You know how some people know all the new bands and when you ask them an easy question like, “What’s your first dance song?” they rattle off some obscure name that sounds like they’re just plucking random words out of the air and putting them together? Dr. Dog! Neutral Milk Hotel! The Lemon Pipers! And, then you have to stand there, hoping against hope that they don’t ask you about your first dance song because you know your iPod only features people that go by their first name? Yeah, that would be me.
As hard as I try, I’m totally, completely band challenged. I have the same 15 artists on rotation on my iPod and let me put it this way…Boys 2 Men is currently playing in the coffee shop where I’m working (I know, right?) and not only do I know every word, honey, I can break it…
Surprise your mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law with hand-embroidered hankies right before the ceremony or when you tell them about your engagement! It’s a lovely gesture and something they can hang on to forever. Even if you’ve never sewn before, you’ll be able to make these!
Total cost: $5
Supplies:
Vintage hankies (we found ours for .50-$2 at antique stores. There’s a lot out there so you should be able to find colors that match your wedding!)
Embroidery Floss (we used two strands)
Needle
Embroidery hoop
Steps:
1. Press the hankies with an iron.
2. Choose the color of thread you want to use. A brighter color from the pattern looks best.
3. Pencil in a letter or two of the initials of the person you are giving it to.
4. Stitch right on the letter. Use a stem stitch. (see tips below)
5. To tie it…
Around here I am definitely the gift giver (let’s just say I have an excel spreadsheet dedicated to the task) so when my husband and I started dating I quickly found myself buying for his family as well. Which I love, except for the fact that mother-in-laws can be kinda tricky to buy for. You want a gift that’s thoughtful and creative, but you often don’t know her well enough yet to know what that might be.
We’ve put together a few ideas to get you started based on her interests, but, as always, you are all the best resource. Let us know in the comments section of other mother-in-law gift ideas you might have; personally, I need one more!
For the Traveler
She’s seen the world and has the stories to prove it. Take her back to her days in swinging Pareé with this print of Famille Summerbelle’s
If you’ve been planning your wedding for any amount of time, you’ve most likely run into Rifle’s line of custom wedding invitations. And, if you haven’t, well, please go and take a look. Don’t worry – we’ll wait for you.
Absolutely delightful, aren’t they? Whimsical, creative, unique – you can hear your guests “oohs” and ‘ahhs” emanating from them. Those are the kinds of invites that make me want to get married all over again (or at least force any engaged person I know into getting them for their wedding).
Happily for all of us, Anna (the lovely artist behind Rifle) has decided to expand her line with the addition of heirloom recipe boxes, which are exactly as they sound – recipe boxes so gorgeous they’ll be handed down for generations. I keep thinking this would be the perfect gift from a new mother-in-law,…
My fiance’s parents are divorced and both remarried. Do we sit ALL of our parents together at the reception/ceremony?? Including mine? I don’t want anyone to feel excluded and place them entirely apart. I’m so confused at what to do…
-Cecelia Haskie, Facebook fan
Miss Haskie,
Divorced families often pose interesting dynamics for a big family event such a wedding; it is very kind of you to consider the feelings of all the parties involved.
I recommend seating each group at their own tables with other guests they enjoy. For instance, seat your groom’s father and step-mother with a group of their friends or appropriate immediate family. You can then place their tables around your head table to maintain their prominent distinction.
Seating guests appropriately is very important when it comes to these situations. A proper seating arrangement will help make everyone more comfortable, allowing them to
…
Find the Perfect Song for Each Part of Your Wedding Day
Holiday Gift Ideas for Your New Mother-in-Law (or Mom)
DIY Mother of the Bride and Groom Gift Idea from Chelsea at Frolic!
William Fogler Talks Seating Arrangements with Divorced Parents
Gorgeous Wooden Heirloom Recipe Boxes by Rifle Handmade
