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It does not matter what the wonderful occasion is-a child's coming-of-age party, a significant birthday or anniversary, or of course, a wedding. A large milestone-event party means that a number of family members and friends will be traveling to attend the celebration.
Top party priority: Here's a must for your "To Do" list: Be sure to provide gift bags for out-of-town guests. The bags can be inexpensive or lavish. What matters is that you offer a reliable thank-you for the time, effort, and expense that guests have gone to in order to be with you for your special occasion.
Gift bags not only make people feel welcome, but also help them entertain them while they're away from home. With a bit of guidance, party guests can enjoy some sightseeing. Or they can take advantage of your town's attractions-while you're busy getting ready for the big event.
Here are some gift-bag basics:
THE GIFT CONTAINER
Make it easy for them: The advantage of using bags, of course, is that guests can fold them up and pack them in their suitcases. The bags can be made of nylon, canvas, palm leaf, or paper that's lined with sheets of colorful tissue paper.
Coordinate gift bag and party colors: Use the colors that will be featured at the party. Or sometimes have fabric bags printed or embroidered to commemorate the event. Or simply tie kraft paper bag handles together with colorful ribbon to make them look special.
Painted buckets, boxes, or baskets bought from craft stores or mass merchandisers can be pretty alternatives. They're best, of course, for guests who do not have to worry about carry-on luggage.
"WELCOME" AND "THANK YOU"
Include a thank-you note: A warm greeting is the most important item to include in the gift bag. A personal, handwritten note is always best. However, if you do not have time to handwrite personal notes, be sure your printed note expresses how much it means to you that your friends and loved ones are there, and how grateful you are that they've gone to so much effort to share in this wonderful celebration.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Here are some thoughtful gift bag items that guests are sure to appreciate and enjoy:
Schedule of events for the entire weekend: Help put everyone at ease by letting them know exactly what's going to happen, what day, where, and at what time.
Clear directions: Few things are more frustrating than getting lost in an unfamiliar location-
especially when you're racing the clock to get a service or ceremony. Provide everyone with printed directions to every place on the weekend's agenda!
Map of the larger area: Convention and visitors' bureaus will have maps you can hand out. Any popular tourist area should be able to provide detailed maps showing restaurants and shops, as well as other special attractions.
A list of your own favorite places: Put together a list of places that you and your family particularly like-for example, where to go for good coffee or a light lunch, or ice cream. Note drug stores, shopping centers, or even movie theaters, if people will have a lot of free time.
Be sure to include nice places to go for a leisurely stroll, a scenic walk, or a morning run. Also include home and cell phone numbers for several different contacts.
Special trips: So far, you've arranged to fill your gift bags with thoughtful items that cost nothing! Here's where you can get really creative and clever, depending on how much time and money you plan to spend. Some ideas:
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Source by Corinne Zachary
