shower gifts, as well

Bridal Showers - Pre-Wedding Parties Front Page - Features Unique Wedding Ideas Wedding Forum Ask Fran Customs & Traditions Wedding Etiquette Planning Your Wedding Wedding Planner Honeymoon Checklist Local Wedding Vendors Punch Recipes Who Pays for What Mother of the Groom Mother of the Bride Maid of Honor Best Man Thank You Cards The Invitation Honeymoon Checklist Discovering The Past Around The World Engagement Customs Pre-Wedding Party Bridal Showers Choose Your Gown Ceremony Timetable Wedding Survival Kit Calendar of Events Children in the wedding Customizable Wedding Planner Infant Specialties Contact Us Advertise Wedding Vendors - get listed . All Accessories Wedding Invitations Bookmarks Cake Servers Cake Tops Ceremony Essentials Coasters Decorations Favors Garters Gifts Thank You Notes Reception Essentials More The Music of William Jenks Classical Guitar music perfect for your wedding. Free Downloads - Click here OurMarriage.com Home > Planning your wedding > Pre-wedding parties > Bridal Showers Pre-Wedding Parties The Bridal Showers The Bridesmaid Luncheon The Bachelor Party The Wedding Breakfast The Bridal Brunch The Rehearsal Dinner Bridal Showers Traditionally, bridal showers are given by the maid/matron of honor, or close friend of the bride. It is not proper for an immediate family member of the couple to host the shower . To do so, would appear they were asking for gifts and is not in good taste. The party itself may be scheduled at any time convenient for the bride and her hostess, although the last week before the wedding is considered poor planning. There are so many last minute details, that a shower would likely be more stressful than joyful. Showers are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Showers today, often surround a particular party theme. Recipe showers, kitchen showers, bath showers, lingerie, linen and garden or camping showers...the possibilities are endless. As might well be expected, kitchen showers have long been the most popular shower theme, because of the endless range of paraphernalia every newlywed couple needs to set up housekeeping. Novice cooks, especially those who have never kept house before, need everything from pots and pans to mops and brooms. One variation of the kitchen theme has each guest including their favorite recipe, along with an item needed to prepare that recipe. As an example, a flour sifter or hand mixer with a cake recipe. Muffin tins alongside a recipe for pop overs. Rock salt, when giving an ice cream maker. Use your imagination. When requesting favorite recipes as part of the shower planning, it is a good idea for the hostess to send uniform, ready to use, recipe cards in the invitation. A recipe box is then given to the bride during the shower, to begin assembling her favorite recipes. Lingerie showers are a favorite of the bride, especially when she is honored with more than one party. Long, frilly, sexy nighties, baby doll pajamas, lacy bra's and panties, one piece body huggers, are all terrific ideas for gift giving. Sewing accessories, closet or drawer organizers, certificates for special services, such as beauty treatments, hair care products or nail enhancement are also perfect gifts given at a lingerie shower. It is the job of the hostess to plan a party that compliments both the theme and her guests. Be sure when several showers are planned, the guest list is different for each one so no one ends up feeling obligated to attend and buy several shower gifts, as well as a wedding gift. When the bride lives in a small town or community it is considerate to suggest people join together to host one shower, rather than several small ones. Showers are almost always informal gatherings with a simple menu and often only include cake, mints and punch. The hostess issues invitations by telephone, mail, or in person. It is considered in poor taste to invite people who do not personally know the bride, although, they may be friends of her family or fianc. However, etiquette for the 90's allows exceptions to every rule. A shower may be the time, chosen by the mother of the groom, for instance, to bring family and close friends to meet her prospective daughter-in-law. Showers are not times to call in social obligations. During the shower, games are played for fun and entertainment. You can find notebook style, pads of games to play at your local card shop or dream up your own. Ideas include, a small basket of kitchen utensils with 15 to 20 items, shown to the guests for 30 seconds, then removing the basket and asking them to write down everything they remember seeing. Writing the full, soon to be married name of the bride, across the top of a page, and seeing how many words can be made from the name in four or five minutes is another popular choice. Of course, in both instances, the person with the highest number wins the prize. Be sure to have a couple extra gifts on hand for those times when two or more are the winners. It is also fun to give each guest a clothes pin, to clip on their lapel, with instructions they are not to cross their legs during the party. If caught crossing their legs, the person catching them, gets their clothes pin. The one left holding the most pins at the end of the party, wins a prize. One further point needs to be made concerning the guest list for a shower invitation. The thoughtful bride, who has planned a formal wedding, also sees to it, if possible, that people not invited to the wedding, are not put in the position of being invited to a shower. Every guest will bring a gift. It would be in very poor taste to ask someone to bring a gift for a bride who has not chosen to invite that individual to her wedding. Traditionally, shower gifts are smaller and rather less expensive than wedding gifts. As a courtesy to family and friends, it is a good idea for the couple to register their preferences in the gift registry department of their favorite store. If you have ever tried to decide on just the perfect gift for someone, and didn't have a clue as to their likes and dislike, you will understand the thoughtfulness of a gift registry. Be sure to include small, inexpensive items, such as kitchen towels, wooden spoons, or hot pads, as well as larger items, such as blenders, toasters, bread makers, and coffee machines. Elderly guests may be on a fixed income, and a very limited budget, but also appreciate knowing the gift they buy is something truly desired and appreciated. Thus, the purpose of registering small, inexpensive items. And last, but hardly least, a mention of sending thank you cards, (also see "How to Write a Thank You Card") must be included in our discussion of bridal showers. At one time, notes were not considered necessary when you thanked someone in person. Today, with showers being larger and guests busier, a personal note is the only way to make sure sincere appreciation is expressed. A unique idea for sending thank you cards begins as the guests arrive and register for a door prize by filling out her name and mailing address on "thank you" envelopes. The door prize winner is drawn at the end of the shower from the envelopes which are then given to the bride. This enables the bride to more quickly send out her thank you cards, and eliminates returns due to incorrect addresses. For more information on this and other related topics see Ask Fran OurMarriage.com Home > Planning your wedding > Pre-wedding parties > Bridal Showers OurMarriage.com respects your privacy. See our privacy policy Unique Wedding Ideas: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Submit your own unique wedding Idea. Wedding Customs || Ask Fran || Forum || Wedding Planner || Wedding Etiquette Unique Wedding Ideas || Planning Your Wedding || Newsletter || Honeymoon || Home © 1998- 2005 OurMarriage.com All Rights Reserved. 360 Wedding Invitations- Click here Infant & Children's Specialty Appare l Christening Gowns and more. 78 page fully printable & customizable wedding planner for only $4.95 No ads or annoying borders. This planner has a simple and clean look that you can customize to your own liking. Print as many pages as you need! Plus! Download 125 additional unique wedding ideas not posted on our website... Free with planner! Click here "Brides Against Breast Cancer" Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation launches National Wedding Gown Collection Drive. Click here

College Gift to Public

Amherst College News Releases: Amherst College Gift to Public Schools Amherst College Site Map Search Amherst College > News & Events > News Releases > Amherst College Gift to Public Schools Amherst College Donates $70,000 to Local Schools July 18, 2005 Contact: Paul Statt Director of Media Relations 413/542-8417 AMHERST, Mass.—Amherst College has donated $70,000 to the Amherst public schools to support the technology needs of schools in the town of Amherst. American colleges and universities need to recognize the fundamental importance of the secondary schools, says Anthony W. Marx, the president of the college. Education is the best tool we have for making the world a better place, and Amherst College is pleased to support the work of education at its foundations. Barry Del Castilho, the town manager of the town of Amherst, says that the gift is part of an effort to close a $1.7 million budget gap facing the town, schools and libraries for fiscal year 2006. Amherst Superintendent of Schools Jere Hochman requested $171,400 to replace, repair and maintain computer and communications equipment for the elementary schools. The college's gift is made in recognition that the college benefits from good schools in the town, says Peter Shea, the treasurer of Amherst College, and fits with our mission of education. Shea says the college likes to target its gifts to the town that way, realizing that it frees up other money for the town to spend on other priorities. Del Castilho puts it this way: By providing support for this more or less specific, high priority item in the elementary schools' capital request, the college's contribution prevents cuts in town, school and library services. Founded in 1821 for the education of indigent young men of piety and talents, Amherst College is now widely regarded as the premier liberal arts college in the nation, enrolling a diverse group of approximately 1,600 young men and women. Well known for its academic excellence, Amherst is also consistently ranked among the very best schools in the country in terms of accessibility: The college's financial aid packages are consistently the most generous in the U.S., and among its peer universities and colleges Amherst has the greatest economic diversity. Diversity, in its broadest sense, is fundamental to Amherst's mission. The college enrolls students from every state and more than 40 countries, and for the past several years more than 35 percent of Amherst's students have been students of color. Amherst offers the B.A. degree in 33 fields of study. ###

Shower Gift Baby shower

How to Buy a Baby Shower Gift - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Holidays & Traditions Center Special Events How to Buy a Baby Shower Gift Baby shower gifts can be simple or elegant, traditional or creative and personal. Select with creativity and care - the possibilities are endless. Steps: 1. Check the registry. These days, many moms-to-be register for baby items they know they will need. 2. Use your experience as a parent (or ask someone you know who has kids): What could you not live without during the first year? 3. Investigate the needs of the new parents. Do they need a front carrier, a baby backpack or a stylish diaper bag? 4. Go in with a group to purchase baby furniture or strollers. Send these the minute you know a baby is expected, or tell the parents you plan to buy them. 5. Monogram a silver baby mug, baby silverware or a silver picture frame. 6. Buy child-sized jewelry: a nametag bracelet or bangle; a heart necklace for a girl; or an ID bracelet, tie bar or cufflinks for a boy. 7. Choose clothes in size 3 months or larger. A baby usually has a first outfit and will quickly outgrow newborn sizes. Include gift receipts if possible. 8. Start the baby's library with a classic hardbound book. Put a nameplate in the front cover for a personal touch. 9. Evaluate your spending limits. If you don't want to spend more than $50, opt for an outfit, a special blanket or a baby grooming kit, complete with clippers, diaper ointments and shampoo. 10. Stay away from equipment that's on sale, unless you know the parents want a particular item. There might be a reason it is on sale. 11. Give the baby a savings bond as a big gesture. Tips: When the sex of the baby is unknown, opt for gender-neutral colors such as yellow, white and green. Crib quilts are personal, so ask if there is a planned pattern, or make one for a unique gift. Forgo the thoughtful, yet unnecessary gift for Mom. Although it's a nice gesture, she will probably be embarrassed by the attention - after all, the shower is for the baby. Tips from eHow Users: Don't take a chance on the sex! by Anthony N. Even parents who think they know their babies sex from an ultrasound can't be 100% sure. So, don't presume and buy pink frilly dresses or overalls with trains. Rate this tip: Help the parents with diaper changes... by Annette S. Diapers are a necessity that parents will appreciate from the time their little bundle comes home from the hospital til the child is ready to begin potty training. Ask guests to bring a bag of diapers (newborn and older because babies grow rapidly). The parents will be appreciate this gesture because diapers can get expensive and they are used in bulk Warning: be aware of mom's allergies that may be evident with baby. Ask mom whether To be on the safe side, buy hypoallergenic, alcohol, perfume & dye free diapers and wipes. Use your experience as a parent or ask someone you know who has kids Rate this tip: View 8 More Tip(s) from Users Please Share Your Tips with Us E-mail this page to a friend Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic More Resources: Related eHows: Deal With Morning Sickness Play Fun Games at a Baby Shower Create a Special Pregnancy Scrapbook Dress for a Baby Shower Eat for Two Things You'll Need: savings bonds baby clothes gift certificates spa gift certificates credit cards and loans strollers nightgowns baby toys boy's dress clothes baby blankets baby's first bath soothing CD silver rattles baby brush/comb sets silver picture frames charms layette gift sets silver baby mugs Project Details: Skill Advisory: Easy Printable Page Questions Answered and Topics Addressed: Give a shower gift How to get a baby shower gift Attend a baby shower Buy a gift for a new mother How to give a gift at a a baby shower New! -- Related eHows: Deal With Morning Sickness Play Fun Games at a Baby Shower Create a Special Pregnancy Scrapbook Dress for a Baby Shower Eat for Two Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .