Baby Shower Gift Basket Tips and Inspiration

There’s nothing more precious than a new baby and putting together a collection of sweet baby gifts can be so meaningful for parents-to-be! I love shopping and gathering up gifts to create a beautiful arrangement and I’m all about a pretty presentation. I thought I’d share a few I’ve made this past year to help inspire you if you’re stuck or looking for some examples to go by. Some affiliate links included. 

diyshowoff baby shower gift basket tips and inspiration

Baby Shower Gift Basket Tips

Tips for personalizing a gift for a new little person makes if feel so special, right? Here are a few tips to help:

  • Registry – most parents-to-be will share their baby shower registry. Try to choose a few items from their hand selected wish list when possible.
  • Gender – it’s rare that we don’t know this ahead of time and completely unnecessary but if you do know, it does narrow down options. 
  • Name – even more rare, but if it is known, I love to add something monogrammed – specifically, I love adding a wall art letter or creating a personalized iron on decal. 
  • Theme – a lot of the time, the baby shower invitation will give a hint to the nursery theme or design style … elephants, owls, woodland, boho, Noah’s ark, etc.  
  • Parents’ hobbies, collections, lifestyle. Do they love the outdoors (fishing? hunting?), love their dog(s)?, have a favorite sport’s team? 
  • Your signature piece – for example, I’m all about wellness so I try to include chemical free, natural, organic options when I can. 
  • Diapers & board book – baby showers now will often host a special raffle for bringing one of these items. I always use a pack of Honest newborn diapers in the bottom of the basket to lift the gifts. Either way, diapers are SUPER helpful and adding a favorite children’s story or baby board book to create a library of bedtime stories is one of my favorite things to add. 
  • Gift wrap a few of the items with coordinating wrapping paper. I often use what I have on hand. It doesn’t have to be specific baby shower themed. 

Baby Shower Gift Basket Inspiration

Here are 5 baby shower gift baskets I’ve put together to help inspire your next baby shower gift. 

Girls: 

EMMA

Emma’s mommy’s favorite color is purple and she designed an owl themed nursery. My dear friend waited a long time for this precious miracle and I am so happy for them! 

purple owl baby girl gift basket

Gifts I selected: 

purple baby gift ideas

SOPHIE

– a pink themed collection fit for a princess!

pink princess baby girl gift basket

Gifts I chose: {some substitutions pictured)

pink baby gift basket tips inspiration

Boys: 

TOBIAS & ELIAS

– shopping for twins is so much fun! I didn’t go with completely “identical” but it was fun to put a woodland theme gift collection together for two! 

woodland theme baby shower gift basket deer boy baby shower gift basket

Gifts hand picked by me: 

woodland baby shower gift basket tips inspiration diyshowoff

CONNOR

– this little guy’s mom and dad are parents to two German Shepherds. What fun it was to include the ‘fur babies’ too!

german shepherd baby gift basket

Gifts I included:

dog baby gift basket tips inspiration

MARINO

– a blue teddy bear/sweet dreams collection for this precious boy. 

baby boy young living seedlings blue bear gift basketyoung living seedlings

Gifts I selected: 

baby boy gift basket inspiration tips

What are some of your favorite go-to baby gift ideas? 

DIY Chocolate Candy Wedding Party Favor Gifts 

DIY Chocolate Candy Wedding Party Favor Gifts 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

Isn’t it funny where inspiration comes from? At times, it’s somewhere completely random or even unknown. I’m thinking the inspiration for these DIY chocolate candy wedding party favor gifts may have been handmade soaps or even those beautiful yogurt bowls I’ve seen on Instagram. To be honest, I’m not sure – I’ve done some searching and haven’t stumbled across anything similar. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

I made these up as a hostess party gift/favor and got drafted to make up some bridal shower favors. So here’s my DIY tutorial for beautiful chocolate/candy melts. They are so easy! Some affiliate links included.

Supplies I used: DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

Total Time: Approximately 30 min. 

Serves: This silicone mold is a large size (3×3 inch). Two bags of melts makes 6. 

What I did:

I transferred candy melts to quart sized baggy (I used two: light cocoa and white) and melted according to package instructions – either in the microwave or in a double boiler. My experience: I carefully set both bags (unzipped) into the microwave on ‘defrost’ for 50 seconds then checked and repeated and re-checked until melted. Instructions warn against overheating and I didn’t have any issue. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

*Melted candy will be hot. Please use caution!

I set my silicone mold on a small cookie sheet (a tray or something that gives the mold support to be moved and that will fit into your freezer works). 

Once my candy was melted, I added 2-4 drops of Peppermint Vitality essential oil to the melted white candy, zipped the bag and kneaded the baggy to mix. I didn’t do it with both colors, just one. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

Then I snipped off a bottom corner of the baggy (very small snip!) with scissors and piped the candy into the silicone mold and repeated with the other color. I filled each silicone space with half and half of each candy into each square. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

Next I gently shook/shimmied the mold to level the melted candy. 

Using the skewer, while candy was still melted, I swirled the colors to create a beautiful unique design where the colors meet. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

I am in LOVE with how each square is a unique and one of a kind design! I think this was my favorite step! I started out with just more of a zig zag but then discovered that the more swirly, the better.  DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

Then quickly decorated with icing roses, sprinkles, colored sugar, edible decorations, etc. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift ideaDIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift ideaDIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift ideaDIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

I placed the tray/silicone mold in freezer to set the candy. It didn’t seem to take long at all…probably about 15-20 minutes if that. Sometime I let it sit overnight if I got busy. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

Then I removed them from freezer and carefully popped the bars out of silicone mold. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

I placed them into a bag and secured with a personalized label. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

Beautiful! I love that each design is unique, don’t you? They’re so pretty, so professional and designer-looking but so easy to create! I can’t wait to make more! 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's beautiful wedding candy favor tutorial @diyshowoff beautiful wedding candy favor tutorial @diyshowoff

So.many.photos! lol But I’m just so happy with how pretty they are!DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's

This batch was a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme. 

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's I whipped up 60-70 of these for a bridal shower but since you can personalize them with any candy melts (so many colors!) and any deco ratings (so many colors and shapes and ideas!), they’d work for not only bridal showers but for Mother’s Day, baby showers, wedding favors, party favors, hostess and teacher gifts, prizes, etc. I made a few every evening over a couple of weeks’ time. I gave a few out as essential oil infused door prizes and at Easter to my family too. I even had my grandson helping me decorate a few!

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea breakfast at tiffany's Warning – not only are they a beautiful sweet treat, they’re so addicting to create! Here is the very first batch that started my madness (without the swirl technique)…

DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea DIY chocolate candy melts bridal wedding shower party favor gifts tutorial @diyshowoff essential oil infused gift idea

Need more info on essential oils for dietary use? Read more about why I choose Young Living HERE. xo

diyshowoff young living essential oils member#1836762

Happy Unicorn {Essential Oil-Infused} Roller-Blend Make & Take and Giveaway

Earlier this week I shared the anniversary of the journey to a healthier me and this week, a few friends gathered with me to celebrate with a happy hour/make & take and I wanted to share a few of the highlights…

unicorn essential oils make and take

“Being a person is getting too complicated. Time to be a unicorn.”

unicorn essential oils make and take

The DIY Make & Take:

Magic Unicorn essential oil Make & Take @diyshowoff

Magic Unicorn Blend

What we used: (some affiliate links below)

*Note: I only recommend Young Living essential oils. See below for more info. 

unicorn essential oils make and take

What we did: 

Add 10 drops of each essential oil (Joy, Bergamot, Grapefruit) to the roller bottle, top off with carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil, V6 or carrier oil of your choice). Secure the rollerball fitment and lid. It has a pretty perfume-y smell with an uplifting scent. WARNING: Citrus essential oils are photosensitive. Do not apply if you’ll be out in the sun or apply topically where the sun don’t shine! 

unicorn essential oils make and take

More Details& Ideas

unicorn essential oils make and take

Bergamot//Bergamot’s aroma is tart yet sweet and uplifting yet relaxing.

Grapefruit//sweet, invigorating aroma that members enjoy for its ability to encourage feelings of joy, satisfaction, and playfulness.

Joy//invites a sense of romance, bliss, and warmth when diffused. When worn as a fragrance, it invites togetherness.

Light (essential oil infused) refreshments included: Beverages consisted of guest’s choice of Ice water bar with citrus Vitality essential oils (use glass or stainless steel containers), Sangria, Pink Moscato. 

Magic Unicorn essential oil Make & Take @diyshowoff

Fresh fruits in rainbow colors and fruit dip. Fruit dip: 1 large container of greek yogurt, 8 oz. cream cheese, a splash of vanilla extract, sweetener to taste, lemon Vitality essential oil. I blended ingredients with my hand mixer and refrigerated until served. 

Magic Unicorn essential oil Make & Take @diyshowoff

Sweet Potato/Beet Chips (2 bags) with dip. Dip: No photo…oops! But SO good! I hand mixed 8 oz. sour cream, 3/4 cup of avocado mayo, onion powder/garlic powder to taste, sea salt to taste, fresh dill and about 5-7 drops of dill Vitality essential oil. Yum! 

Magic Unicorn essential oil Make & Take @diyshowoff

Party Favors: You can’t see them around the water bottle in the photo below but these are perfect for applying essential oil and wearing as a hair accessory or bracelet. Get them here and you’ll have lots left over for welcome gifts, incentives, etc. —>{elastic knotted hair elastics}

unicorn essential oils make and take

Prizes: Nitro packets and Wolfberry Crisp Bars. 

unicorn essential oils make and take

Raffles: Just an idea of some fun raffles I put together: (Most items found at Michaels).

Magic Unicorn essential oil Make & Take @diyshowoff

Fun Game: Also search Google and print: “What’s Your Unicorn Name”.

unicorn essential oils make and take

We also covered some material from a Balancing Healthy Emotions with Essential Oils. 

What-are-essential-oils Inspire-a-positive-mental-state EO-impact-limbic

May Promo: OH MY GOODNESS! If you’re not a member of Young Living yet, get them now! Use Enroller/Sponsor ID#1836762 at youngliving.com to get a welcome bundle from DIYShowOff (see details here). 

Spring into Young Living essential oils @diyshowoff Grab a premium starter kit at youngliving using enroller/sponsor #1836762 and receive an awesome welcome bundle! Embrace wellness!

 

The giveaway: Share a happy moment from your week in the comments below to be entered to win. Giveaway runs now through May 31st at midnight EST. Winner will be randomly drawn and announced here June 1st, 2017. Winner will receive the roller blend above and a $25 Amazon gift card. 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! MY RANDON WINNER PICKER PLUG IN CHOSE THE WINNER. AND THE WINNER IS…

SAMANTHA! “I got to go to my prenatal appointment and hear my precious baby’s heartbeat and got to plan the ultrasound for my gender reveal!”

CONGRATULATIONS, Samantha! I’ll be in touch! 

unicorn essential oils make and take

Pin for later reference:  thanks! xo

magic unicorn essential oil blend

Love your essential oils? Check out these awesome essential oil infused summer recipes and ideas HERE

summer cookout essential oil recipes

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party

My Michaels Makers challenge for October is “Halloween Party” and what a fun time shopping the aisles of Michaels for accessories. From cute and friendly to creepy-spooky, they have everything you need to host an awesome monster-bash! 

makeitwithmichaels

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven is a poem often noted for its supernatural atmosphere, making it the perfect theme for your next Halloween party…The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff #MakeItWithMichaelsThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff

Shop for fun accents with Victorian, modern bold patterns and creepy Halloween vibes. Connect the variety of design styles with a black and white color palette. 

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoffThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff

Journals make the perfect party favor for this author and poem – inspired party. The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff #MakeItWithMichaelsThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoffPopcorn is the perfect snack to serve while ‘The Raven’ is just the right length to read by candlelight via candelabra…The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoffThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff #MakeItWithMichaelsThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff #MakeItWithMichaels

Nevermore Tree Centerpiece (an oldie by favorite craft)

Materials:

  • Vase, container, urn. 
  • Small branch (desired size that fits your container). Choose one that has several branch-offs to look more like a tree.
  • Black spray paint
  • Styrofoam cone
  • Handful of dry moss. Other options: shredded newspaper, crinkled paper
  • Accessories: faux crows/ravens, plastic spiders, cotton spider webbing, ribbon
  • Optional: hot glue

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff

Tutorial:
1. Spray-paint branch black and add a touch of black to dried moss and let them dry.
2. Using the bottom of my tree branch, I poked a hole into the circular side of my cone. Insert the Styrofoam cone into container with the circular side/hole facing up. You can secure your foam to the container. I didn’t.
3. Insert the branch into the Styrofoam hole. Secure with hot glue if needed.
4. Cover styrofoam with dried moss, crinkled paper or shredded paper. Glue into place if desired.
5.  ACCESSORIZE: String dried moss and spider webs to branches (drag the spider webbing). Attach ravens. I used black twist ties to attach some of my crows, others are just propped on branches. I did use hot glue to attach a few plastic spiders and added a couple of snips of sheer ribbon here and there for a little added whimsy.

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff

Whether you’re into spooky sights, playful pumpkins or giggling ghouls, Michaels is your Boo-It-Yourself Halloween Headquarters and has tons of ideas for DIY costumes and décor.

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff

Make up some cute candy coated marshmallow Halloween treats for party favors!

So cute! Halloween (essential oil infused optional) marshmallow treats @diyshowoff #makeitwithmichaels

The Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoffThe Raven Nevermore Halloween Party Ideas @diyshowoff #MakeItWithMichaels

Be sure to check out all of the other Michaels Makers Boo-It-Yourself Halloween ideas on the Michaels blog or by viewing the links below on Monday, October 3rd at 11 a.m. CST:

makeitwithmichaels

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Backyard Wedding Ideas

One of my best friends is getting married this summer! Celeste and I have been friends since 7th grade. We won’t discuss how many years ago that was! haha! Her wedding will be small, no more than 45 guests on August 20th. Our gazebo is the perfect spot for a for a small intimate wedding ceremony. 

Looking for summer entertaining ideas? Check out the #michaelsmakers summer party challenge @diyshowoff

Michaels’ Makers June Challenge: Summer Party.  A backyard wedding is the perfect fit for the June challenge. I got a big head start with ideas by browsing the aisles at Michaels. Celeste’s wedding colors are turquoise and purple and I’m having so much fun adding pops of color to our lush landscape. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

It’s always a challenge for me to decorate for someone else, infusing THEIR style rather than my own. Since this is Celeste’s special day, I wanted to add decorative touches that reflect her style. Here are a few ideas from my ‘dress rehearsal’ over the weekend. But I have plenty of time to tweak, add, take away and work on creating a setting for making happy memories. There will be a white tent for shade and chairs for comfort…well as comfy as folding chairs can be; hors d’oeuvres and bubbles too and more planters, flowers and landscape work as we get into summer. In the meantime, here’s my starting point and a few ideas for hosting a small outdoor wedding ceremony. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Decorations:

• Aqua/turquoise painted flower pots (or tire planter and chandelier planter in my case) filled with purple flowers. I do this every summer anyway so coordinating my flowers and planters with her wedding colors works well. Last year I did reds, yellows and oranges. This year it’s all about shades of purple in aqua and turquoise planters and pots. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

• Decorative Letter Accent: I LOVE these circle wooden letters. I painted a “J” in her wedding colors (aged with a trans-tint dye technique). I wasn’t able to capture how colorful this truly is in real life in a photo. But it’s a pretty personalized gift that doubles as a decorative accent. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

• Michaels’ has SO many fun party decorations to choose from. Paper lanterns, paper fans, tissue paper honeycomb ornaments and poufs. I love the colors! I displayed them in the grape arbor/gazebo for this blog post but they’ll decorate a white tent with outdoor lights on the big day. Take a look at the outdoor lighting options Michaels’ provides too: pretty string lights, flameless candles, and my favorite solar options!

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

• Banner: Check out the wedding aisle at Michaels’ for adorable “Mr. & Mrs.” and other wedding banners. Mine is a DIY “LOVE” banner at the top of a curved gazebo frame … perfect for a photo opportunity. I’m going to layer it with a lavender and light aqua rag banner behind the l-o-v-e letters, around the top of the gazebo.

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakerspretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

• Silk flowers around the grape arbor will add some color and romance to the greenery.

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakerspretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Chalkboard signs: So many to choose from. I love this framed chalkboard easel for instructing guests to take their “thank you gift”. One near the road to direct guests. One with their names and wedding date. I like having chalkboards on hand for labeling, designating areas, instructions, etc. for guests at parties. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Party Favors: Michaels’ is the place to go for wedding favors. The best selection of little containers (glass jars with flip top lids or corks, heart shaped tins, cute cardboard boxes) for candy or in our case, lavender bath salts. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakerspretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Lavender Bath Salt recipe: Mix 1/4 cup of epsom salt with 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil into a mason jar. Shake and pour into glass container, top with a “thank you” sticker (included with the glass containers), embellish with coordinating decorative tape and ribbon. 

Since it’s an outdoor ceremony in August, I’m also going to create some hand held paper fans for guests by printing the bride & groom’s names, wedding date, a poem or bible verse onto card stock or scrapbook paper, cutting out a pretty and functional shape then glueing to a large wooden popsicle stick. 

Flowers: Silk flowers are budget-friendly and long lasting. If not for the bride’s bouquet, a great option for the “bouquet toss” at the reception, decor or a pretty accent to a table. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Unity Candle: Michaels’ has a section designated to a stunning collection of unity candles or create your own set from the candle aisle with a pillar and two tapered candle sticks. Crystal holders and a beautiful charger complete the look. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Refreshments: An August outdoor afternoon wedding ceremony calls for serving ice water and a few refreshments. A special occasion calls for glass. I love these mini glass jugs and coordinating straws. Any suggestions for finger foods? Dinner and reception are at another location later in the afternoon. 

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakerspretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

Are you hosting a summer party? Entertaining guests? There’s so much to celebrate during this time of year! End of school parties, graduation, Father’s Day, Independence Day, birthdays, backyard BBQs and more.

pretty backyard wedding ideas for celebrating your special day outdoors @diyshowoff #michaelsmakers

For more summer party ideas: From paper crafts, party goods and baking supplies to new outdoor lighting, glass and floral, Michaels is your DIY destination for all of your summer celebrations.

Looking for summer entertaining ideas? Check out the #michaelsmakers summer party challenge @diyshowoff

Be sure to check out all of the other Michaels Makers DIY summer party ideas on the Michaels blog.

Visit these talented blog friends starting at 11 p.m. CST for more summer party inspiration:

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Hosting an Essential Oils, Chocolate & Massage Party (Graphics and Tips)

Planning a fun get together with friends? In the midst of DIY projects and spring cleaning, I recently hosted a fun gathering of close friends. A day of pampering and friends, chocolate, wine, essential oil and massages. How fun! I spent some time making up some pretty pictures and thought I’d share with my essential oil lovin’ DIY ShowOff friends too. You’re welcome to use the graphics and ideas below as inspiration for hosting your own event {for personal use only}. You may add your own text to the blank flyer but I ask that you keep my watermark. Thank you! Enjoy!

How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

{Facebook event cover photo}How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

{use Picmonkey to add your own text including date, time, location, rsvp info}

How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

{graphics for sharing on your Facebook event page}

A reminder to take care of “you”…How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

I generally stick to essential oil infused ice water and healthy organic/non GMO refreshments at my gatherings but on special rare occasions, I like to switch things up. Because…chocolate. And wine. Then back to regularly scheduled healthy dietary habits, okay?

{a gentle reminder for the day before your event}

How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

a wine punch recipe (wine optional, substitutions: Ningxia Zyng, sparkling cider)

How fun! Get free graphics, tips and ideas for hosting an essential oils party with a chocolate & massage theme @diyshowoff

Tips & Suggestions: I only recommend Young Living brand essential oils and products. I invite you to learn more and to get started here. 🙂

  • I have a friend who is a massage therapist but you can hire one to do 10 min. mini massages (hand, foot or neck and shoulders). Allow the massage therapist to bring business cards to distribute and provide the massage oil. (Suggestions: Relaxation, OrthoSport, OrthoEase or V-6 with Peace & Calming or Lavender, etc.)
  • Create a Facebook event page, post a graphic a day or every other day leading to the event. Send a reminder to guests in a personal private message a day or two before the event date. 
  • Host a short & sweet Essential Oils 101 class.
  • Have incentives for joining or bringing a guest handy.
  • Diffuse a calming/relaxing/uplifting essential oil (Suggestions: Lemon+Lavender+Peppermint, Peace & Calming, Stress Away, Citrus Fresh, Grapefruit+Bergamot, Lavender+YlangYlang).
  • Supplies: pretty plates, napkins, glass bottles and straws.
  • Optional: a sugar scrub or bath salt make & take. See recipes hereDIY skin nourishing lavender & ylang ylang essential oil infused sugar scrub for maintaining healthy skin @diyshowoff
  • Serve light essential oil infused refreshments (ideas: ice water bar with citrus essential oils, wine punch (shown above) or wine, essential oil infused chocolate – melt chocolate, add a few drops of essential oil and spoon/pour into a silicone mold. Remove and display or wrap in a baggy and tie with a pretty ribbon for use as a party favor. Or get fancy with essential oil infused chocolate cups filled with chocolate mousse. Yum! essential oil infused chocolate mousse @diyshowoff
  • Charge a small fee to help cover massage/etc. costs.
  • Limit space (5-12 guests).
  • Require an rsvp.

If you’re not familiar with essential oils, let’s talk! Learn more on my Young Living website. Embrace wellness!

diyshowoff young living essential oils member#1836762