As a dad I enjoy doing things that other dads won't do. For instance, last year I started a new Bentley tradition by taking my daughter to nearby downtown Chicago for a daddy/daughter day out. My daughter had saved enough to get her dolly a new outfit and she asked me to take her to the American Girl Doll Place.
The basement of the American Girl Doll Place has a museum like setting where different depictions of American history are brought to life using the dolls and their accessories. Behind glass no less, you see recreations of what life would have been like for kids in the Great Depression, 50s, 70's and other eras. All of the dresses that American Girl offer's were presented behind glass. You could either see the dress by itself or on a doll.
It turns out that while Hannah's dolls had several outfits, she felt there was something missing from their pajama collection. Since the basement had what we were looking for, that's where we headed.
Usually we have Hannah's four year old brother Alan with us, but not this time. When we all go downtown and stop in at American Girl Doll we can only stay for 15 minutes as that's all that Al's patience will allow for. He does remarkably well considering that he's inside a place selling dolls! Nonetheless, today was our day and nothing would take away from it.
In the end Hannah's choice was easy: a pair of warm, snuggly pajamas for the cold winter weather that we were having in Chicago.
As a surprise ending to such a great day, I decided to take Hannah and her doll to The Drake Hotel which is just a few blocks away from American Girl Doll across from beautiful Lake Michigan. What were we there for? Well high tea no less!
Hannah and I sat in big, red velvet chairs seemingly meant for royalty while we waited for our tea, sandwiches and pastries (Do you need any other food groups?) Right next to her was her dolly and the new pajamas. I asked her if she was going to put the pajamas on the doll but Hannah laughed. It isn't bedtime Daddy! I smiled, sipped my tea and just enjoyed the moment.
My daughter can't wait to go again and not a week goes by when she doesn't ask when we'll be going back. It was a simple gesture but I made her feel special by taking some time just for her. I learned a lot from that and make sure that I spend exclusive time with my son also. My wife and I also make sure to have time to ourselves without the kids around. Anyone dedicated to making their relationships rock solid would do well to do the same.
I mean, men are far too cool to enjoy personalised chocolates, receive silver bottle openers, down whisky miniatures or blow bubbles in the shape of wedding cakes aren't they?
Of course they're not! In fact, men are increasingly feeling more and more ousted from wedding receptions as their female partners and children are munching through dragees and almonds, whilst they have nothing to enjoy!
The ancient tradition of brides favouring their female guests has been part and parcel of wedding celebrations for so long that it's about time this changed.
Research shows that providing they are not too girlie, men adore getting favours at weddings and brides who are already adopting this idea are finding it very well received by all their guests.
Even in terms of the table settings, by giving every guest a favour it adds uniformity to the reception tables and at the same time makes all your guests feel special, which they are!
So, what should you favour your male guests with? Is there a particular favour to give? Well, there is no set favour to give a male guest especially and as it is a very modern idea, the possibilities are endless!
Chocolate in any form is always a winner; whether it is personalised, heart shaped, on a lollipop, in a box, on a plaque, in a box or in a bag, most guests don't seem to mind what format it takes as long as it is plentiful!!!
Wine wedding favours also qualify as excellent choices. These may be bottle openers, corkscrews, bottle stoppers, wine sets, wine charms, coasters etc.
Personalised matchbooks are also a great choice for your male guests.
An increasingly popular choice is also the alcoholic miniature; these can be personalised too and look great at place settings. Don't expect these to be the kind of favour that ends up going home with your guests, they are guaranteed to be consumed there and then!!!
Tuxedo Shaped Boxes and Top Hat shaped boxes are also an excellent idea as these can be filled with your choice of confectionery or, if you want to go for something a little different, why not go for a lottery ticket?
Favours such as these are guaranteed to raise a smile!
Whatever your choice of favour on your big day, just spare a thought for those male guests who more often than not, leave weddings empty handed. Splash out on gifts for your male guests and you'll be so glad you did!
Both Alan Bentley & Mark Stephens are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alan Bentley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dating and Romance, Children. Alan Bentley, God's gift to female/male communication, helps single women across the country unravel mysteries of the male mind helping improve their relationships with men they love. To discover how you can crack the guy code, go to. Alan Bentley's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Mark Stephens has sinced written about articles on various topics from The Internet, Golf Guide and Wedding Bells. This article is brought to you by the and sponsored by. Mark Stephens's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.