https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2379728 Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:12:36 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2379728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's what I've done so far in my my less is more/ sprinkled holiday decor. This turquoise ball thing sits atop the coffee table in the living room. I simply added some mini red ornaments from Wal-Mart. </p> <p>[attach=3033/15/nyywx0.337x600.20151206_215923.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304778 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:34:36 +0000 regberadaisy 2304778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: this sounds so fun!!! I think baileys could be yummy in hot chocolate. Will be so fun for the kids too.<br /> I love love Rosa Regale!</p> <p>What does one do at a tree trimming party?</p> <p>I want to do a casual holiday party too. Maybe after Christmas when BIL's two girls are here too. Depends on how finances go. ;)</p> <p>Love the idea of foam ornaments for the kids. Way less messy and no supervision required. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304752 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 06:25:13 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: how does the mulled cider taste cold/ room temp? Last year I made an apple cider punch with champagne, some cranberry juice and sugared cranberries and oranges. I served it chilled in my punch bowl. As far as drink containers go I already have a punch bowl, drink urn, and pitcher. I'd love to just use what I already have especially for the Virgin drinks.</p> <p>Regarding #1, I sent my friend a save the date text! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304694 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:45:35 +0000 ALV91711 2304694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your party sounds amazing! I'd like to invite myself, lol!!</p> <p>I think a non messy kid craft is good, as much as I love decorating cookies all I see in my head is icing everywhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304688 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:22:13 +0000 birdofafeather 2304688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mulled apple cider is super easy and you can put whiskey or run out for people to spike it with if they like. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, all spice into apple juice and put into a pot or slow cooker and you're good! Always the first thing gone at our Christmas party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304668 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:50:16 +0000 jhd 2304668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds awesome! You could also try Michael's for foam crafts. I have purchased kits for school in the past with 40% off coupons. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304509 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:44:09 +0000 MrsSRS 2304509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or try oriental trading company for foam/ornament craft kits </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304504 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:34:25 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 2304504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No suggestions that haven't been added already, but this looks like a lot of fun. </p> <p>The foam kits are probably out of stock because it's so early in the season. Wait a few weeks and they will probably be there. And felt or foam trees for the kids to decorate or ornaments would tie nicely to the theme. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304407 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:39:10 +0000 avivoca 2304407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This looks like a lot of fun! I may need to get something together to do with my friends this holiday season. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304403 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:34:25 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2304403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: people seem to have already covered this, but I'm Jewish and would LOVE to be invited to a tree trimming party! I think it is so fun to experience other people's holidays with them. I know people who would decline if you were inviting them to Christmas mass, but experiencing a holiday/tradition at your home would be fun. Also, it is very important to us that DS gets to experience other people's religions and traditions.</p> <p>We did a hot chocolate bar at our house warming/holiday party a few years ago and it was a big hit with both kids and adults -- definitely recommend it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304402 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:34:10 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: with a little prep the woven cardboard would be really fun too! Thank you for the ideas. </p> <p>The other activity that I wanted to do was karaoke, now at that point the adults would take back the family room, but I'm sure the older kids would have a blast. That may be asking too much of my friends &amp; family though, lol. My husband vetoed a fire pit for roasting s'mores already. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304400 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:27:25 +0000 psw27 2304400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is such a cute idea!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304387 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:07:56 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: thanks! Those foam kits looks like a winning activity. They're popular too, a few that I clicked on are out of stock. Plus a no-mess activity let's me reclaim the kitchen table since the kids can play with the foam kit on the fam ro floor.</p> <p>@plantains: thanks! We may even top it off with a gender reveal. The real purpose was to see my FIL &amp; BILs over the holidays because we spend every Thanksgiving &amp; Christmas with our moms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304381 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:03:39 +0000 honeybear 2304381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Thanks! I like that a lot! </p> <p>Ornament-making doesn't have to be messy. This post has a bunch of ideas that you could adapt: <a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/30-homemade-ornaments-for-the-kids/" rel="nofollow">http://handsonaswegrow.com/30-homemade-ornaments-for-the-kids/</a> I particularly like the snowflake with pipe cleaners. You could skip the beads for the toddlers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304360 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:43:08 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: here's the decor link!<br /> <a href="http://fabricofmylife.co.uk/2011/12/02/deck-the-halls/" rel="nofollow">http://fabricofmylife.co.uk/2011/12/02/deck-the-halls/</a></p> <p>I'm not a fan of mess either and I would rather the parents complete the cookie decor (or whatever project) with their kids and not me anyway. That means I'd have to obligate them though and they may not like that too much. I really like the felt idea @MrsSRS: mentioned. A friend of mine growing up had one of the 12 Days of Christmas calendars made out of felt and we enjoyed sticking the pieces all over the place. </p> <p>@Mrs D: that is a very festive cocoa bar! I don't think anyone else enjoys the beverage as much as I do, so all that joy may be lost on them lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304358 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:42:44 +0000 plantains 2304358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have nothing to add except to say that the party sounds amazing!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304351 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:39:07 +0000 looch 2304351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One thing I like for kid activities that are not at all messy are foam kits...they have ones that are trains, gingerbread houses, etc, and it's basically stickers and foam boards.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/3-D-Christmas-Train-Foam-Kit/dp/B00H31GA8A/ref=lp_9474016011_1_3?srs=9474016011&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1443469021&#038;sr=8-3" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/3-D-Christmas-Train-Foam-Kit/dp/B00H31GA8A/ref=lp_9474016011_1_3?srs=9474016011&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1443469021&#038;sr=8-3</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304318 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:22:57 +0000 honeybear 2304318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds like a lot of fun! </p> <p>One thought on cookie-decorating: Although this seems like it would be entertaining, I think it would drive me nuts as a hostess. I admit to having major issues with sticky fingers and faces on children (and even bigger issues when those fingers find their way to my walls and furniture before being washed...), but I would probably drop this activity in favor of something that won't attract bugs if you happen to miss an errant fingerprint when cleaning up, like making ornaments. </p> <p>Would you link to the applique trees you're using as inspiration? I love making Christmas decorations! </p> <p>For movies, I really like A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has a wonderful, festive soundtrack! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304291 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:07:23 +0000 MrsSRS 2304291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happy Feet is a good one if you want wintry but don't want Frozen. For my family of LOs a 3-7 party would be my dream come true. I would invite my Jewish friends if it was a pretty secular version of the holiday. Maybe a tree cut out of felt with felt ornaments hanging on a wall for the kids to play with? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304289 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:06:27 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: the kids can take over the family room for the movie. The weather will be nice enough outside for the adults to use the patio (we live in FL).</p> <p>The ornaments in vases are totally doable! We have two large glass containers in the family room that house battery operated candles. The candles sit on dried beans, but I could swap out the beans for festove ribbon. Thanks to my past bday, I now am the proud owner of three obnoxious red vases that could house repotted white poinsettias or fragrant evergreen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304285 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:04:26 +0000 Mrs D 2304285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Swoon!!!! </p> [attach=2617/15/nveibe.349x600.629311649b65d154f40e629d9543c905.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304282 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:02:38 +0000 Mrs D 2304282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: In terms of alcohol...you can do peppermint, khalua, prob bailys...all would be yummy. Then there are a bazillion "topping" options! Check it out on pinterest - they have loads of pictures of all kinds of cute toppings in glass ball jars tied at the top with ribbons for decor. Costco also has HUGE deals on large spools of ribbon for the holidays! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304270 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:55:50 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: we have people coming in from out of town, so I'm making a full on holiday dinner. I love the hot cocoa bar idea! I stocked up on Moscato during a Fresh Market promotion and plan to get a bunch of Rosa Regale, a sparkling red that goes over well. What do people usually spike their hot chocolate with? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304268 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:53:46 +0000 erinbaderin 2304268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely invite your Jewish friend. If they're not comfortable at a "Christmas" party they'll decline, but I would be more hurt over not being invited than being included in a party that wasn't about my religion. </p> <p>I think a movie for the kids would be a good idea, except - will they be in the same room as you? I feel like there would be competition between the buzz of adults chatting at a party and a movie for the kids. And sugar cookies with icing and various sprinkles would be a great activity! Or maybe little gingerbread houses and candy?</p> <p>I agree with Mrs D that those hours sound great to me, and would be great for people with kids, but that it's over dinner so you'd have to keep that in mind. I think, thought, that you could go even earlier - 1-5ish - and just have appetizers, apple cider, maybe some mulled wine.</p> <p>I think with the tree and the wreath you don't need too much more! Maybe a string of lights around the ceiling or something, or some red bows on your bannister. And I'm again going to second Mrs D with ornaments in large vases. Maybe a few poinsettias. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304261 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:47:51 +0000 Mrs D 2304261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Here are my thoughts...1) my jewish friends all love being involved in Christmas festivities. So I say yes. You could always approach it more personal with them "would love to have you come however I understand if you are not comfortable" 2) Movie is great! We played Frozen last year at our cookie party! I like cookie decorating, pine cone decorating, for the little ones you could have canvas's to make 'mistle-toes" - google it or other handprint things. 3) Timing from 3-7 sounds fab too me a pregnant mother of a 2 year old. Its after nap - but does cover dinner time for kiddos so may want to plan that with food. 4) I think making the foodscaping your decor focal point is perfect! I dont think you need to have the whole house done to the nines. If you want to add more to your already existing decor I would recommend Costco Garland. It was the perfect addition to my simple decor - its $30-40 per 9' section and GREAT quality. I also find cheap ornaments inside hurricans/martini glasses/vases to be gorgeous simple decor. And flameless candles (costco also has these) are lovely and safe for the kiddos!</p> <p>Some food thoughts...hot cocoa bar (grown up and kid options), mac n cheese bar (again grown up and kid topping options) as well as other simple things. I LOVE Trader Joe's for easy appetizers!</p> <p>ETA - they are Christmas related but I LOVE the older Christmas claymation movies...rudolp and the abominable snowman. Target usually has a 4 set DVD for a good price! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tree-trimming-party#post-2304246 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:39:03 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're hosting a tree trimming party and I'd like some input on a few things. Let me just say Christmas is a very secular holiday for me. </p> <p>Invites: one of my good friends is Jewish, would you invite him &amp; his family? ETA: my husband has Jehovah Witness friends and he said not to invite that couple at all. I just don't want to offend.</p> <p>LO Activities: there may be quite a few little people in attendance, some walking babies/toddlers to 2nd graders. I was thinking of putting a kid friendly movie on- not necessarily holiday related. Any recommendations for movies that won't inspire wild live action reenactments after it goes off? I was also thinking of cookie decorating that would mimic decorative ornaments. Thoughts?</p> <p>Time: I really don't want a party that drags into the evening since lately my bedtime is 8:30. Is a party from 3 to 7 pm still festive?</p> <p>Decor: All we have are door wreaths and ornaments for the tree. I plan to DIY table decor- modern Christmas trees with bejeweled appliques for the food buffet. Sounds tacky, but the Pinterest inspiration is really lovely. I'm kind of lost at what else I can do that will be high impact and festive, but not add clutter. Any ideas? </p> <p>TIA </p>