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20 Times-Call Publication February 8, 2009

Say thanks to your attendants

Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen can include a variety ofitems, including these from Larkspur Fine Jewelry inLongmont. Right: The Tizo sterling silver picture frame ($162plus engraving) is one of many frames Larkspur offers rangingin price from $10 to $250, depending on the quality of silver.Above: Sterling Silver Flasks range from $10 to $20 plusengraving. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)

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By Kelly BleckLongmont Times-Call

Showing appreciation for bridesmaidsand groomsmen can be crucial. They’re theones who stood by, helped with the lastminute preparations for the big day andcelebrated with you. Giving them some-thing special can be a perfect opportunityto show your appreciation.

Quick gift ideas can range from $10 to$1,000, depending on just how apprecia-tive you want to be. Gifts don’t have to beextremely extravagant since the idea is tothank them in a subtle, heartfelt way.Little items such as wallets, bracelets andpersonalized photograph frames can be aquick, simple thank you.

$30 or LessPopular gifts for bridesmaids include

toiletry bags, jewelry boxes and even acompiled gift basket.

“T h e re ’s the traditional jewelry that thebride wants her girls to wear, the travelbags and jewelry boxes,” says BeckySchneider, wedding planner and owner ofCreative Events by Design in Longmont.

A compiled gift could include bodylotions, soaps and shampoos and condi-tioners neatly packaged into a basket.The girls will greatly appreciate the atten-tion to details and the baskets can be coste ff e c t i v e .

Groomsmen are traditionally harder toshop for, but mementos often include apersonalized shot glass, Swiss army knife,personalized golf towels or sports mugs,says Jamie Lee, wedding planner withFinesse Events in Denver. Find out theguys’ favorite sports team and prepare apackage with a mug, a blanket throwand a key chain.

“The guys try to stay a little more evenkeel,” says Schneider, “with pocketwatches, money clips, personalized leatherwallets, cigars or cuff links.”

Group FunThe expenses generated by the big day

combined with individual gifts has Leeencouraging group activities. “Rather thanhaving individual gifts, I’d like to see moreof the shared experience days. I’ve done afew weddings where the bridesmaids andgroomsmen all do something together forthe entire afternoon.”

Hiking in the mountains or renting apontoon boat on a lake brings the partytogether and makes it a special event.

“It’s an experience rather than a thing,”says Lee. “They’re out doing somethingrather than being shuffled betweenceremony, reception and all the indoora re a s . ”

Even with an expensive group eventsuch as spas and a round of golf, the gener-al idea of the group setting still revolvesaround appreciation rather than expense.

Schneider says, “The spa outings andpersonal showers are different than thebasic toasters and appliances. Overall, they(the attendees) are there to celebrate anddo something they probably wouldn’t doonly for themselves.”

Make it PersonalPersonalizing the gift gives it an added

touch that helps emphasize that it was de-signed specifically for an honored attendee.

Engraving their names or even some-thing as simple as “Thank You” can makethe gift shine. Pre-personalized gifts can befound online anywhere from $5 to $25.Providing the item and paying for anengraving is also possible, but the pricerange depends entirely on what is beingengraved and how intricate it is.

Larkspur Fine Jewelry in Longmontoffers a variety of items available for en-graving, as well as being able to engraveitems brought in.

“It (the price) really depends on whatthey’re looking for. It can vary widely, any-where from $10 to $10,000,” says ownerJoAnn Rosebrock. “It just depends. We dosemi-custom and custom work, and haveitems to buy from the store which we can

Girls can have fun at the spa. (Metro Services)

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February 8, 2009 Times-Call Publication 21

Guys enjoy aday on the golfcourse beforethe wedding.(CourtesyDavid LynnPhotography)

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engrave. We also do engraving forpeople who bring in their ownitems.”

Larkspur has seen trends in giftsfor attendees. “We ’ve seen a lot offlasks, pocket watches and mugs forthe gentlemen,” says Rosebrock.“The ladies tend to get customjewelry pieces.”

SplurgeBranching out for those extrava-

gant bridesmaid gifts can includetrips to the day spa or a gift card to alocal boutique.

Cohayla Salon and Spa in Long-mont offers gift certificates andspecialized packages ranging from$90 to $200. There are specializedwedding packages, holiday packagesand general daily specials. Anattendee can choose from hair cutsand styles, massages, pedicures,manicures and facials.

Owner Kymm Barton recommendsgift certificates. “They can get a pack-age for somebody after the wedding,like a massage and a facial. I definite-

ly recommend getting a gift certificatefor the price of the package and they(the recipient) can choose what theywant to do with that.”

For those looking for a moreexpensive gift for their guys, there areoptions such as tickets to a sportsgame or special events, signedmemorabilia and even a trip to theirfavorite local golf club.

“I’ve planned a lot of weddingswhere the guys go out to the golfcourse and have the golf cart, clubsand green fees covered,” says Lee.

In the current world of gadgetryLee has seen iPods, the mixed tapeversions, with a mix from a concertthey saw in college, tunes fromtravels, or a compilation that remindsthem of time spent together.

There are so many choices to showappreciation for attendees that themain decision is based on how it canbe personalized to specific people. Anitem or outing should be attuned tothe people who were picked to sharea special day, so share a special gift.

Bowl ’em OverHere’s an easy centerpiece idea that stacks up well

against pricier options: clusters of flower-filled cafe aulait bowls. You can find inexpensive ones at home andkitchen-supply stores, or collect mismatched vintagestyles from flea markets.

Place floral foam in the bowls to anchor the blooms,then group them on reception tables, stacking somebowls atop inverted ones for visual interest.

A New BeetFor a finger-friendly take on classic beet-and-goat-

cheese salad, serve fried beet chips topped with a dol-lop of the tangy cheese and vinaigrette-lacedmicrogreens. They make perfect hors d’oeuvres —crispy instead of juicy beets means no one will becaught red-handed.

Beet-and-Goat-Cheese SaladHors D’oeuvresServes 16 to 201 tablespoon

champagnevinegar

Salt and freshlyground pepper3 tablespoons

ex t r a - v i r g i nolive oil

Vegetable oil, fordeep-frying

4 medium beets,peeled, cutinto 1/8-inch-thick slices

6 ounces goat cheese1 cup specialty microgreens

1. Combine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoonpepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until dressing isemulsified.

2. Fill a cast-iron pot halfway with oil, and heat to 350degrees. Add beet slices that are at least 2 inches indiameter (reserve remaining slices for another use). Cook for90 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain onpaper towels. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt. Chips can bestored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

3. Place 1/2 teaspoon goat cheese on each beet chip. Topeach with about 5 greens. Drizzle with dressing.

— Heidi Cho, Martha Stewart Weddings

A re-imagining of the beet-and-goat-cheese salad is the idealbite-size snack. (Lucas Allen/MSW)

Flower Studio Open by Appointment • www.fl owers-in-bloom.com Studio::303.652.1600 • Cell::303.931.4664

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