Celebrate Friendship!

Why not plan a get together with friends on a regular basis?  Mark it on your calender even if its every few months.  We're all so busy nowadays so advanced planning for most people is a must.  Make it a priority and it will be a priority.

I have many fond memories from when I lived in North Carolina.  I hosted a party every few months with a group of girlfriends.  Each party had a theme.  The object was to have as much fun as possible.  We always played at least one interactive game that included a prize.  We'd also do a simple project to take home.

My first party was Mediterranean themed.  The menu included hot artichoke dip with toasted Italian bread slices, Greek salad and Chicken Caccitore over pasta.  I served Pomegranite punch, assorted Biscotti and Tiramisu. Yes, it was a lot of food, but I love to cook!  You do NOT have to prepare anything that elaborate.  An alternative menu could be a beautiful salad topped with sliced grilled chicken, dessert and punch.  Stay within your comfort zone.  The point is to get together with friends and celebrate!

After dinner while we were still gathered at the table and the dishes were cleared, my good friend Sue introduced us to a game called the "Right Left Game".  The game is similiar to musical chairs except you pass a wrapped prize around the table instead of walking around chairs.  Sue told a fantastical story and every time she said the word "right" the prize was passed to the right.  Every time she said the word "left" the prize was passed to the left.  Whoever was holding the prize at the end of the story got to keep it.  Big fun!

The make and take project was bath salts.  I researched the ingredients years ago on the internet.  My kids and I used to make fragrant bath salts for teacher gifts.  This is a super easy project.  I got all the ingredients from the Dollar Store and Michael's Craft Store.  Give it a try!

SOAK AWAY

Bath Salts
2 cups Epson Salt
1 cup Baking Soda
*Fragrant bath oils
Large Bowl
Wooden Spoon
Clear cellophane bags
Assorted ribbons
Labels

Directions:
1.  Pour salt and Baking Soda in bowl and mix with spoon.
2.  Squeeze 10-12 drops of oil into salt mixture. Use more if needed.
3.  Mix with spoon until fragrance is well distributed. Be patient this takes a little time.
4.  Scoop salts into bags and tie with ribbon.
5.  Label.

*Oils can be purchased in the soap section of Michael's Craft Store.  Be sure oils are safe for use on skin.

Tip: Provide several bowls and spoons so each guest can mix her own salts.
       All measurements are approximate.