My Favorite Things Party

Ok, Ladies, this was such a fun party. Two years ago a friend of mine, Michelle, planned a Favorite Things Party. Everyone was supposed to bring 10 handmade items.  We all placed our creations in the center of the room. Then we enjoyed appetizers which she and her co-host provided.

When it was time to start the gift exchange, we drew numbers. We sat in that order and the first person selected an item from the table they wanted. When it got to the last person, that gal picked twice and it went back in reverse order and continued until all the gifts were gone.

This year things went slightly different.  I offered a little less time for preparation, so my co-host and I opted for a gift value of $6 or less. You could buy or create. We suggested everyone bring 5 of their favorite things. Then we each went around picking and just kept rotating like a clock.  Each participant also brought an appetizer/dessert or drink. 

I was busy decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving, but of course we couldn't have a favorite things party without a Christmas Tree and trimmings. 

So what in the world should you make or buy?

Here are some ideas that others have done in the past

1. Homemade Scrub in a Mason Jar

2. Crushed Oreos and Cream Cheese Balls covered in Chocolate

3. Pens with Plumes attached with fun Duct Tape

4. Stockings

5. Homemade Salsa and Chips

6. A reuseable tote from Target with a Magazine tucked inside

7. Gloves

8. Aprons

9. American Girl Doll Sleeping Bag (wonder who brought that :) You can find the pattern here.

10. Shoe Jewelry Holder

Just think of your favorite things!

One friend even went to Goodwill the day of the party and just went crazy getting fun stuff!! Don't let budgets be a problem!!

I suggest scheduling your party the middle of November.  With so many Christmas Parties, it's nice to not add to your stress or your guests by putting in the midst of everything else. You are giving everyone a jump on their Christmas Shopping your just providing them with some fun items :)

~Julia

p.s. My new hat not only matched my stylish scarf, but also the cranberry coveralls and hooded sweatshirt that my husband bought me last Christmas.  This is the second time I wore them :)

25 Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

These are cute gifts that kids can make and give themselves on Christmas. If you have an older child, or feel like making something yourself, check out our other post: 100 Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas.

Hand Print Christmas Tree

Minni's Cup Cozy

Use a Marker for this Handkerchief

Comic Book

This is PERFECT for Grandmas :)

Make sure you head here for tips to make sure

the paint does not wash out.

Draw String Backpack

Super cute and Easy!! 

Snowy T-Shirt

Calendars are a perfect gift solution!!

Stuffed Felt Christmas Tree

Kid's Headband

Christmas Gift Tags

Easy Tote Bag for Kids

 

Melted Frosty the Snowman Ornament

 

Minnie's Polka Dot Ornament

Hand Shaped Coasters

Felt Checkers Set

Leaf Wall Art

Make some Shortbread cookies into

either hand shapes or cookies

with a message!!

Button Ornaments

Original artwork painted inside the cover of a journal.

Scraps of fabric create an awesome wreath.

The easiest apron you will ever make :)

One last sewing project from Skip to my Lou!!

Leaf Puppet Craft

Looking for a fun Fall craft to do? This is a neat activity to do with kids using pretty Fall leaves! Oh, and it's easy too! We did this with a 2, 4 and 6 year old (and Grandma's help) Check out what we did...

Collect leaves and press them in a flat book for a couple of days.

Cut whatever size you want of the Peel and Stick on a roll from Wal-Mart. It's basically contact paper.

Cut the stems off of the leaves and place them on the sticky paper. Make sure the leaves are far enough from the edges and other leaves so you can press the top layer and bottom layer together.

Cut a bottom layer as close to the same size as possible. Lay it flat on the table stick side up of course :)

Take the leaves on the sticky stuff, and place them on the sticky paper.

Cut out the leaves with a centimeter edge of sticky paper.

Time to create the puppet! Glue eyes, a stick nose, and twine mouth on your puppet.

My son was not into craft time, so he did his own thing :) ~Julia

American Girl Jeans//Capris//Shorts Pattern

Here is a great way to take one pattern and use it 3 ways. Use scrap fabric or old pieces of jean material. Use my PJ Pant Pattern to complete each of these looks and see detailed instructions. After I printed the pattern, it took me 15 minutes to cut and sew. I am always looking for ways to repurpose my old jeans!! Here's some pictures of how I did it. The possibilities are endless!