Cooking Advice

A wedding is usually a very special and happy occasion. After the venue has been chosen, the dresses and suits have been selected and the cake is put on order, the wedding plans are full steam ahead. It’s now time to start thinking about the wedding gift list.

A wedding gift list is created by the bride and groom (or helpers) in order to give guests wishing to buy something for the happy couple a starting point, so that something either wanted can be given.

So here’s some advice on preparing your wedding gift list.

Many brides and grooms believe this is a hard task, feeling embarrassed about creating them, but it really doesn’t need to be hard or embarrassing!

Wedding guests in contemporary times realise that wedding gift lists are part of the wedding, with almost 90% of wedding couples developing one. Generally wedding guests will want to get you a gift you want as opposed to getting a wedding present that you don’t want. Plus, if the wedding guests don’t want to get you something from the list and wish to buy you different wedding present or give you money or vouchers then they know they can.

Put a range of priced gifts on your wedding gift list, it doesn’t matter if you put fairly expensive items on your gift list, simply because a group of friends or family might chip in together to buy it for you, rather than each buying smaller gift items. Anyway, you never know how generous individual guests might be feeling!

In order to make your list, you can basically just visit local shops, check out catalogues or look online to make a hand written or typed list. Probably, one of the best ways to monitor who has bought what is to give the gift list to a friend, who will make it public that they have got the list and take care of it for you.

Alternatively, you could use a Wedding Gift list provider, there are many companies out there, such as Argos, who specialise in preparing and offering wedding gift lists to make the whole process much easier and from the comfort of your own sofa it couldn’t be any simpler.

Whichever option you decide, make sure you create your wedding gift list early, at least five or sixth months before the big day to allow your guests time to get you the wedding presents you want. You can put household items, which you could find at argos.co.uk; vouchers, perhaps from a department store, so you have choices. Or how about something simpler, like champagne offers some delicious personalised champagne? Or even holiday gifts, you could have a look at Thomas Cook to see what kind of places in the UK or abroad you might like to visit? After all your preparation up to the big day and after relaxing so much on your honeymoon you are going to need another holiday! If you’re stuck for wedding gift ideas, visit www.WeddingGifts2U.co.uk, we’re sure they’ll put you in the right direction.

Finally, don’t be shy, put on your wedding gift list things YOU want, after all that is what it is all about.

Have you taken the time to celebrate your grandparents recently? If you reflect on the positive and happy times they bring to your life, you’ll probably have a lot of good memories. Grandparents always have infinite wisdom because they have so much life experience under their belt – and thus offer much care and wisdom to their grandchildren. Grandparents’ Day creates awareness and appreciation of our elders and our families. The day is a perfect opportunity for grandchildren country-wide to acknowledge the influence their grandparents have had on their lives.

In South Africa, Grandparents’ Day is held on the first Sunday of October each year. Knowledge of heritage and family history is an important part of our development as individuals, and much of this can be learned through spending time with grandparents. This special day reminds us of this – after all, society exists in a fast-paced world, and many of us have little time to pay attention to traditional features like history and family.

Those who celebrate Grandparents’ Day can take note of the lives of their elders. You too can celebrate this special day with family and give meaningful gifts as a gesture of appreciation and respect. Flowers for Grandparents’ Day are a popular token of your affection. Order a bouquet of flowers for your grandparents now, and show your affection through this thoughtful gift.

History of Grandparents’ Day

The story behind Grandparents’ Day began in the United States in the unique area of Fayette County, home to the New River Gorge National River. The first Grandparents’ Day was held in 1973 in West Virginia, and was established by Marian McQuade and her husband. The couple had 15 children, 40 grandchildren and 8 great-grand children.

In 1970, McQuade began campaigning for an annual grandparents’ day – a day that would recognise and celebrate grandparents around the country. Leaders from businesses, churches, civic and political organisations helped to promote the campaign across the entire state, and soon, even the media was involved. McQuade also contacted governors, senators and congressmen across America, as well as organisations connected with the elderly. By 1978, the first Sunday after Labor Day became National Grandparents’ Day. South Africa followed suit in 1996 and proclaimed the first Sunday in October Grandparents’ Day.

Activities on Grandparents’ Day

Grandparents’ Day aims to strengthen the bond between young people and their grandparents, and so family-orientated activities are great entertainment.

Those belonging to older generations are skilled in areas which may not be so relevant in the busy lifestyles of today, yet are very important as part of family and cultural heritage. Endeavours such as cookery, needlework and knitting, playing musical instruments and other forms of entertainment have begun to work their way out of society since the introduction of televisions, game consoles and computers.

Schools and religious institutions can also become involved in the celebration of Grandparents’ Day, and in helping children to understand their family histories and the importance of respect for elders.

Our grandparents represent a different way of life. The standards of living, beliefs and technological advancements were different in their day. It is very beneficial for children to hear about these times as it opens their minds to new ideas, as well as to their heritage.

Story-telling, board games, creating detailed family trees and slide shows are fun activities for children and the rest of the family to participate in, no matter what their age. Other activities include teaching grandchildren to knit, cook or practice any other skills that are rare in today’s society.

Giving gifts on Grandparents’ Day

A flower gift is always a popular way of showing care and affection. A bouquet of vibrant and lively fresh-cut flowers delivered to a grandparent’s door will always bring a smile to their face.

The official flower of Grandparents’ Day is the forget-me-not, a small, pretty blue flower that symbolises love and hope. In South Africa, the Cape forget-me-not is available locally, and makes a beautiful gift with its striking blue hues. Any collection of bright flowers arranged in a striking bouquet serves as a wonderful gift on Grandparents’ Day. Those grandparents in care homes, away from their families or without families, will especially appreciate the gesture of a colourful arrangement of their favourite blooms.

Online florists: Great ideas for Grandparents’ Day

Online florists are exceptionally handy when sending a bouquet of flowers for Grandparents’ Day, especially if family is divided by distance. Flower delivery services are reliable, punctual and ensure that the flowers delivered are of the highest quality.

The websites used by online florists are easy to navigate and contain extensive flower brochures and catalogues featuring large varieties of flower arrangements. Most catalogues will have arrangements for specific events such as Grandparents’ Day, so for those caught up in the business of modern life, ordering through an online florist is quick and convenient. Florists’ websites are safe to use as the payment facilities are protected and secure.

Grandparents’ Day is a once-a-year opportunity for grandchildren to celebrate their elders and embrace their own culture and heritage. Modern life has encouraged our society to dismiss traditional entertainment, interaction and living. This can be overcome on Grandparents’ Day as stories, traditions and skills are shared between families. To celebrate Grandparents’ Day, send flowers through an online florist.