Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food – and no presents to buy. To make it your best holiday ever, consider these organizing tips:

• Choose your preferred style: formal with everyone dressed up and using their best manners – or a more informal relaxed style. If you’ve invited more people than your dining table will seat, decide whether to add extra tables or a set up a buffet and use couches and occasional chairs for seating. Arrange for extra chairs if necessary.

• Keep in mind the ages of the people involved – and choose a time for the meal that will fit their needs – young children may get too tired if you wait to sit down at 1:00 pm. Consider seating for children based on ages. Teenagers might enjoy the day more seated together.

• Ask guests to identify their favorite dish – include as many of them as possible. (If someone wants a pecan pie, and you don’t like to bake them, check out your local restaurant or bakery.) Don’t assume you have to do everything – why not invite guests to bring a favorite dish? (Or ask them to bring a table centerpiece or bottle of wine.)

• Plan your menu well in advance, make a shopping list, and purchase non-perishables at the same time you do your regular shopping. If you’re planning to use a fresh turkey, place your order early.

• Get out the table linens before Thanksgiving morning – make sure you have the sizes you need, and check to see if they need to be laundered, or ironed.

• Select table decorations. If you have children, involve them in the planning and execution of the celebration. (My children loved to make turkey cookies!) Consider disposable Thanksgiving napkins.

• To save clean-up time, or if the family china is insufficient to accommodate the guest list, attractive holiday disposable tableware is a viable option. Be sure you have enough serving dishes and utensils for the quantities you will be serving.

• If you’re having a sit-down dinner, consider setting your table the day before to minimize last-minute stress. Make a checklist of things to be done on Thanksgiving day in order or priority.

• Determine your clean-up strategy prior to dinner. Do you want everyone to chip in and help – or would you prefer to spend the time with the family – and clean it up when they’re gone?

• When the day is over, make notes about anything you wish you had done differently – file your notes away for next year, and give Thanksgiving for another special day.

h2>About the Author

© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger’s Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Hemphill

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

50th wedding anniversary planning can be a bit stressful! 50 years of making friends and family can mean that there would be lots of people to invite and the expectation of a great party as well as a big mixture of ages can add to the pressure. Not that I am trying to put you off! If you plan your anniversary party then there will be no need to panic.

You first need to think about the type of party that your golden couple would enjoy. My aunt and uncle had a big party, organised as a wedding, complete with dancing but my grandparents enjoyed a family meal at one of their favourite restaurants. Which would they enjoy?

When you have worked out if you are inviting everyone or just family you will have a rough idea of numbers. You will now need to find the venue! Look at local hotels and function facilities, get menu samples, bar prices and if not included, the room hire. Also ask around, a local community hall could be just what you are looking for in space and also facilities. A number of community centres have their own kitchen and just ask that you clear up afterwards. This could save you a fortune. If the couple are members of a local social club or golf club they may have membership discounts to hire the room, plus this is a venue known to them and the service would be great, you may even get a few extras.

When you are looking around any of the possible venues think about the size of the room – is everyone going to be seated at tables. The location – is it easy to find for your guests that are travelling, is there overnight accommodation if needed? And the decor – would you need to spend lots to make the room look nice?

When you have all the information, the next stage in your 50th wedding anniversary planning is to collate all of the facts; prices, sizes, ease, minimum numbers etc. We find the best way to do this is to have all of the information on a spreadsheet so that you can compare apples with apples. When you have made your decision you will need pay a deposit to the venue to secure the date, and make sure you read the contract!

Now that the venue is booked you will need to organise invitations and possibly accommodation. It would be a good idea to contact local hotels for prices so that you could include a list of possible places that your guests could stay in the invitation. Don’t get involved in booking accommodation, let your guests do that otherwise you may find that this will take up most of your time. Get your guests to reply with any special dietary requirements

Discuss catering with the venue or with the caterer when you have your replies so that they have all the details of children’s meals or special needs. You will need to confirm numbers a couple of weeks before the party – check with your venue as to what is best.

Organise any decor – it could be flowers, balloons, candles and either book with the decor company or get your volunteers ready! You may want to get into the venue the night before to get everything in place. Make sure your venue knows this as they may have another function on.

If you want to have a special 50th anniversary cake then you will need to book this with a baker in advance, some people have replicas of their wedding cake or the wedding cake they always wanted, others will have fun cakes that show off their personality.

Venue booked, invitations sent and received back, numbers confirmed, decorations done, cake ready at bakers, all that is left is to have a great 50th anniversary party!

Suz Daykin is the Editor of Anniversary Gifts By Year, the complete guide for anniversary gift ideas and how to organise great anniversary parties.

More 50th Anniversary Ideas Here

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

1st Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Paper – It symbolizes the strength in paper that comes from the interlaced connection of the paper’s individual threads.

Modern Gift: Clocks - Henry Van Dyke wrote, “For those who love, time is eternity.”

5th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Wood - The strength of a marriage bond is represented by the traditional gift of wood. Wood is strong and long-lasting.

Modern Gift: Silverware - The modern gift of silverware is a reminder of the connection couple formed as they shared meals with each other and their children (if any).

10th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Gold – Optimism and wealth are often associated with gold. Not only is the metal gold beautiful, it is strong, and resistant to corrosion.

Modern Gift: Diamond jewelry. A marriage that lasts ten years is as durable and beautiful as a diamond.

25th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Silver

Modern Gift: Silver – A great milestone for any marriage!

30th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Pearl

Modern Gift: Diamond

45th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Sapphire

Modern Gift: Sapphire

50th Anniversary:

Traditional Gift: Gold

Modern Gift: Gold – Optimism and wealth are often associated with gold. Not only is the metal gold beautiful, it is strong, and resistant to corrosion.

100th Anniversary:

Modern Gift: 10K Diamond

As mentioned, there are several ways to celebrate one’s anniversary; however, one popular and common theme is to renew your vows on that special day, as a reminder of what brought the couple together in the first place. When throwing a party, try to keep its décor in context with the symbols that represent the anniversary. For instance, make use of lots of silver glitter, plates and so on during a 25th wedding anniversary. Another way to make things interesting is to make plans to travel someplace new and exciting. Explore sights and sounds that have never been seen or heard of and it’s a sure way to rekindle or stoke the flames of a relationship. Other fun ideas include compiling a CD of music from that year of marriage, creating an anniversary scrapbook showing pictures of family and friends including couple.

By Kiya Sama

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

No matter where in the world, love exists. Some celebrations are low-key while others are full-fledged feats. Let’s look at some of these festivities.

NORTH AMERICA:

In both Canada and the United States, school-age children delight in exchanging Valentine cards with their friends. There are classroom parties with Valentine sweets and card exchanges. The students generally make fancy envelopes or boxes in which to deposit their cards. They also take great delight in creating homemade (school-made) Valentines out of red (pink, white) construction paper, other fancy papers, paper doilies (often available in a heart shape), etc. The pupils have as much fun in creating their cards as in receiving them!
Teenagers may have dances or parties while everyone, from adult down, gives flowers, candy, or some other gift to their spouses or significant others. Valentine candy is generally packaged in heart-shaped boxes sometimes decorated with lace and such.

Mexicans celebrate Valentine’s Day but the day goes by another name; “Dia de San Valentin” or “Dia del amor y la armistad” is a day of love and friendship.

EUROPE:

People living in Austria and Germany share with Americans the tradition of bestowing upon their wives presents of roses or chocolates.

In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Early Valentine cards were transparent and when held up to the light, a picture of a man handing a woman a present would be projected. Another popular gift is to give pressed white flowers known as Snowdrops (one source identifies Snowdrops as candy). A “gaekkebrev” or joking letter, sent by men, has a romantic verse in it but is not signed. Instead, the man signs his name with a number of dots that correlate with the number of letters in his name. If the object of his affection guesses his identity, she receives an Egg on Easter.

In England, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various ways. On Valentine’s Day Eve, women used to practice rather strange customs. They would take their pillow and pin a bay leaf on each of the four corners and consume eggs where the removed yolks were replaced with salt! (My mouth puckers at the mere thought.) After doing this, they were confident they would dream of their future husbands. In another custom, women would write the names of their lovers on paper. These papers were put on clay balls which were dropped into water. Whichever paper surfaced first would bear the name of their future husband.

In the present, some unmarried women arise from bed before daybreak on Valentine’s Day. They wait by the window, searching for a man to pass by. They feel the first man they see, or someone with a close resemblance to him, will become, within the year, their bridegroom.

Children in England sing special Valentine’s songs and receive candy, fruit, or money. In some regions of England, people bake special Valentine’s buns adorned with caraway seeds, plums, or raisins.

It is traditional to get engaged on Valentine’s Day in Italy. Popular gifts are china baskets and cups that have been filled with Valentine’s candies. Women in Italy practice the same fortune telling custom of watching for their future husbands as is done in England.

In Scotland, Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated with a festival where unmarried males and females gather together. Each individual writes their name (or a fictitious one) on a piece of paper which is folded and then put into a hat, one for the women and a separate one for the men.

The ladies draw first and the process is repeated by the men. When the two drawn names do not match, the man is expected to pair up with the lady who had drawn his name. The man presents a gift to the lady on his paper. The women pin the name of their partner on their sleeves or over their hearts. Is this the origin of wearing one’s heart on their sleeve?

In Spain, women give gifts to their husbands; men give flowers to their wives.

ASIA:

In China, Valentine’s Day is not normally celebrated on February 14th. Rather, according to the Chinese calendar. it is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. On this day, lovers crowd the Temple of Matchmaker to pray for love and happiness. Singles can also come to pray. One traditional practice involves girls putting a needle on the surface of the water when the star Vega can be found high in the sky. It is time then for the girl to search for a husband. Also, this day is set aside for girls to make any wish at all.

Modern China puts a new spin on this holiday when hotels give Valentine discounts for couples. Not only is the room rate discounted but also on this day the hotels will not ask and check for marriage certificates. However, any other day of the year Chinese law requires hotels to verify marriage certificates before allowing couples to check in.

In Israel, Valentine’s Day is a popular time for marriage proposals to be made. Gifts are also exchanged.

In Japan, chocolates play an important role. Women give a box of chocolates (“Giri-choko”) as a token of friendship or gratitude to her boss, colleagues, and male friends. Giri-choko” translates as “obligatory chocolate.”

Going a step further, a woman can express her love for that special man in her life by giving small gifts plus a box of chocolates known as “Honmei-choko” or “prospective chocolate.”

In a month’s time, men who have received the gift of chocolate presents the women with a box of chocolates on White Day, March 14th. These chocolates are generally either white chocolate or the candy is wrapped in white boxes. Japanese men often give gifts of lingerie or jewelry to their special women.

In Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated much the same as it is in Japan. However, men who were not recipients of chocolates celebrate together on April 14th, or Black Day, whereupon they eat black noodles called “Jajangmyun.”

Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Philippines by gathering together for the world record of the most couples kissing at one time. This festivity is called Lovapalooza. That’s a lot of chapped lips!

Taiwan observes two Valentine’s Day celebrations, one on February 14th and the other on July 7th. On these days, it is traditional to exchange roses; the color and number of roses determine the message. For example, one rose is “only love,” eleven roses mean “a favorite,” “forever” is the message coming with ninety-nine roses, and one hundred and eight roses signify “marry me.”

In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in unique ways. Among these ways is the joining of two elephants as the world’s largest bride and groom. Also included is the world’s largest mass-wedding and the world’s largest underwater wedding.

Love is forever, wherever you look.

See more on holidays at Niftykitchen.com Food and Cooking Tips. Terry Kaufman also writes for Niftyhomebar.com and Niftygarden.com

©2008 Terry Kaufman

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

One great gift idea for a woman to give to her husband on Valentine’s Day which is often overlooked is a gift of flowers. Flowers are one of the most popular gifts for men to give to women on Valentine’s Day but women often do not even consider giving flowers to men on Valentine’s Day. This is a shame because men receive flowers so rarely, if ever, that they are very likely to really appreciate a simple gift of flowers from their wives on Valentine’s Day.

Another great gift idea for women to give to their husbands on Valentine’s Day is something that really reflects his personal interests or hobbies. For example if your husband is really into following a particular sports team, you might consider buying him tickets to a game or a piece of memorabilia. For a man who has an interest in an activity such as fishing, you might consider buying him something related to his hobby such as a new fishing reel or other accessories for fishing. These types of gifts may not seem overly romantic which is why many women do not consider these gifts at Valentine’s Day but they do show that you really know your husband well and appreciate his interests and hobbies. This is a very important part of being in love with someone and therefore these gifts are perfect for Valentine’s Day.

A homemade dinner is also a great gift idea for women to give to their husbands on Valentine’s Day. Again, most women cook every night so they wouldn’t consider cooking dinner as a Valentine’s Day gift because they think it is too ordinary. However, if they just make a few changes by creating an elegant menu and serving dinner by candlelight it can transform everyday dinners into and excellent gift idea. You may spend a little more time preparing the meal than you normally would spend to cook dinner but both you and your husband will get the benefit of being able to relax and enjoy a fabulous dinner together.

If you are running out of ideas for gifts to give your husband on Valentine’s Day, you might want to consider giving him some clothing as a gift. This really is a good idea because if your husband is like most men, he rarely shops for clothing for himself. In fact he may still be wearing clothing from high school or college. Try buying your husband items he normally wouldn’t purchase for himself such as a stylish pair of jeans or a new pair of shoes. He will likely appreciate the gift because he will now have a few more clothing options but will not have to worry about doing his own shopping.

A final gift which can be a good idea for women to give to their husbands on Valentine’s Day is a gift certificate for a massage. Men often give these types of gifts to women on Valentine’s Day but women typically don’t give these types of gifts to men. Men enjoy being pampered just as much as women do, and your husband will likely appreciate a gift of a gift certificate for a massage. However, you might consider giving him the gift certificate and also scheduling an appointment for him. This is helpful for a couple of reasons. First it helps to make sure your husband doesn’t accidentally forget about the gift. The other reason is that some men may be shy about this type of gift because they have never had a massage before and may be apprehensive. If you make the appointment for them, it will take away some of the anxiety.

About the Author

Author Ryan Smith
is the owner of MyCirclePal.Com, one of the Net’s hottest community and social neworking sites! Post your free profile today at http://www.mycirclepal.com/

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

They may have already bought their wives items such as flowers, candy, lingerie and jewelry and may feel as though repeating these gifts would not be appropriate. However, there are a lot of great gift ideas for men to give to their wives on Valentine’s Day. This article will focus on how men can update some of the traditional gift ideas and will also provide some unique gift ideas for men to give their wives on Valentine’s Day.

Candy is one of the most popular gifts for men to give to women on Valentine’s Day. Men who have given their wives a gift of candy in the past may feel as though it would be inappropriate to give her candy again. However, this is not true. Candy is a gift which is almost always appreciated on Valentine’s Day.

There are ways to make candy seem like a more original gift though. Men who normally give their wives a gift of an assortment of chocolates in a heart shaped box can search for other candy options available. For example, they may find chocolate covered strawberries available in a number of unique designs. They can also make a gift of candy more original by making the candy themselves.

Making candy is not difficult and can be a great deal of fun. While some women will always appreciate a gift of candy, she will be more surprised if you make the candy yourself because it shows you put more effort into the gift.

Jewelry is another popular gift idea for men to give to women on Valentine’s Day. Men may feel as though once they give their wife a few pieces of jewelry, there is no way to continue giving jewelry. However, this is not true. For example if you previously gave your wife a solitaire ring you might consider giving her a new ring with three stones to reflect the past, the present and your future together. You might even consider having the solitaire ring modified to include the additional stones.

You can also put a unique spin on gifts of jewelry by giving different stones or jewelry of different metals. However, when selecting a gift of jewelry for your wife on Valentine’s Day care should be taken to choose items that reflect her taste so you are sure your wife will love the gift and want to wear it often.

If you and your wife have children and excellent gift idea for Valentine’s Day is to present your wife with handmade coupons for free afternoons. You will take care of the kids during this time so your wife can go out and relax and enjoy some time to herself. Many women often feel guilty about leaving the children with their husbands to take time for themselves. This type of gift will make her more likely to take some time to get a manicure or do some shopping without feeling guilty because you will be volunteering to watch the kids so your wife will not feel like she is inconveniencing you by asking for some time to herself.

You can make this type of gift even more special by giving your wife a gift certificate to a beauty salon so she can go to get her hair done or have a manicure and pedicure. You can also plan a special activity for the kids while she is gone. For example you might sit with the kids and have them make a gift for their mom while she is gone. This way your wife will have some free time and will also receive a homemade gift from her children.

About the Author

by Ryan Smith. He is the owner of MyCirclePal.Com, one of the Net’s hottest community and social neworking sites! Post your free profile today at http://www.mycirclepal.com/

Article Source: Article North directory

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

When is the last time you took a trip with your partner? A cheap romantic weekend getaway could bring back the excitement your relationship needs!

Most couples would LOVE to go on a romantic adult getaway.

But there is usually one issue that will come up… Money!

Unfortunately, most couples do not have the means to go on a romantic weekend getaway. Either they have kids, debt, or “more important” things to worry about, leaving them with little to no money left for a romantic holiday.

But going on a romantic holiday is more important than you might think!

Every couple should go on at least two small romantic getaways every year. (if not more!)

The reason?

It will give you a chance to get away from all the stress you deal with every day, and brings you closer together as a couple.

Never underestimate how important it is to keep your romance alive and strong. Don’t let yourselves get burnt out, just because of money.

So what are some alternatives? What can you do keep the costs down, and the romance high?

Check online for deals – There are tons of cheap vacation websites that can give you great deals..if you know hat to look for! Here are some things to consider, that can knock up to half the price of your trip!

* Time of the year – Find out what the slow seasons are, and book during that time.

* Can you leave at the last minute? – I know some couples who have gotten incredible deals from last minute packages (they left within two weeks or less of booking). One example, went on an all inclusive 5 star trip to Mexico for a week, for $600 each!

Here are more ideas of places you can go for cheap!

* Take a road trip – Sometimes the most exciting vacations are the spontaneous ones where you just get up and go! Don’t think about where you’re headed. Just enjoy the drive, and make stops along the way.

* Go to a nearby city – Even if you stay at a hotel an hour away, even that is far enough away to “get away”. Just look online to find fun things to do there! Here are some suggestions: scuba diving lessons, laser tag, bowling, the movies, a play, swimming, go karts, romantic picnic, comedy club, the zoo.

* Go camping – This is something that a lot of people don’t think of. But it can be very romantic! Just imagine roasting marshmallows, making smore’s, and sitting under the stars with your sweetheart! Its a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of ever day life, and get back to nature.. together!

Don’t let yourself miss out on the fun in your relationship just because of money. Allow yourselves a chance to go on a cheap romantic weekend getaway, that most couples are forced to sacrifice.
There’s always a way to make it affordable!

Want more? Click here for Romantic Travel Destinations Or try this website to find some more Free Romantic Ideas.

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

Throw a Valentines Day Party for the Kids

Get together with another couple you know that has kids and create an evening of Valentines fun for the kids. You can have them invite a few friends and plan a dinner (pizza and snacks) and some entertainment. You might allow them to have party games or watch a movie marathon of their choosing. What they do does not particularly matter.

While one couple is watching the kids, the other couple can sneak away for some much needed Valentines Day TLC. When the couple returns they can watch the kids and the other couple is off to have some fun. This ensures both you and your friends have a good time, and the kids do, too!

Celebrate in the Afternoon

If your children go to school or daycare during the day, the perfect solution is going to be for you to celebrate during the day. This gives you around eight hours of uninterrupted time with your lover. You will be free to roam the city or your house with your lover without your children.

Whether you choose to enjoy a quiet moment alone with your lover or you want to have some passionate lovemaking time, you will have plenty of time to do whatever pleases you both. Best of all, you will not have to worry about hurrying through the process, like you might if they were with friends or somewhere where the kids or other family members might come home too soon.

Send them to the Movies & the Arcade

If you have an older child or a willing babysitter, consider sending your kids out for a night on the town. Dinner, a movie, and some arcade fun can easily clear four to five hours in an evening. A lot of pleasurable activities can occur in that amount of time. This would give you some time to enjoy your lover in all those important ways you took for granted before you had kids and it won’t be that expensive to do either.

Make Use of Grandma/Aunt (Family)

If the kids have a grandma, aunt, or another family member who is constantly trying to spend more time with them and they do not have any plans, consider letting the kids stay the night with them on Valentines. Not only will this thrill your family member who gets to spend time with the kids, but it will also allow you to have a full night to yourselves.

You can create a sensual love den and do all of the things that you rarely get a chance to do. You can walk around naked or make love in any room of the house. By the end of the evening you will surely be elated and feeling better than you have in months!

Sneak off for Bath-time Fun

If the kids are home and they are there to stay there is still hope. Get them involved in an activity and then sneak off for some bath-time fun. One parent can head off and get the bath ready while the other parent handles the kids. Once the kids are immersed in their activities the bath should be ready to go.

Together, in the tub you can enjoy a sensual soak, some intimate conversation, and perhaps even some intimate lovemaking in the confines of your secret love nest. While this is not the most romantic option, if you miss time with your lover this is a good way to get it. Of course, you can always wait until the kids go to sleep.

About the Author

By Shayla Moore.
Shayla is a writer for http://www.oasislingerie.com She has many interesting topics and ideas for all to read about. Check out more of her articles.

Article Source: Article North directory

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

So where to begin? First and foremost, you need to decide whether you are hosting a big get-together or a small intimate gathering. This decision should be based upon what your parents are most accustomed to and what they prefer. If you do not know, do some sneaky investigative work and find out. Secondly, you need to decide whether or not to have a traditional or contemporary anniversary party.

A traditional anniversary party usually adheres to the yearly material used for how long a couple has been married. In this case, the material is silver for 25 wonderful years of marriage. Most, tend to be more formal and are viewed as a second wedding reception. A contemporary wedding anniversary party is usually not as formal and incorporates other themes besides the traditional silver motif.

If you are going the traditional route, and have decided to host a large gathering, preparation and planning is a must. First, you need to decide who you are inviting and how many. Next, you need to pick a facility that can accommodate the amount of people anticipated. Although a person’s home can be used, most people tend to have parties at banquet or reception halls for easy parking and accessibility.

Creating invitations is where you can let your creativity shine. If you have extra cash, opt for professionally made ones. This will add a touch of elegance and class, and be a great scrapbook memento. Decide whether this is a black tie event or casual, and make sure to include in your invitation that this is a surprise party. You do NOT want to be getting a call from your parents asking how they can help!

Next, you need to decide how you will use your theme of silver in your decorations. There are many resources out there and party planning companies that can assist with these nit-picky details. As a rule of thumb, stick with silver as your primary color for decorating. Accent colors should complement the silver, not detract. For floral arrangements, the flower for the 25th is the iris which is a beautiful touch for center pieces.

Besides the decorating and invitations, food is very important. Depending on your budget you could provide a buffet for everyone, or go the economical route and provide shrimp cocktails and appetizers. Just make sure you have enough for all of your guests! As for dessert, it is nice to have another wedding cake. If your parents had a small wedding cake before, really go all out on this one by having a bigger and better cake.

As an added touch during their party, many prefer to show some sort of memorabilia for their parents, whether this be a slide show, movie, or specially made composite CD that highlights their loving and lasting relationship. It is also nice to find out what song they have danced to at their wedding and have them dance to it once more.

Next is the toast. Since you are hosting the party it is expected of you to give them a warm and heartfelt speech. Once again, spend plenty of time on this to show them how much you have appreciated them throughout the years.

Last but not least, is the gift. Since this is like a second wedding reception, if you can, splurge on getting them a second honeymoon. If you cannot afford it, tactfully include in the invitation that you are trying the help them go on a fabulous second honeymoon and see if you can raise the money. Try to top their first honeymoon and make it one they will never forget! If you are really tapped out, be creative and give them a gift that is related to the theme of silver. This does not necessarily mean jewelry or silverware, you could give them a gift basket filled with various items they would really enjoy. Let it be imaginative and come from the heart.

As for a contemporary or smaller wedding anniversary party, a back-yard barbecue may be completely acceptable. You could also have a themed party, like mardi-gras, disco, costume, and so forth. A themed party may be formal if you choose, but remember to make it classier if you can. Even if you are having a smaller or less formal get-together, a dedication to your parents should still be made to show them your love.

For the surprise element of the party, tell your parents weeks in advance that as a present for their anniversary, you have reserved them a table at some chic restaurant. If
it is not a fancy party you are having, tell them you have tickets to an event like a concert or play. Do not tell them who or what it is so they do not get their hopes up. After all, you want them to be surprised and happier that their having a party not going to see their favorite singer perform!

And as always, there are certain things that should not be done at a party. Although it may be amusing to belabor how long they have been married, it is not appropriate or funny to make your parents feel old. They already know!

No matter what route you end up choosing for a party, make sure it comes from the heart and will be a day they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

My Gift Basket Ideas is an online gift basket store that specializes in great gift ideas for every occasion.

Copyright 2007 by MyLastingLove.com. All Rights Reserved.

“A black pearl necklace is truly a thing of beauty, and makes a beautiful and exquisite gift, one which is widely considered the ultimate gift of love and romance.

Black pearls are rarely totally black and generally a combination of dark exotic colors including iridescent emerald green, sea green, purple and brown. They are cultivated in and around a group of islands called the Polynesian island of which Tahiti is the largest and the centre of commerce. Black pearls are considerably rarer than white pearls, which explain why a black pearl necklace is generally more expensive than an equivalent white pearl necklace. In fact only one oyster in 10,000 will naturally produce a black pearl, which is why they are considered a sign of extreme luxury, that always command a high price.

A black pearl necklace is most commonly composed of up to 60 pearls carefully harvested after 2 to 5 years of growth in a black lipped oyster. Each pearl is graded by a number of key factors which when combined will determine overall value. These factors include:

Luster – Lustre or the mirror like shine of a pearl is a key measure of quality. The greater the degree of lustre the higher the concentration of nacre (pearl material) around the pearl, which is an indication of how long the pearl has been the growth stage.

Size – the size of a black pearl can vary from 8 mm to up to 14 mm. Given the black lipped oyster is one of the largest oysters in the world, Black pearls tend to be larger than their equivalent white pearls. It is important to remember that the size of the pearl has got to be considered with the other six factors before a value can be determined.

Surface – the surface of a naturally occurring pearl will clearly have some minor imperfections on the skin. These tiny marks are a key feature in authenticating a true black pearl from a man-made synthetic. Most of these tiny birthmarks are imperceptible to the human eye can contribute towards the character of the pearl.

Color – as discussed above are a wide range of colors that Black pearls can take, starting with a light silver finish and ending with a deep black. No one color is more valuable than another, and the most important factor to consider when looking at purchasing a black pearl necklace is the color that most closely complements the skin tone of the wearer.

Orient – Orient is defined as the way in which the light penetrates the pearl and cascades around the spherical orientation of the stone. It is only seen if one looks beyond the reflective surface and observes the colors of the pearl beyond those that are reflected.

Shape – Black pearls come in a range of different shapes, including spherical, pear and sometimes heart shape. Depending on the shape of the pearl they’re often used in different types of jewelry for example the non-spherical pearls are often made into pendants. The most difficult shape for a black oyster to create is a perfectly spherical gem, which is why a perfectly spherical pearl is considerably more expensive than any of the other shapes.

Once you take all six factors together, you can determine the value of any individual black pearl. Up to 60 pearls can go into making a single black pearl necklace, which is why they can command a price in excess of $10,000.

Ultimately the true value of a black pearl necklace, can only be determined by the wearer, because it is very easy determine the cost of the purchase but much more difficult to understand value, which will consider factors such as the sentiment under which the pearls were acquired.

About the Author

They say “A picture is worth a thousand words”…take a look at a beautiful black pearl necklace and associated accessories. Go to www.squidoo.com/black-pearl-necklace

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