O Christmas Tree!
by Arleen M. Kaptur
The invitations are coming
in to attend all kinds of get-togethers. You would like to host a
party of some sort, but formal affairs aren't exactly your cup of
tea, and many of your friends have children that you would like to
include - so, what kind of party could you decide upon that would
incorporate all of the above and fill in the gaps with Christmas
cheer, fun, laughter, and just a wonderful week-end event?
Well, since Holiday
entertaining is really - bottom line - making memories to treasure
and to rekindle for a lifetime- originality, great food, and, of
course, warm and congenial guests and stimulating conversations -
not a tall order, just a very Holiday order.
One characteristic about
Christmas that is a true symbol is the Christmas tree, whether it
be real, plastic, green, silver, red, white, and everything in
between.
Then, let's have a
tree-trimming party. Hold on - my Christmas tree is a very special
tree with hand-made ornaments, heirloom items, etc. My family and
I enjoy decorating our tree by ourselves - it's just such a
special "home" event.
That's fine - solution -
get a tree just for your party. It could go on your porch, in your
family room, or on an enclosed patio or in any extra room of your
home. This tree will be a "party" tree. The decorations
will be unique and you can enjoy your friends without sacrificing
your family traditions. A festive dinner, spirited holiday
happiness and a lot of fun equals a memorable holiday party.
Invitations - cut out a
different item for each invitation, such as an angel, a santa, a
rocking horse, candle, wreath, etc. On the back include all the
information about your party, and the front will be what your
guest will contribute to the tree. Decorated with felt, sequins,
paint, chalk, etc. let them be creative and you might just
discover a Rembrandt in the making.
If you like, your ornaments
can be felt or paper, whichever you choose to be decorated. Your
guests can join together for a conversation-starting garland
session. Have popcorn, dried cranberries, pretzels, dried fruits
etc. What you don't use on the tree, everyone grab your mittens
and head outdoors. These garlands will decorate your trees and
bushes to give your fine feathered friends a Holiday treat as
well.
Spicy and tangy party
shrimp, sliced pork roast with a fragrant dressing and
plenty of gravy to go around, some oven baked potato slices,
squash gratin, poached pears, ice cream sundaes, and so on. Party
food but not overpowering.
A take-home gift -
Miniature trees stationed at your front door, lined up for each
guest to take home, decorate, and use on dressers, countertops,
etc. Just carrying their craftiness a step further.
Have Christmas carols
playing in the background, have your guests sing right along as
they work. If you want lively fun with a lot of Holiday
atmosphere, you can't go wrong with a tree-trimming party.
This type of get-together
is Santa-approved!
ENJOY!
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©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November
Wishing you and all your loved ones a truly Memorable, Enchanting,
and totally wonderful Holiday Season. Please subscribe to our free
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