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The birth of a baby is a grand occasion and for many parents of the Christian faith, a christening or baptism is yet another time to celebrate. A baby’s christening represents a time when he/she is welcomed into God’s church and to the congregation in which he is being baptized, and for many it represents the beginning of a lifelong connection with a particular faith or denomination.

Once the ceremony is complete at the church, many parents welcome friends and family to attend a christening party at their home or at a restaurant. Held in honor of the newly-baptized little one, these parties are a good opportunity to admire the baby and visit with friends and family. Of course, as with most parties, guests are generally expected to arrive with a gift. Many bring a check or perhaps a savings bond. But there are other options for christening gifts that will long be treasured by the parents and, later, the child.

Personalized christening gifts are an excellent idea and these religious items are more than appropriate for this occasion. One possible selection is a personalized baptismal cross bearing the name of the child, the date of the special event, and often an appropriate Bible verse or other inscription. There are additional crosses available that are not specifically for a christening celebration but are still suitable as a present for a religious occasion as special as this one. These crosses might include a bedtime prayer or other verse appropriate for a child and are a nice addition to the bedroom wall.

Another excellent christening gift is a personalized baptismal candle. This item includes name and date and will be lit for the first time at or after the baptismal service. Parents may choose to light it again each year to commemorate the child’s birthday or anniversary of their baptism. Other personalized gifts for young children that make appropriate christening gifts include silver plated banks bearing the child’s name or personalized baby-themed photo frames. All these items can be part of a child’s world for years to come and serve as an excellent remembrance of this important occasion.

For many individuals, the chance to unwind after work or on the weekends includes gathering with friends and enjoying the chance to knock back a pint or two while engaging in fun conversation and reminiscing about days gone by. For many of these people, providing a pub-like atmosphere for their family and friends to gather is important and they go out to make their home bar area warm and inviting, with deep-colored walls, rich wood bars, and a wide variety of brews.

If you’re looking for a gift for that person, consider presenting them with a custom personalized pub or tavern sign, just right for hanging behind the home bar. Many of these signs are traditional in style with a vintage look resembling something you’d find outside a public house in jolly old London or along the streets of Dublin. Some sport old-fashioned pictures and witty sayings as well.

Personalized pub and tavern signs are available in a number of different designs. Often, buyers can find one that suits the recipient’s hobby, such as a golf-, fishing-, or pool-themed sign. Others might include a photo and saying about a favorite alcoholic beverage, like a bullfighter and an ad for tequila.

The signs are usually quite colorful and are appropriate as gifts for a variety of occasions including retirement, birthdays, and Father’s Day. Many grooms even consider them a very suitable gift for their groomsmen, especially those that are beer or ale aficionados. Personalization on the signs generally includes the name of the recipient enmeshed into the text found on the front of the sign; for example, “Johnson’s Pub” or “Davidson’s Tavern.” The words “owner” or “proprietor” might appear under their name.

While these signs are often purchased as decoration for a home bar, they can indeed be used by a legitimate place of business and might just add that special vintage touch to a cozy pub or tavern, where the drink is fine and the company is even better!

Anyone who is getting married wants to make sure they include their closest friends and family members in their festivities. But what about family pets? For many individuals, pets are a much-loved part of the family unit and many couples are choosing to include their pets in their wedding ceremony. While many might scoff at this idea, true pet lovers believe it’s the right thing to do.

However, including a pet might not be as easy as it seems. Some locations – including churches or fancy reception halls – will be adamant about not allowing pets, so be sure to ask before you make any decisions. However, if you’re committed to including your dog, cat, or other animal in your wedding, be sure to schedule the event in a place that allows animals. The best location is generally at an outdoor wedding where restrictions will be few.

Furthermore, it’s necessary to consider the disposition of your pet before making a decision to include him/her in the festivities. Does she bark a lot? Is he aggressive towards strangers? Will he get into the food? The last thing you want is for your ceremony or reception to be ruined by an unruly pet so give careful thought to what might go awry if your pet is included in the wedding party.

If you do decide that your pet can handle being included in your wedding ceremony or reception, consider what the best role may be for your animal, and remember to be flexible. Like small children, pets don’t always perform as you wish. Also, it’s a good idea to let your pet “rehearse” his or her role, especially if the pet is functioning as a “ring dog” or in some other important job. And always have a “human” back up plan, just in case the pet is uncooperative.

If it’s easier, you can simply plan to have your pet present at the wedding without allowing him/her to have a specific job. A small pet can be in a crate or cage while larger pets should be kept with a trusted handler who can make a quick exit if things get out of hand. Also be sure to protect your pet during the event. Certain reception foods can be toxic for your dog or cat, so be sure that guests are not permitted to feed your pet.

Wedding etiquette has changed through the decades. Any bride can wear white, pets can be part of the wedding ceremony, and – lately – grooms don’t hesitate to ask their favorite female friend to be their “best man”. And why not? That role is reserved for the best friend, and if the best friend is a female, it seems logical to choose her.

When a female assumes the role of the “best person”, as some are calling her, some things can remain the same but others will most likely change. The female best man can still be responsible for helping choose tuxes for the groomsmen, can assist the groom with other wedding plans or buying a wedding gift for the bride, and will no doubt make the toast at the wedding reception. However, the woman who has stepped into the best man role will probably have to realize that there are certain things that the groom will want to do with his guy friends only, including a bachelor party or other pre-wedding event. Furthermore, the best gal should be honest with her friend and let him know if there are any typical best man duties that make her uncomfortable.

The question of what the “best person” will wear can also be an issue. Many who’ve considered the option agree that they wouldn’t ask a male bridesmaid to wear a dress, so asking the female best man to wear a suit or tux would be inappropriate as well. Some couples have opted for a formal black dress for their best person, perhaps with a sash or other ornament that matches the bridesmaids. Others have simply opted for her to wear what the bridesmaids will wear. And some do indeed choose the tux or a formal pant suit. It’s a good idea to ask the best person what she is most comfortable wearing and take it from there, being sure that all are in agreement. In photos, be sure that the best person is standing next to the groom, the same place a traditional best man would stand in wedding photographs.

Remember, it’s the bride’s day AND the groom’s day, so keep an open mind when it comes to making this small gender shift.