Holiday Gatherings

• During the holidays, you will, most likely, enjoy the company of good friends at gatherings. You will also send out invitations to such parties of your own. For a Christmas party, a beautiful ornament is a lovely idea. It could be handmade or purchased. Make it even more special by printing out a small note on cardstock that can be attached to the top of the ornament with a thin satin ribbon. It could say, "The best of holiday cheer from the Smith family." For a New Year's gathering, fill a small silver-toned tin (found in craft stores) with elegant candies. And don't forget that note inside that says, "Wishing you the brightest New Year from the Johnsons."
  
  

Inexpensive

• Making your own gifts can be less expensive and only makes sense if the gathering includes a large guest list. With a little preparation, you can make simple, yet elegant iced sugar or gingerbread cookies. Use a royal icing recipe, as this type of frosting gets hard after it sets. Choose a cookie cutter that matches the occasion, such as a star for an Independence Day party. Ice the cookies with one color if you are not experienced in this area. It will appear stylish and will make for quick work. After the cookies are done, drop each one in a cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. For a less formal occasion, make giant oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies and tie the bags with raffia. Homemade biscotti is also appealing.
  
  

Creative

• Purchase a large bag of wildflower seeds. Create small envelopes out of decorative scrapbook paper. You can do this easily by using a small previously used envelope for the pattern. Simply disassemble the envelope, lay it flat on the back of a sheet of paper and trace around it. Cut the decorative paper out and refold it, gluing the different folds to create a finished envelope. Add seeds to the inside and, on your computer, make a small label to be glued to the front of the envelope that includes a sentiment or poem. Your guests can plant their wildflowers in remembrance of a wild time they had at your summer barbeque.