Give the gift that keeps on giving (great parties) – a stainless beverage tub.

When it comes to wedding gifts, The Bob and I typically shop "on the list." We go straight for the bridal registry and choose something the happy couple has selected for themselves. I highly recommend this approach for most couples, and I have appreciated knowing that I'm getting them something they really need or want.

While shopping on the list has its advantages, what it lacks in most cases is the personal touch. I can give the newlyweds their 5th flatware place setting, but will they remember me every time they eat chicken cordon bleu? Probably not.

I was faced with this dilemma when some great friends of ours recently got married. I will admit it. I was at a loss. I was at such a loss that I didn't have a gift selected by their wedding day!

(NOTE: I fell on strict wedding gift protocol on this one – feel free to use it yourself – you have up to ONE YEAR to gift the couple. That saved my bacon on this one!)

I had several criteria for the "perfect gift" for our friends. First, I wanted to find something that was useful, but not "utilitarian." Second, I was leaning toward something monogrammed – to me, it feels old fashioned in a good way. And finally, and to me most importantly, I wanted the gift to be something that, whether they reached for it once a month or once a year, they would think of The Bob and me.

After an exhaustive search, several ideas that were abandoned (including a personalized bocce ball set), and many...ahem...discussions...between Bob and I (he said shop on the list), I ran across this sweet stainless steel beverage tub from Personalization Mall.

This fit all my criteria. And, by my way of thinking, they can use it for any number of occasions, it will look great on a buffet table full of ice and bevvies. But, they might decide to use it for something completely different. They could use it as a planter, a magazine bin or even to hold diapers someday, should the mood strike them.

When the tub arrived, I opened the box to check it out (and to make sure their name wasn't misspelled!). I was impressed with the heft of the thing, and the hammered texture and other details gave it an upscale look compared to some tubs I have seen. I recommend this, not only because it's worth the money, but I was also impressed with the ordering and shipping process – I had a good experience.

So if you're looking for the ideal wedding gift, try this one out. It's a great value, looks fantastic, and it keeps on giving – great parties - for the bride and groom for years to come.

Happiness. Now in flannel.

The Bob and I are such homebodies this time of year. It's not at all unusual for us to go home after work, make a quick dinner and race to put on our pajamas so we can begin our "power lounging." And of course, since it's winter, we must have flannel. I have always sought out the fun, funky flannel prints for their ability to make me smile. I usually wear the top open, with a solid tank underneath.

Of course there are lots of more upscale brands, but this year I ran across a great find at Kmart. Joe Boxer flannel pajama sets in some very adorable prints, regularly $16.99 but the in-store special was buy one get one free! The store in my area is running this special through Christmas eve. To check the in-store specials for your area, go to the Kmart web site.

I think $8.50 is an excellent price for all that flannel happiness!

Give your gift wrapping a signature touch

Half the fun of getting a gift is the unwrapping. A carefully wrapped gift creates exitement and anticipation, and shows that the giver cares. Every year I come up with my own signature gift wrapping, but you know if you have spent any time at Home Ec. for Grownups that my method is designed to be a time saver, as well as budget conscious.

Here are some ideas for you to try that have all been successful for me, not to mention very cute!


"Special Delivery"
You'll need:
• Brown kraft paper, found on rolls at your office supply store
• Manila hang tags, also from the office supply store
• Colored markers – I use red and green for a bit of color
• Cotton twine

Wrap the box in the kraft paper as usual, then tie the twine bundle-style around the package. Use the manila hang tag as the gift tag. As a variation on this theme, I have used a stamp pad and holiday stamps to decorate the top of the package, as well as the hang tag.


"Simply Wonderful"
• White rolled kraft paper
• Red grosgrain ribbon – use whatever width you like; I use something like 1/2" or 3/4"
• Mini ornament – I find these in packages of 8 or 10 in stores such as Big Lots

Wrap your boxes in the white paper and tie with the grosgrain ribbon. Be as generous as you can with the ribbon. I never mastered the art of tying a big, fancy bow, but I think a simple bow looks best anyway. Tie a mini ornament in the center of the bow – preferably one that reflects the receipient's tastes or interests.

You can vary the ribbon color on this style. I have used cream on white for a simpler tone-on-tone look, striped green/white gives a more woodsy effect. I think a white, round grommeted tag would be a nice touch on this, but experiment and see what you like. The thing to remember is that each package uses the same white base, saving you time and money.

The beauty of either of these ideas is that when your gifts are all wrapped and under the tree, they become part of the decor. My style tends to be more "country cottage" or "cabin in the woods," but your style tends toward more formal or "glitzy" think about all your gifts in the same metallic paper, with satin ribbon.

I have not decided what my look will be for '07, but I am thinking about a Trapper's Blanket effect using cream or white paper and ribbon "stripes" in black, red, yellow and green.


Try something with your own signature touch this year, and get ready for the compliments you will get, not just for the gift, but for the wrapping!