Marking the Milestone Years
Once a couple gets to 10 years, they pretty much have the marriage thing figured out. They may still have their ups and downs, but they should have developed a sense of security in their relationship. Celebrate their longevity by making them a special gift.
Crystal Clear
Fifteen years of marriage is symbolized by the gift of crystal. And, unless you know how to blow your own glass, you might want to consider giving the couple a pair of glasses from their favorite crystal pattern paired with a bottle of champagne and tray of fancy hors d'oeuvres.
Time frame: One to two hours
Level: Easy
What you need:
- Set of crystal glasses
- Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider
- Foil bags
- Tray of hors d'oeuvres
- Wrap the crystal glasses and champagne in foil bags.
- Order a tray of appetizers from a local gourmet food store, grocery store, or caterer for a prearranged evening when the couple will be home. (Be sure to arrange a time to deliver your present when they can enjoy hot appetizers.)
- Deliver the tray and gifts and either enjoy an evening together or allow them to savor your gift during a personal celebration. Either way, you come out a winner for thinking of such a thoughtful present.
Simply Silver
Silver is the metal of choice to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss. You can purchase a silver vase and place these lovely homemade flowers inside it to brighten up the couple's day. A silver frame would be a perfect complement to this gift.
Time frame: One to two hours
Level: Easy
What you need:
- Pipe cleaners that match the material
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
- Silk material (several different colors that blend well)
- Wire flower stems (found in craft stores)
- Florist tape
- Silver vase
- Silk ribbon
- Twist the pipe cleaner into the shape of a flower petal with a one-inch tail on the end. Glue the petal onto the material with fabric glue and allow it to dry. Carefully cut the material around the pipe cleaner.
- Repeat this step using the same color pipe cleaner and material until you have six to eight petals. Gather the one-inch tails together and wrap them around a wire flower stem. Wrap the tails and wire stem with florist tape to hold them together and cover up the individual tails.
- Use different-colored pipe cleaners and material to make a bunch of silk flowers following steps 1 and 2. You might want to change the shape of the petals for each flower.
- Place the flowers in a silver vase and tie a silk bow onto the top of the arrangement.
Golden Accents
Making it to a 50-year anniversary is really special. The couple may decide to throw a big party and renew marriage vows. You'll want to be there for them and give them this lovely memento of their wedding day.
Time frame: One to two hours, time to collect and develop pictures
Level: Easy
What you need:
- Wedding photo of the couple
- Photo from their fiftieth wedding anniversary
- Gold leaf frame with two windows
- Gold confetti
- Gold gift bag
- Find a copy of the couple's wedding picture, and place it in one side of the frame.
- Take a picture of the couple at their fiftieth anniversary celebration and have it developed. Insert it into the other side of the frame. Place the gift in a gold gift bag with gold confetti sprinkled inside.
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Great Gifts © 2001 by Marilee LeBon. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.
