Wedding season is fast-approaching, and like me, I'm betting that many of you will be bookmarking Target ClubWed for easy access, desperately combing picked-over registries to find an appropriate gift for longtime friends and dear family members. If you've ever looked at your Crate and Barrel "cart" and wondered if measuring cups, a khaki duvet cover and a silver candlestick really say "Congratulations Dear Friend, I'm SO Happy For You!" you're not alone.Don't get me wrong, registries serve a very important purpose in the land of wedding protocol, and I'm very much looking forward to the day I get to wander through the stores with that fancy scanner in hand (Calphalon, Dyson and Wusthof, Oh My!).
But there are definitely certain occasions when something a bit more personal and meaningful is in order. Last summer, I was maid of honor in my sister's wedding, and in addition to the usual wedding shower kitchen gear, I decided to make her a handknit shawl that she could wear on her wedding day. The shawl is made of fine silk in an antique-white to compliment her dress. Since she was married in South Carolina in June, it was more for show than function...but she really loved it. She considers it an heirloom and plans to pass it on to her children someday. Similarly, my mother (another knitter) made her a tiny beaded "amulet" bag that held the wedding rings.
Of course, you don't have to be a knitter to create something memorable. My sister created an amazing scrapbook for her best friend's wedding. Our Dear JiT took photos at a friend's wedding that we framed for them after the fact -- his photos are displayed more prominently in their home than those the prefessional photographer took.
The point is, as those wedding and shower invitations start clogging your mailbox, take a few minutes to think a bit outside the proverbial black-and-white Crate and Barrel box.
And since I've already got a number of weddings on the docket myself, I would LOVE to hear about your unique gift ideas -- please share!
p.s. I'm not going to post the shawl pattern here because its rather long, but if you're interested, please comment and I'm happy to share!
3 comments:
Such a sweet gift - AND a fantastic point about the gift of making a gift. Those are always the sweetest! Moms don't just think that:).
Where are you going to register? We're at Sur la Table and have only registered for a meat smoker...and that was for fun to see if it worked! I feel like I don't NEED anything...but also excited to go through the process.
Indeed.
If I come up with good gift ideas, I'll send them your way (besides the booklet of chore coupons I used to make my parents when I was 12).
Gosh, a book of chore coupons would be amazing. I know I'd sure appreciate if someone else would come do the dishes for the first month or so after marriage ; )
I think we're probably going to register at Crate & Barrel, Target and maybe William Sonoma but we haven't gotten that far yet (can't wait!!!).
Btw, I know I still owe a post on our tasting -- the caterer promised to send photos of our dishes, so I've been waiting for those....stay tuned!!
That is beautiful! It is an heirloom, what a special gift your sister.
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