Wish I May...
Show your gratitude by making wish boxes for your friends.
Posted by Kelley Moore on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 1:11 AM
I'm always working to create new ideas that encourage others to tell the people in their life how much they are valued. Each year I put together a dinner that I have entitled an Evening of Gratitude. I covered it in one of my entertaining features in Seattle Magazine, but wanted to share my wish boxes with you. The goal of the dinner is to single out the people in my life that are supportive and love me in spite of myself, regardless of my faults. When I was pulling together last year's dinner I designed what I call my wish box.
I purchased slider boxes and selected a handmade paper that coordinated with the color palette of my tablescape. I covered each box in that paper and printed out each guests name, trimming the name to fit on top of the box doubling as a place card. When guests arrived, they were greeted with a sweet surprise. As they opened the boxes they found a string of charms. They weren't sterling silver, but it didn't matter because each string was personalized for each person. I selected inexpensive charms, each charm representing a wish that I have for each of my friends. One of my girlfriends was trying to have a baby and so I attached a baby carriage to her string, and to this day she swears that she got pregnant because she got that charm. I have a male friend that has held on to his string and attached it to his medicine cabinet so that each morning he is reminded that there is someone in the world that wishes him a full life. The charms are available at most bead stores, and come in a variety of themes and sizes.
For the limited time it takes, the impact is huge. You will find that your friends and family will be grateful that you took the time to acknowledge their support.
What You'll Need:
A slider box (any size)
Decorative paper
Spray adhesive
Scissors
Glue
Directions:
Measure your slider box to cut enough decorative paper to cover the top of the slider box. Use a glue stick to adhere the paper to your box. You'll only need to cover the outside part of the box. I spray painted the inside part of the box pink to compliment the color of the decorative paper. Have fun with what color you chose! Write each guest's name on a rectangular piece of cardstock, using a light-colored paper to write your guest's name and then embellish with a gold or silver paper. You can add glitter as well. I then used a square of tissue folded up to give a little height to the guest's names on top of the box making them pop.
I purchased slider boxes and selected a handmade paper that coordinated with the color palette of my tablescape. I covered each box in that paper and printed out each guests name, trimming the name to fit on top of the box doubling as a place card. When guests arrived, they were greeted with a sweet surprise. As they opened the boxes they found a string of charms. They weren't sterling silver, but it didn't matter because each string was personalized for each person. I selected inexpensive charms, each charm representing a wish that I have for each of my friends. One of my girlfriends was trying to have a baby and so I attached a baby carriage to her string, and to this day she swears that she got pregnant because she got that charm. I have a male friend that has held on to his string and attached it to his medicine cabinet so that each morning he is reminded that there is someone in the world that wishes him a full life. The charms are available at most bead stores, and come in a variety of themes and sizes.
For the limited time it takes, the impact is huge. You will find that your friends and family will be grateful that you took the time to acknowledge their support.What You'll Need:A slider box (any size)
Decorative paper
Spray adhesive
Scissors
Glue
Directions:Measure your slider box to cut enough decorative paper to cover the top of the slider box. Use a glue stick to adhere the paper to your box. You'll only need to cover the outside part of the box. I spray painted the inside part of the box pink to compliment the color of the decorative paper. Have fun with what color you chose! Write each guest's name on a rectangular piece of cardstock, using a light-colored paper to write your guest's name and then embellish with a gold or silver paper. You can add glitter as well. I then used a square of tissue folded up to give a little height to the guest's names on top of the box making them pop.
About Kelley Moore
Kelley Moore combines years of experience as a social worker with a passion for design and entertaining. She has appeared on "The Today Show" and shared her tips and ideas with Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks and Rachael Ray on their television programs. She also regularly appears on Seattle's NBC affiliate. Her book, Cube Chic, has inspired thousands to look at their office space in a new way.
Unlike other experts who focus on trends and formulaic designs and solutions, Kelley inspires and empowers people to use design and entertaining as tools to build stronger relationships and share who they are through the environment they create. You can read more on her Web site, kelleylmoore.com.