or other firework could result in a disfiguring or maiming tragedy. And as old as time, there's always the evil animal abuser who gets his thrills from harming those who are smaller, weaker and totally defenseless.


Make sure all pets are inside during the night the youngsters are Halloween trick'r-treating, especially black pets, to avoid the heartbreak of hideous "pranks." In fact, during the entire month of October, all black pets should be kept indoors. The safest thing for both you and your animals is to keep them indoors unless you are supervising their outdoor activities with them on a leash.


On the night of Halloween trick'r-treating, keep your pets away from the doors leading to the outside. Place them in a secluded room away from the noise and activity of the trick'r-treaters. As you are greeting your guests, the animal could become frightened and make a rush for the door as you are handing out the treats.


The foil wraps on candies can cause internal injuries if swallowed - the foil can be like a razor as it is swallowed and ingested. Keep all candies and their wrappers in a secured place.


Other holiday treats, alcoholic beverages, rich, fatty food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."


Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire hazards.


All other decorations should be carefully placed so that the pets can't pull or scratch off any small pieces to swallow.


Cover or tack down electrical cords.


Pets' highly sensitive noses pick up scents before humans can. Therefore, don't be surprised when Fluffy and Fido are underfoot in the kitchen while Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday goodies are being prepared. Watch those hot containers filled with turkey and ham drippings. The pets can easily tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to themselves.


Don't feed pets the cooled drippings either. Human seasonings aren't good for pets, plus the fact that the rich stock and drippings can easily upset pets' digestive systems.


Though it's so tempting, don't give your pet large quantities of cooked turkey and ham during the holidays. Again, human food is too rich; overfeeding of human food can cause additional health problems and feeding human food will often lead to unsatisfactory eating habits when given pet food at their regular mealtimes. Consumption of human food can also result in pitiful begging, an aggravating habit hard to break, when the family sits down for meals.


BONES ARE DANGEROUS! Please, please don't feed your pets bones, especially poultry bones. Poultry bones splinter easily - each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and sometimes death.


Increased activity and visitors during the winter holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets plenty of love.


If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best for you and your pet to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter.


The lovely bubbling holiday lights are moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.


Please do not use angelhair (spun glass) - low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Artificial snow and snow flock also has low toxicity - dry particles are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if spayed directly in the mouth.


Hang your treasured ornaments higher on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, resin-cast or the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful ornaments. Tinsel isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems...please don't use.


The beauty of the fireplace colors (fire salts) is breath-taking on a cold winter's evening - moderate toxicity; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.


Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around pets necks for the holidays. The pets can tighten ribbons resulting in choking or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on an object.


Keep gift ribbons and bows out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.


Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric 1/4 inch ribbons, light-weight twine or yarn to slip easily over the branches of the tree.


Keep all pets securely indoors during firework displays. The frightening noise and the danger of exploding fireworks are hazardous to your pet.


A number of Christmas season plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy - moderate to very toxic, all parts; holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves; mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity. This is not a conclusive listing...there are many more toxic plants. An additional listing of both non and toxic plants can be located here. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.


Please do not give any animal or any pet of any age as Easter and Christmas gifts. Remember the first weeks of a new life or a sudden change in an adult pet is extremely traumatic for them. Instead, give gifts of pet supplies, food, and accessories. Then after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the loved one can make a selection of the selected pet of their choice to bring home to peace and quiet for the pet. This will also provide the happy new pet owner time to spend with his/her new life-time commitment. Follow this link and this one for more details.

For those animal lovers who have allergies or feel that a house pet would be too much due to other health reasons or too long hours and hectic schedules of secular work, give a gift of sponsorship at a no-kill shelter. There are many needy animals needing additional care. One such organization is PetRescue.com, Inc. - Sponsor A Pet. Great inexpensive gift that will warm hearts through-out the year!

IMPORTANT: The time frame of six to eight weeks before Halloween each year is extremely dangerous for all animals, but especially so for cats ... even more frighteningly dangerous should your cat be black. Please, PLEASE take those few moments each day taking additional precautions to make sure your cat(s) or other pet(s) is/are safe during this holiday season. Follow and promote safety precautions for animals, especially black cats, during the Halloween season and throughout the year.

Have a Green Christmas

During the season of celebration we need to show extra care for the environment.

Christmas does not have to be a burden on the environment. With a little effort and imagination, we can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season.
Here are some ideas to help celebrate the season while caring for the earth.

The link below has many great Green alternatives and are easy and cost less.

http://www.eartheasy.com/give_sustainchristmas.htm

Hope this is helpful and enjoy!
Jenniene

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10 - For Any Occasion of the Year!

In these economical times we should think of not how much we spend, but how well we spend our dollar on gifts for our loved ones.

These frugal gifts are great for any occasion all throughout the year, including Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, end-of-school teacher gifts and more. They also make great hostess gifts during the holidays.

There are hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $10, gifts that are both thoughtful and frugal at the same time. Put them in an inexpensive basket or wrap them with a pretty ribbon and you'll truly have a beautiful gift--without breaking the bank!

I know you've probably heard it before but it's really true that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received...

Our loved ones probably appreciate our time and love more than anything.

Here's a few of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas...

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustard's
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque's or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sour wood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. Makeup brush set
61. Expensive socks, still under $10
62. Special soaps and bath puff
63. and don't forget my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!

Recipes You Can Make Ahead Of Time

Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
A recipe you can make ahead of time and warm up when the time is right!
By: Eve Marie
"This is variation of a recipe my mother used to make with my own spin on the seasonings! Also, one of our favorites to enjoy around the holidays.
A pinch more here, a dash more there...Putting your own twist on recipe is easy!
Prep Time:
10 MinCook Time:
30 MinReady In:
40 Min
Servings
Original Recipe Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 pounds pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
1.Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.Place the bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and still flexible, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove any excess bacon grease from the skillet. Combine garlic powder, seasoning salt, basil, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside.
3.Wrap the pork tenderloin with the bacon strips securing with 1 or 2 toothpicks per strip of bacon. Slice the tenderloin between each bacon strip to create the medallions. Dip both sides of the medallions in seasoning mix. Melt butter and oil together in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each medallion for 4 minutes on each side.
4.Place skillet into the preheated oven and bake until the pork is no longer pink in the center, 17 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Glazed Apple Cream Pie By: Kathy
"A friend who NEVER bakes gave me this recipe recently. I think she's made this pie once a week for the past 6 weeks now!
Prep Time:
15 MinCook Time:
45 MinReady In:
3 Hrs
Servings
Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9 inch pie
Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (15 ounce) package pastry for double-crust pie
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, softened
Directions
1.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, and 1/4 cup butter. Heat until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla; stir into saucepan. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool slightly.
2.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine the apples, flour, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3.Line a 9 inch pie pan with pie dough. Pour thickened filling mixture into pastry-lined pie pan. Arrange apple mixture evenly over filling. Top with second crust, seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in top crust.
4.Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
5.In small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon softened butter. Blend until smooth; pour evenly over warm pie. Refrigerate for AT LEAST 1 1/2 hours before serving (longer is better).

How to Plan Thanksgiving Dinner

Make the guest list
It the first thing to be done while you plan Thanksgiving dinner because the number of members and their choice need to be kept in mind before deciding the menu.

Decide the menu
Thanksgiving dinner include appetizers, main course, side dishes, desserts and wine. To prepare these dishes it is important that you know what are the ingredients and the method. Choose dishes, which are easy to make, and the ones that you are confident of making. Plan thanksgiving dinner menu in advance so that you have the idea about the dinnerware needed. Make sure that for vegetarian guests there are some good vegetarian dishes too.

Make a List of thing you need
Now, prepare a list of ingredients that you will need to prepare the dinner. Go according to the menu. Make sure that you are not missing out on anything. Check all the ingredients that are already there in the kitchen.

Invite your friends
Now, it is the time to invite your friends. You call make a call to them or write to them. This will help you to know how many people are sure of coming. There might be a few who might be doubtful.

Set the table
When you know the menu, decide on the table setting. Choose wine glasses, dinnerware, table cover, table decoration, etc. Set the table according to the number of people and the dishes. There might be things that you will have to buy like napkins, table cover etc.

Check your appliances
Thermometer, oven, blender etc are generally used so make sure they are clean and ready to use. Clean your refrigerator and make space for the Thanksgiving dishes. You should have all the utensils ready.

Cleaning and decoration
You can start cleaning your house three weeks before Thanksgiving, as it will dilute the stress for Christmas and New Year cleaning also. Buy new decorations for the house. You can decorate the house a week before Thanksgiving so that you can get the feel of the occasion.

Prepare some dishes in advance
It is one of the most important works which needs perfect timing. For this follow this Thanksgiving dinner plan -


One month before the dinner - Buy a turkey according to the number of guests. Freeze it and prepare the stock for gravy.
Two weeks before the dinner - Make cheesecakes and freeze. Prepare dough for the crust of the pie, roll and make the crust and freeze. Prepare stuffing for the turkey.
Within one week of the dinner - Prepare cranberry sauce, defrost the turkey, and prepare other dishes. Thaw the piecrust and cheesecake and refrigerate.
One day before the dinner - Make the pie, chop vegetables and prepare sweet potatoes.
Day of the dinner - Roast the turkey, cut salads, and prepare appetizers and little other things that need to be done.
I hope that these tips on how to plan the thanksgiving dinner are really helpful to you. So go ahead and throw a party for your loved one with a perfect Thanksgiving plan.

Why A Wedding Video

A wedding video is more than a luxury. The day is going to be a blur for you. Wedding videography is the best documentation of your day. A professional wedding videographer captures everything that happens in your wedding. It’s not like looking at a picture. Memories fade.

After your wedding is all done and your friends and relative’s have gone home, you have your wedding video to relive that special day. You hear the laughter, you see how your parents react to you saying “I do”, you see how your future husband teared up when he saw you walking down the aisle. You hadn’t noticed that. You were too busy trying not to cry and trying not to trip. You watch your friends and family having fun.

You don’t even remember seeing some of them at your wedding. You see the the flower girl going the wrong way down the aisle. Now you know why you heard laughing while you were waiting nervously in the hall. These memories are precious and once it’s over, it’s over. There is no going back.

Professional Videographers seem to pricey?

If you are planning on putting a tripod up at your wedding, here are some things to consider. Full bright sunlight, crying baby, coughing, dark ceremony, lots of beams in the reception hall. Editing itself is an art form both with the video and the audio side (take the hours you filmed and at least triple it for editing). You might not think of this but professional videographers have dealt with these issues and know how to make your wedding video look and hear like you never had any of those obstacles. You are not going to be able to see yourself and your fiancee’s expressions or really hear your voices with one tripod set up in the back of your wedding venue. Wedding videographers not only document your day, but create a wedding video that even strangers would want to watch over and over again. When choosing a professional, ask questions like how many cameras do they use during the ceremony? Do they mike up the pastor and your future husband? Do they charge extra for High Definition filming?

Watch a wedding video done by a professional wedding videographer and you will see just like wedding photography it is an investment. Oregon is lucky to have such top videographers. We are all striving to perfect our art and story telling and every year we are inspired by what fellow videographers are creating and what we have created. Oregon wedding videographers are in the forefront of recreating what it means to having a wedding film. A wedding video is an heirloom you can show your children or future children, and they can show their children. We often hear from our brides and grooms that it was the best investment they made on their wedding day.

Halloween Ideas For Your Party

Here is a link that will give you all the ideas you need for your event. Have fun and be safe!

Jenniene

http://www.halloween-online.com/

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Choosing Fall Wedding Colors

Some of the most common colors used for fall weddings include:
Rich red

Burgandy
Rust
Sage Green
Bronze
Gold
Copper
Wheat
Off-white
Pumpkin
Taupe
Mocha
Marigold
Fall is a season of change, so it's difficult to pick a single color palette. Instead, you can choose from several groups of colors depending upon whether it's early fall, mid-fall, or late fall. There's a wide range of vibrant colors, muted tones, and even metallic shades that symbolize the season beautifully.
Early Fall
In the early fall, the sun is still vibrant and the colors of the harvest are rich and beautiful. If you're getting married in September or early October, the best colors to use are reds (from apple to burgundy), pumpkin, marigold, green, and cream.
Apple Red
It seems that no matter what the season, apple red is always right for the occasion. Fall weddings are no exception, as juicy red apples are a symbol of the fall harvest. You can use red as a main color or just as an accent, but it's a surefire way to liven up your color scheme.
Bright and Warm
Colors like marigold and green make perfect fall wedding colors because they embody the bright warmth of the season without overwhelming the senses. In this way, they're just like fall—it's bright, warm, and not overdone. It's simply, classically beautiful.
Mid-Fall
Getting married in mid-to-late October or early November? Your color scheme should shift a bit away from all of the vibrant colors that accompany the early fall. Instead, try metallics like bronze or gold, burgundy, rust, and perhaps even shades of brown. Peach, burgundy (or wine), and red, combined with a few pops of sage green, make a stunning set of fall wedding colors that really captures the essence of the season. It's romantic and classy, plus it's easy to find flowers that really fit in with the theme.
Think Orange
All shades of orange—including peach—are great for mid-fall weddings. If you're planning a Halloween wedding, you may even want to consider featuring true orange in your decorations. Even if you're not getting married on or right around Halloween, orange is one of the top picks for mid-fall weddings.
Dusty rose tones look beautiful against peach, orange, and even rust. Other complementary fall shades include browns, wine, and burgundy. Red looks best as an accent color when used during the middle and late fall.
Metallics Add Spark
Shades of bronze, copper, and gold make for a beautiful color scheme. They can also be used as accent colors in the ribbons on the flowers, the decorations at the weddings site, or to enrich the reception hall's beauty. If you're getting married somewhere with lots of earth tones, using metallics can make it seem as though you spent much more money on the decorations than you did.

Embrace seasonal colors.
Not everyone looks their best in deep bronzes, coppers, and so forth, so keep your wedding party's skin tones in mind when choosing bridal party dresses.
Late Fall
Late fall is very versatile. You can use the deep, rich colors like chocolate or red-tinged plum, and go for a metallic theme with pops of color to welcome the coming winter season (such as apple red or pine green) mixed with cream and mocha, or go for a nearly monochromatic theme using pale gold, cream, and shades of brown.
Subdued Neutrals: Almost Monochromatic
One of the most beautiful ways to welcome winter when you have a late fall wedding is to choose a pale, neutral, monochromatic color scheme with golden accents. That means lots of browns: mocha, tan, caramel, cream, off-white, beige—whichever mix you prefer. Make sure you add gold to give it a hint of glitz and a whole lot of glam.
Adding a bit of red, green, or silver can also be a nod toward winter weather colors.
Choosing Accent Colors
When choosing wedding colors for a fall ceremony, you'll of course need one or two main colors and then a couple of accent colors. The earlier it is in the season, the more color—everywhere—you can get away with. Of course, it is your wedding, so if you want to use watermelon pink and lime green in late November, don't let seasonal restraints hold you back. If you're looking for guidance when it comes to playing to the tones of fall, here are some tips on choosing your accent colors:
Early Fall: Even if your main color or colors are pretty vibrant (pumpkin, for example), you can get away with brighter accent colors. Small amounts of apple red wouldn't look out of place, for example.
Mid-Fall: In mid-fall, subdued, muted, and earthy tones are popular. Try accenting in colors that are also muted, cream or other pale neutrals, and hints of metallic tones. Using a single bright pop of color, such as yellow in a cast of orange and rust, will also bid farewell to the passing of summer and still flow nicely with the color scheme.
Late Fall: Late fall calls for rich, warm colors and metallics. Light gold makes a beautiful accent color whether your color scheme consists of light neutrals or the deepest, velvety colors available. If you choose a darker palette, bring light to the decorations by adding in hints of cream or champagne. For other accent colors, don’t be afraid of red and pine green.
Fall wedding colors are rich and vibrant, celebrating both the fruitfulness of the season and the blossoming of your nuptials.

Hiring For Our Wedding Portal

Our community based guide - portal that focuses on the wedding & events industry is growing. We are looking for people with wedding &/or events experience, are professional in demeanor & presentation, are trainable and want to be part of an exciting industry with a career in sales. Our compensation is tops in the industry with residual income. We want serious part time &/or full time persons to send their resume asap. Please include references and list any language skills [ie spanish, mandrin, russian, greek, etc] We will contact all good fit candidates within 24 hours. There is never a fee to work for us. If you are serious about work ... contact us.

You can check out the full discription of the job on http://www.orweddingsandevents.info/, click on the Careers tab at the top!

You can email me at: orweddingsandevents@gmail.com, please include your resume!

Wedding Decorations

You should plan your decorating ideas ahead of time so that you will have everything you need for your wedding. Plan your color scheme and the theme for your decorations. Make it fun or fancy, whatever you want, just make sure there will not be anything looked over to cause last minute hassles.

There is no need to go expensive, I found these decorations on a website; http://www.wrapwithus.com/ for little to nothing. If you are crafty, don't be afraid to make your own!

Enjoy,

Jenniene

Beautiful Place For An Event (Colorado)

The Tapestry House is a new, elegantly handcrafted Victorian country manor set on a stunning five acre setting of lawns, flower gardens, a meandering creek and majestic old-growth trees. A lovely gazebo and a historic 1880's barn add to the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding or other special event.The Tapestry House will provide your guests with the warmth and charm of a private home, offering the ambiance and luxury of a traditional Victorian home but with the comforts and conveniences of a new facility. It is the perfect setting for weddings, receptions, anniversary parties, retreats, family reunions, Bar / Bat mitzvahs, company luncheons, holiday parties, and corporate meetings.Intimate indoor events may be held inside the Tapestry House for 10 - 50 guests. Larger events for up to 225 are held inside the Reception Pavilion. There is a picturesque gazebo set under the trees on the front lawn: the perfect site for your wedding ceremony.The Tapestry House is also available for overnight rental and sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms. Please call for details.Showing Hours: Tours are offered by appointment or during the Open Touring Hours listed on our Home Page. Call to schedule an appointment or stop by during our Open Touring Hours. We schedule tours around our event schedule.

http://www.tapestryhouse.com

Jenniene

Wedding Stationery Tips

Your wedding stationery will be the first impression that your guests have of your wedding. The invitations represent you and your wedding, so give your invitations importance by thoughtfully selecting - the paper, letter style and formality.
Doing your save-the-dates, invitations, accessory cards, programs, menu cards, and place cards at the last minute "spells" nothing but trouble. It’s very important to give yourself enough time for this. Often times, brides will start with the save-the-dates, then think about the invites, and lastly about the programs and accessory materials. When things are done in pieces and chunks of time are lost between each step, the stationery style does not end up being cohesive. As soon as you begin searching for the save-the-dates, you should also be thinking about all the other ensemble pieces. Your planner, a boutique stationery store specializing in custom pieces, or one that has a lot of experience dealing with weddings would be a great starting point. Take the time to look through books carefully, to get a sense for what’s out there. If you do not have a theme, you might find that going through this exercise will help you to develop one. You might see a style that you like, and model your entire event around it!
The save-the-dates should be sent out 6 months prior to your wedding (May and June Brides - beware of those holiday months). You should start looking at stationary 9 months prior to your wedding date. This may be a difficult concept to grasp since many couples do not think about it until it’s absolutely necessary. Keep in mind that you will need at least 3 weeks to obtain proofs and make changes. It’s very important that you take your time to review the proof carefully to makes sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. The printer prints directly from the proof so everything should be just as you want it. Companies can and will make spelling errors, omissions or insertions. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of time to make font style, size, or color changes. If you have multi-colored stationery, it will take on average 72 hours more not only to prepare proofs, but also to print. If you do have multi-colored invites, it’s very important to acquire a colored proof.
Make sure to confirm what is included in your package price. Depending upon where you purchase your printed materials, you might pay by the proof. Making changes might prove to be very costly, so make sure everything is reviewed thoroughly prior to submitting it to the company for another proof.
Always...always get proofs - if there is an additional cost! There are never any second chances, and it "proves" to be very expensive if you have to reprint and then overnight your stationery.

Jenniene

Ideas For Wedding Favors

Over the years wedding favors have become increasingly popular. Guests often look forward to receiving a keepsake favor to take home with them after the wedding party.
Wedding party favors add to the decor and theme of the reception, ranging from simple bookmaker's to elegant crystal or silver pieces for the bridal party that can later be displayed in a curio cabinet or on a fireplace mantle.
Some couples prefer to give the guests something edible, such as Jordan almonds, available in colors white, silver or gold or a small box of mints, truffles or homemade chocolate wedding favors. Candy conversation hearts and gourmet coffee or tea are also good favor ideas. Even the boxes alone come in a large variety of shapes and colors, ranging from heart, cone, pyramid and purse shapes that come in floral and embossed pearl papers. Boxes can be topped with a decorative bow or a colorful silk flower chosen to coordinate with your wedding colors. Prices usually range from 25 cents to over $1.50. The Jordan almonds can also be made into an elegant favor by placing each candy coated almond into the petal of an almond holder flower made of white netting, wire and leaves, a great favor idea! These can easily be assembled by the bridesmaids or purchased assembled for about $1.50. Organza bags come in a variety of colors and can also be filled with candy.
Favors can also be designed with the season of the year as a theme...fall wedding favor ideas include autumn leaf candles or tulip bulbs wrapped in a sheet of tulle and tied with ribbon. Winter favors include mini cherub holiday ornaments, pine or cinnamon scented potpourri, floating poinsettia candles or silver bells. Any favor can be personalized with a unique thank you note or a short poem printed on a small card. Christmas weddings or holiday wedding favor ideas can be to use wrapped mini gifts of different shapes and sizes in your wedding colors and place at each table setting. Mini sleighs are available at most craft stores. Fill sleighs with Holiday candies, favors for the guests, or the table card.
Other popular shower or wedding favor ideas include mini wedding cake candles Personalized Wedding Favor Candle Sets, Personalized Coffee Favors, heart-shaped cookie cutters with a sugar cookie recipe attached, crystal or silver bottle stoppers, butterfly wedding favors, place card holders, cake cutters, silver serving tongs, coffee scoops, mini teacups, crystal bells, small picture frames, silver dolphin bottle openers, bath beads or decorative soaps, small photo albums, candle holders, personalized golf balls, place card chairs, floating flower candles or personalized miniature bottles of wine or champagne. Search our Wedding Store or online where wedding favor supplies can be purchased in bulk discount/ wholesale and then created by you together with your bridal party, friends and family members, a great idea if you are on a tight budget. The best way to select a favor that is right for your wedding is to determine your budget, number of guests, theme (if any) and what you might enjoy receiving yourself.
Popular Ideas for Wedding Favors:
Cookie Cutter Favors
Heart Shaped Chocolates, wrapped in special wedding favor holders
Personalized Coffee Favors
Personalized Candy Bar Wrappers
Personalized Wine Bottles
Favor Magnets
Wildflower Seed Packets
Scented and/or Personalized Candles and Candle Holders
Small Picture Frames That Double as a Place Card Holder
Scented & Specially Shaped Soaps
Wedding Music CD
Personalized Matchbooks
Wine Bottle Stopper
Silver Plated Fortune Cookie Favors

Have a great wedding,

Jenniene

Green Wedding Ideas

You can incorporate several elements into your wedding planning to make your wedding more eco-friendly.

Use biodegradable seed paper for your invitations; when planted in soil, they grow wildflowers. Other invitation options include hemp, bamboo, banana stalk, and sugar cane paper. You could also use recycled paper stock and utilize new technology to have invitations e-mailed to more tech-savvy guests by using a service such as Evite.com.

Wear a vintage or previously owned wedding dress. Places to find vintage dresses include consignment shops, thrift stores, or auction websites. Some bridal shops also may specialize in the restoration, recycling and resale of wedding gowns. Alternatively, you can have a dress custom-made from organic raw materials grown without pesticides, such as taffeta made from corn, silk blended with hemp, or natural, earth-friendly bamboo. The groom can even wear a hemp tuxedo! Many up-and-coming wedding dress designers are practicing their craft with innovative fabrics and fair labor practices. The color white is traditional, but not environmentally friendly, as it became white from a toxic chemical process. After the wedding, think about donating your wedding gown to charity. There are charitable organizations who donate proceeds from used wedding gowns to their valuable work.
If you have your wedding and reception in the same location, it will lessen automobile emissions into the air. Instead of renting a limousine or Hummer, try using a hybrid, compact car, or even a horse and buggy for a more unique, old-fashioned vibe. If two separate locations cannot be avoided, you can request that your guests carpool on the invitations or hire a shuttle bus. Use local and organic food wherever feasible, and donate extra food to a shelter.

Use local, seasonal flowers for the ceremony and reception. Another option is potted plants, which can be given to guests for replanting or donated to a local hospital or professional nursing facility. Consider giving your guests wedding favors such as packets of seeds and bulbs, promoting sustainable and renewable agriculture for the planet.

Serve local, organic beer and wine–at least avoid imported beer and wine. (Contemplate home-brewing if that is an interest of yours—a bottle of your home brew could also serve as a possible wedding favor.)

As a viable alternative to the limousine or Hummer, how about renting a hybrid or compact car, or even a horse and buggy for a more unique old-fashioned vibe?

Set up your bridal registry at stores that sell organic cotton, recycled glassware, bamboo home décor, and the like, reflecting your green lifestyle and values as a couple. As another option, you could request that your guests donate to eco-friendly organizations rather than giving other wedding gifts.

The sky's the limit, have fun!

Jenniene