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Blog Home » December 2010 » Archives for December 17, 2010

Archives for December 17, 2010

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Video Recap of Our Travels to the Gulf Coast

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In early December, a team of our BlueMountain.com employees partnered with United Way and traveled to Bayou La Batre, Alabama in the Gulf Coast in hopes of bringing Christmas joy to the families affected by the BP Oil Spill. Using conributions from fundraisers, we raised enough money to throw a joyful and memorable Christmas celebration for 60 wonderful guest-of-honor families!  Bayou La Batre, thanks for welcoming us with open arms, sharing your stories and touching out lives.  You’ve provided us amazing memories we won’t soon forget!


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Holiday Entertaining

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The holidays are the time for us to open up our hearts and homes to others. It’s both exciting and a little daunting. Here are some easy holiday entertaining tips to help keep the spirit jolly this season!

Invitations

Be sure to send your invites at least two weeks in advance. Don’t forget the who, what, where and when! Also, a quick menu preview is a great idea, as guests appreciate knowing type of food will be served.

 Decorations

Delight your guests with bright and festive decorations! Use holiday colors such as red, green, silver and gold. Wreaths and garland are whimsical touches, as is the traditional Christmas tree – why not invite guests to join in the fun of decorating it with you?

 Food Prep

Prepare as many foods in advance as possible, so you can spend your time with your guests and not in the kitchen.

Beverages

Make sure everyone gets in the holiday spirit with a wide selection of drinks. Hot apple cider is warm and cheery, and a hot chocolate bar is always enjoyable for all ages.

 Music

Don’t forget to set the mood with some holiday tunes. Do you have musicians in the group? Everyone enjoys a holiday sing along, or impromptu caroling.

Kid-Friendly

Friends and relatives may want to share the festivities with little ones, so it’s smart to have small things for younger kids to do. Some inexpensive coloring books, toys or card games can keep little ones busy and happy.

Toasting

Nothing brings a group together like a festive toast! A short, holiday “thank you for coming” with a raised glass will do just fine. Also, a “cheers” to passed loved ones is always a nice remembrance of people and traditions past.

Clean Up

One word: plastics! Disposable serving ware will save you loads of time and dishes later, just remember to put that recycling bin in a prominent spot for easy clean up.

And you’re ready to party! What are some of your favorite touches that you like to put on your own seasonal gatherings?   Do you have a favorite holiday toast?

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Time-Saver Gift Tips

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 ‘Tis the season to be busy, and for some of us, that’s six-places-at-one-time busy. So when it comes to saving time when holiday shopping, yet still buying gifts that are thoughtful for friends and loved ones, we’re all ears. Struggling through crowded malls and long lines at the register will test anyone’s cheerful holiday spirit.

 If you want to keep your spirits bright this holiday season, try some of these helpful time saving gift tips for holiday shopping:

 Every efficient holiday begins with a list. Make a gift list of everyone you’re shopping for and ideas of what they might like.

  1. When you must venture out into the madness of holiday mall shopping, try planning your stops to maximize time. Write them down if necessary. There’s nothing like crisscrossing town a few times to wish you’d taken this step earlier.
  2. Want to shop in your pajamas? Go online. Consider sending those on your list an Amazon.com Gift Card, along with a thoughtful, personalized Blue Mountain eCard. Not only will it let you skip the crowds, the lines and the usual bedlam of holiday shopping, but the person receiving it gets to choose from literally millions of items.

 Want to take a closer look at how you’re spending your holiday time – and see how to save some? Try our “Got Joy? Helpful Holiday Assistant”on Facebook. Discover your holiday style by answering a few questions, then share the results with your friends.

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