Wonderfully Inspirational Event Ideas!

Birthday Party

One person's humorous intentions could fall flat with a sensitive birthday person! As host you can set the tone by communicating to your guest list as to the desired gifts that are appropriate. No two birthday people will want to celebrate exactly the same way - so use your Wonderful Gift List to guide your guests.

Engagement Party

As with weddings, engagements in today's world are not necessarily traditional or typical. Here is your opportunity to set the tone of your upcoming wedding at your engagement party. Your guests will take your lead... Use your Wonderful Gift List to direct them.

Weddings

Modern weddings may include a theme or setting that is far from traditional - so when it comes time to choose gifts for the big day we cannot assume the Bride and Groom are looking for the same items that perhaps were common items to purchase years ago. Each couple will have different tastes and ideas. By creating a Wonderful Gift List for your upcoming wedding you are relieving the burden of doubt from your gift giver. For example, a wedding invite list often includes people from a range of ages and perhaps includes people you have not seen in a while, or maybe those that reside out of town. Where do these types of guests begin to learn what would be an appropriate choice of gift for you? Guests will want their gift to be something you need or desire.

By creating a Wonderful Gift List you are helping both sides of the situation. Your guest will still have the opportunity to choose and purchase a gift, but is now assured that this is a gift you will like and appreciate.

Baby Shower

Celebrating the impending arrival of a new baby is always an exciting time. However, for guests it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to gift ideas. When it comes time to have a baby shower the new parents would have no doubt accumulated some items (maybe from family and friends, or from having previous children). Your Wonderful Gift List allows you to specifically zone in on items you are still missing and would like.

Do your research and be specific. I doubt a childless friend will be confident in purchasing a bottle steamer appliance, but if you included enough information on our Wonderful Gift List to assist them then you are more likely to end up with just what you were after!

Housewarming Party

Items to consider for a housewarming party include the obvious household pieces, but why not get more specific. How about a colourful floor rug you�ve had your eye on � and the matching lamps � and the candles that would tone in nicely! Instead of leaving the guess work to your guests you could cleverly co-ordinate the pieces you could see working well with what you already own. This way you are more likely to end up with a coordinated feel to your house instead of a mismatched clutter. Let your Wonderful Gift List be a creative tool to assist both you and the gift givers.

Cocktail / Bartending Party

Why not hire a bar tender and have a themed cocktail party. You could utilize your Wonderful Gift List registry to ensure that all the specific, weird and wonderful cocktail ingredients required for a successful bar re-enactment are listed. This way each of your guests can bring a different item, which will then provide all the tools your bottle-swinging bar-tender requires to throw a proper cocktail hour!

Sports / Game Party

When you have a play-off situation, why not up the fun level by hosting a sports party for the final showdown? Have your Wonderful Gift List represent prizes for each party attendee. As the host, choose prizes that would congratulate the choosers of the winning team and include booby prizes for those that choose the losers! You could include things such as sports memorabilia, or go as far as having mugs printed with "I chose wrong and the ??? won" so the message continues long after the party ends!

An AID / Charity Event

An aid event is not necessarily an opportunity for celebration. However, positivity can be drawn to an event if the communication and coordination come together harmoniously. Think back to such events as Bono's "Live Aid", as an example.

If the mood is set right the event will be seen as a great time for your guests. However, the purpose of the event will not be lost if your guests have contributed items required, following the direction of your Wonderful Gift List. Following the event you will be in a position to communicate back to your contributors with thanks for efforts well placed on both sides.

• Asking people to contribute specific goods (outline the requirements, such as canned food only, cotton blankets for single beds only).
• Also list options such as donations and cards and letters to be sent with the aid packages.

Dinner Party

Exercise your dinner planning abilities. Take a look at your favourite cookbooks and plan a fabulous meal event. List the specific meal items on your Wonderful Gift List, listing ingredients required and methods to cook (- as necessary), so when your party comes together all elements are covered. Don't forget to include items such as drinks and desserts, and additional crockery and chairs if required (which might be a welcome option for a non-cook personality!!).