Sunday, February 27, 2011

Celebrate the Milestone of a First Communion

After Baptism, a First Communion is the next major step in a child’s religious life (Christian – especially Catholic). This is the first time they get to dress up in a beautiful dress (usually white) with white gloves , or fancy suit , and all eyes are on them and their peers.

After the ceremony many families hold a party or open house to honor the communicant for this big step. Some people offer a toast, but since this is a religious celebration alcohol is not usually part of the activity. Depending on the weather, families hold BBQ’s or a party where everyone brings a dish. This definitely is a family event.

Gifts are given to the communicant. Usually the gift is related to a religious symbol , like a personalized cross, a rosary, bible or jewelry with a religious symbol.

Some churches hold a reception for the honorees, and families and parishioners are invited to wish these young people well. Place card holders, at least for the recipients, can be the church’s way of giving the children an offering. It could be a picture frame they can put their photo in as a memory, a bookmark with a cross or angel, or some other religion-related favor.

However you choose to celebrate this milestone in your child's life, you can utilized the day to show your pride to them for how far they have come in their spiritual training, and how proud you are on their efforts.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Liven Up The Crowd With A Mardi Gras Theme

Nobody throws a party like New Orleans, and there is no party bigger than Mardi Gras . It’s a popular theme for a proms, weddings, banquets, fundraisers or showers because the upbeat theme just shouts “good time.”

Bright colors of Mardi Gras include purple, gold and lime green. Checkerboard, diamond, fleur di lis and damask patterns are usually included in the decor, and are extremely popular and easy to find now.

Entertainment for a Mardi Gras theme party could include costumes of jesters, kings and queens, and a vast selection of beads, ceramic and feathered masks . It ALWAYS includes lively Jazz music, and LOTS of singing and dancing.

Of course, Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without lots of great Cajun food. Search the web for crayfish, beans and rice, and all sorts of fried foods that make up the Louisiana cuisine.

For a fun and memorable event - A Mardi Gras theme is definitely the theme to liven up the crowd.