Christening Gifts

Posted on October 11, 2010 by One of a Kind Kid

More and more, people are going back to the traditional when it comes to choosing christening gifts for the new arrival.

One of the oldest gifts, historically speaking, is the porringer.  This is a dish meant to hold porridge, and usually has only one handle. The word itself dates back to the 16th century and comes from the French word “potage”, meaning “garden”, because stews were made in a similar shaped pot.

Empire Silver makes an exquisite porringer of heavy gauge silver, which is the perfect choice for the baby who has everything.  As christening gifts go, it is not only unique and elegant, but will also last, to be handed down through several generations.

Another traditional choice, and more popular than the porringer, is baby’s first cup, made of heavy gauge silver, and presented in a satin lined box.  Complete their dinnerware with a set that includes baby’s first fork and spoon, and a long-handled feeding spoon.

Christening gifts that will serve for both boys and girls, are sterling silver interlocking teething rings, rattles, and Tooth Fairy boxes for that first precious baby tooth. Sterling silver brush and comb sets are also great favorites, and can be bought in both boys and girls styles.

For something a little different, but with a cache of their own, consider something in pewter from Royal Selangor.  Their first mug for baby, harks back to true American roots, when the first drink containers were made from pewter, and referred to as “pots” or “tankards”.
Other pewter christening gifts include a whimsical container of bubble formula with a sculptured bear on top, which serves as the base of the wand.  Royal Selangor also makes a charming music box, coin box, dumbbell rattle, and a delightful set of circus animal birthday candleholders that will last throughout their childhood.

Christening gifts mark a special occasion.  Make your gift something as unique and precious as the little charmer you give it to.

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Christening Gowns

Posted on October 7, 2010 by One of a Kind Kid

The tradition of handing down christening gowns through the family is making a comeback, and if you treasure this kind of family heirloom, you’ll want to select the very finest gown from such designers as Susanne Lively, Amacello, Sarah Louise, Frances Johnston, or Feltman Brothers.

The style you choose, can depend on the age of the child, with longer gowns being the preferred choice for infants.  Frances Johnston offers an exquisite, 100% linen christening gown set with a high waisted dress, embroidered bodice, inverted box pleats on the skirt and pintucks around the hem, as well as buttons all the way down the back.  Sarah Louise brings you the ultimate in delicacy, with a 65% poly-35% voile dress that is hand-smocked, has lace around the collar, and comes with a matching sash.

Christening dresses for the child a few months old, can be both delightful, and beautiful, suitable not only for church, but portrait sittings and other special occasions.  Amacello present an adorable crushed velvet baby dress, with organza-capped sleeves.  This style is fully lined and has a hidden zipper.  Amacello shows an elegant simplicity in their pure white girl’s  dress. The cool, unlined pure linen is perfect for summer christenings, and you can order a matching brother outfit, for the proud sibling.

The little touches can make your baby’s outfit complete, and also give relatives and friends a chance to add something to the special day.  Available accessories include 100% cotton cardigans with organza trim, christening shoes in quilted satin or linen, silk bibs, and cotton knit receiving blankets with satin trim.

Make the love of your life, lovely in a christening gown that you will treasure for years to come.

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Eton Suits – Dressing Up Young Men

Posted on October 4, 2010 by One of a Kind Kid

Eton suits draw their name from the famous English boys’ school of the same name.  Originally designed in the 19th century for wear by the younger students at the school, it is likely the only uniform that ever became a boys’ fashion statement.

By the early 1900s, respectable families all dressed their youngest men in Eton suits for Sunday wear and special occasions.  The jacket was extremely short, as were the pants, and the collar of the shirt was very broad and stiff.  Through the years it was worn by such notables as Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Snowdon.

Longer pants and the top hat, were only permitted when a boy reached the height of 5’4″, which meant some of them stayed in “short pants”, into their teen years.  However, by the 1960s, more attention was focused on true uniformity, and the short pants were done away with.

But for parents, the Eton suit still remains a symbol of smartness, and while babies and young boys are no longer victims of starched collars, the style of the suit is identified by the short pants and jacket.

For today’s very young “men”, you can find a wide range of colors and materials in this most classic dress-up outfit, including seersucker, gabardine, velvet, and houndstooth.
Whether it’s for a special occasion, portrait photos, or just a visit to grandma’s, the Eton suit remains the standard dress-up outfit to bring out the true charm of the “little man” in your life.

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First Communion Dresses

Posted on October 3, 2010 by One of a Kind Kid

When it comes time for that very special day in a little girl’s life, why not go shopping for first communion dresses, together?  She’ll love the chance to see all of the elegant and sophisticated styles offered by today’s top designers, and the glow in her eyes will tell you just how happy she is!

From the houses of Chabre, Susanne Lively, Us Angels, Sarah Louise, Katie & Co., and Frances Johnston, come delicate and delightful creations that will not only make your angel look heavenly, but will serve for more than one special occasion.

First communion dresses can be as simple, or as simply elegant as you like.  A classic and outstanding choice, is Chabre’s white poly/cotton dress with empire waist, embroidered V-collar, button back closure and grosgrain sash, set off by short, gathered sleeves.

Versatility is a plus, making designer dresses like the Susanne Lively model with lace bodice, spaghetti straps and organza skirt, an extra value.  The fullness from layers of net and tulle add an extra dimension to its feminine lines, and the detachable flower and bow at the waist can be added for other occasions, or the reception after church.

Simplicity with just a touch of style, is the hallmark of Sarah Louise, where you’ll find first communion dresses in a tasteful combination of satin bodice and multi-layered tulle skirt, with the focal decorations a row of petite white roses around the waist, and one on each short sleeve.

Accessories will make their ensemble complete, from shoes, to white satin gloves.  If you’ve chosen a sleeveless model, a cropped jacket in satin or organza, can add a touch of warmth, or just a finishing touch.  For the traditional look, add a tiara bun wrap and veil, organza bun wrap and veil, bun wrap and veil with pearls, rhinestone/pearl wreath and veil, headband and veil, or communion wreath and veil.

Make the day memorable, by special ordering the dress of her dreams.  Her smile will be something to treasure.

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Ring Bearer Outfits – Down the Aisle With Style!

Posted on September 15, 2010 by One of a Kind Kid

If your little imp is old enough to carry the pillow and precious rings, you may find yourself looking at ring bearer outfits when the church bells start to chime for someone in the family.

Even for the youngest member of the wedding party, it’s possible to get a dress-up outfit that fits with the wedding colors, or matches the bridal white.  And their versatility means that the same suit can be worn for church, other special occasions, and just as their “Sunday best”.

The classic Eton suit is still the standard of smartness for even the very youngest man serving as a ring bearer.  Gordon & Co. offers a very spiffy white linen suit and shirt, while Imp Originals profiles a white gabardine style that comes with a button front Eton shirt and clip-on or regular tie.

For the less formal wedding, there are ring bearer outfits that are both comfortable for the wearer, and still stylish enough to make a “mini” fashion statement.  From Gordon & Co. comes a lovely blue linen short set with a button front top and contrasting white collar.  Imp Originals also offers that first dress up pairing of blue and white striped seersucker dress pants and blazer.

The young man who has moved beyond short pants, will appreciate the style of a Perry Ellis classic suit as much as his parents will!  They’re well-tailored, look impressive, and have much of the same detailing as adult suits.  The three-button jacket and pants are some of the finest dress clothes available for special occasions.

Your ring bearer can be as stylish or as casual as the bride requires.  All it takes is a little smart shopping by Mom, and getting him to the church on time.

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