Holiday Celebration Ideas

'Tis the season of joy, so why not make the most of celebrating? Here are some simple tips that may help.
• Carols are wonderful for Christmas celebrations. The trick is to have song lyrics on hand so everyone can join in. People who love to hide in the background will be encouraged to celebrate and be part of the festivities. To find lyrics to the most popular carols, go to www.christmas-carols.net. You can simply print them up and pass them out.

• Chanukah celebrations can include a game of dreidel. A dreidel is a block with one Hebrew letter on each side, together spelling "a miracle happened here". You can use chocolate coins for tokens. The letters guide the game, for instance; Nun - means nothing, the next player throws the block, SHIN - means the player forfeits a token, Hey - means winner takes half of the pot and Gimel - means winner takes all. Don't forget to light the menorah.
• More fun for the holidays can include a Gift-Go-Round. In this party every guest must buy one gift within a fixed price range, something like $20.00 to $25.00. The gifts are entered into a sack; something sturdy and festive. It is passed around the room and each guest chooses one from the collection. For extra excitement, each gift giver should be kept anonymous. For an odd number of guests, the host or group will add the additional gift.

Make Your Own Sachets

• Cut out 4 x 4 inch squares of lace or mesh. Fill each square with a tablespoon and a half of potpourri. Tie each one at the base with thin satin ribbon. You may find something you like at: papermart.com. Spread out the excess material on top for a flowery look. It is elegant and quick for that special occasion effect. The trick to a fragrant sachet is to add a few drops of potpourri oil before wrapping it into the fabric. Visit karensfixins.com; their "Field of Dreams" and "Heirloom Lace" Potpourri have scents, and textures, that you and your guests may enjoy. Deeper mixtures, scented with Sandalwood, Cedar, or Pine, placed in darker fabrics, are appropriate for men.

Other tips

• There are some wonderful holiday drink recipes at: http://www.associatedcontent.com that are great for all occasions.
• Get rid of the styrofoam plates and plastic utensils at gatherings. Ceramic plates and metal utensils (light weight) make mingling easier and the affair more upscale. Chinette thick plastic plates are another option for plate ware.
• Decor suitable for all of the holidays combined are gold and white. Golden table banners laid across a white table cloth adds a nice touch.
• Here are some desserts that many people enjoy for the holidays; Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Chambord Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Cranberry Cheese Tart, Truffle Cakes, Pumpkin Tart, and Italian Cream Cake.
• Remember not to allow anyone to drive home drunk. Have designated drivers available, or additional sleeping quarters in case someone needs to spend the night. Have Fun! - Delightful Biteful