Butterflies are beautiful. They’re all about transformation. When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it can’t wait to show off its new self. It flitters from one flower to the next, drinking nectar and spreading its beautiful wings.

As we swing into the summer, we have had a look at some trends we have seen this year so far, and we have some ideas of what is yet to come. Even though weddings are always a celebration of some kind of long-held traditions, a lot of couples have fun with the event. 

Some of the most interesting gifts are the kinds that have a lot of little things to open. From stocking stuffers to individually wrapped gift sets, the fun of discovery and the chance to personalize makes this style of giving memorable for the giver and the receiver. And nowhere does this idea shine more than wrapped up inside a big gift basket. Whether it's a thank you for your wedding party, a holiday gift for your team or to welcome a new baby, baskets are thoughtful, surprising, and a whole lot of fun.

Let’s look at some ways to get your gift started, and some different elements that can bring it all together

Now that your business is in its last quarter of sales, it’s time to start planning your end-of-the-year recognition awards ceremony. COVID-19 has changed the way the world has lived, worked, and played. If your employees are homebound because of the coronavirus, you can still recognize their efforts with an online ceremony celebrating their accomplishments.

As the months wind down and the evenings get cooler, the traditional wedding season is coming to a close. But, for some, this is when the real fun will begin. An autumn wedding can be a great way to celebrate. It can be a little more elegant and a lot less sweaty, and you can have nature decorating for you, depending on where you will be throwing the party. 

We all have our own family histories, with twists and turns through the generations. Beyond being fun and exciting, globally-inspired traditions are a meaningful way to connect your two families and to share your roots with your guests

The best idea is to talk with your parents and older relatives about your roots. Ask them if they had any special activities at their event that you could try out. You may also consider the import of some different traditions from any nation, and see if there is something you can do that would highlight that idea for your own ceremony.

As the focus on the environment grows to never-before-seen levels, some of the trends and traditions we see at weddings are changing and evolving. Just as throwing around a bunch of rice or littering the ground with glitter is no longer acceptable, other things may weigh on couples’ minds. Depending on your level of engagement, you may want to think about incorporating some natural elements into your ceremony. Or, at the very least, you could replace your cut flowers with some more eco-friendly, and affordable, alternatives.

Dating back 3,000 years, wedding rings have a storied history. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use the ring as a symbol of eternity, with its “never-ending” shape. With the introduction of the Greeks, under Alexander the Great, the symbol was appropriated. The Greeks would use the circle, in the form of a ring, as a present for their romantic partners. In like fashion, when the Romans came and conquered the Greeks, they themselves began using the symbol. The Romans are the first group to be recorded using the rings in marriage ceremonies. And so the tradition began!

It can create mixed feelings, being tasked with throwing a baby shower. While it is obviously an honor, there can also be feelings of heavy responsibility and a fear of disappointment on the part of the expectant mother. Let’s look at some do’s and don'ts to help keep you, and the party, positive, fun, and relaxing.

While men are often described as hard, and especially find gifts, for. It is a notorious dilemma, finding that perfect present for your husband, your dad, your brother, etc. So, what do you do when you have about 5-7 guys, completely central to your life, who all deserve a token of appreciation? It can be a challenging idea, finding something meaningful, useful, and memorable.