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As you might have noticed from other posts on this website, I’ve a big proponent of planning ahead for gift-giving and party planning opportunities. Toward that end, the first post of each month will now highlight the observances coming up in the following month. That way, you won’t have to be worried about being caught off guard.

NOTE: You can also keep an eye on the “Next 5 Gift-Giving & Party Occasions” I have listed in the right-hand navigation bar.

February 2008 Gift-Giving Occasions

Chinese New Year, Thursday, Feb. 7

Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14

February 2008 Party Opportunities

Love Your Pet Week, Feb. 17-23

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3

Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 5

Pancake Tuesday, Feb. 5

Chinese New Year, Thursday, Feb. 7

Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14

Banana Bread Day, Saturday, Feb. 23

Leap Day, Friday, Feb. 29

Other Events

Be sure to keep in mind any birthdays and anniversaries that your friends and family might have coming up in February.

A lot of people like to have parties during the holidays where their friends gather together. A newer twist on this idea also helps you and your friends get the holiday shopping done, as well.

Home parties have come a long way since the traditional Tupperware Party days and they are no longer something you “have to go to and buy something” because your sister-in-law is hosting it. They’ve become a great gift buying venue. Whatever you are looking for there is probably a home party that will provide it.

What’s great about home parties during the holidays is that you get to gather with friends and avoid the crowds at the same time. In the comfort of your own home, or that of a friend, you get to see exactly what you are buying, the order is delivered to you and best of all, if you are the host, you can pick up several items at little or no cost to you!
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Guest Writer: Michael S. Hutchins

One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy your home bar and wine furniture is to have a wine and cheese party. To make the party a big hit, however, requires creativity and planning. In planning your party, your first step is to select a theme. For example, do you want wines and cheeses from all over the world represented? Or, do you want wines and cheeses representing just one region, California for example. For the sake of putting our focus on a particular theme, let’s use wines and cheeses from all over the world.

When you send out your invitations to the party, make sure they detail the party’s theme. For time’s sake it’s best to assign a region to each guest, or multiple guests, depending on the number of people you anticipate will attend. Each guest will be instructed to bring a bottle of wine and a cheese from that region.

Alternate between red wines, white wines, and even sparkling wines with each invited guest. Give your guests a suggested price range as well. For some extra fun and ambiance, have your guests bring a theme decoration or two representing their assigned regions,( the country’s flag, for example). Make sure that your guests are instructed to r.s.v.p. This is important for determining the supplies you’ll need to provide. Read more »