How to Find Christmas Gifts for Dad

How to Find Christmas Gifts for Dad

Dads are precious to us and Christmas is the time of year when we can show them how much, but finding the perfect Christmas gifts can sometimes seem almost impossible. In this article we look at some gifts ideas, from the conventional to the unusual.

Dads are often the hardest to buy for at Christmas time. They never tell you what they want and are always happy to settle for a boring old tie or gift voucher. 

With the season of good will almost upon us, the pressure to find that perfect gift for Dad is growing. If you are struggling to think of something different this year, here are some ideas that might help.

If you are looking for something different, first you need to decide whether you want something practical or possibly something more quirky and frivolous.

Some practical ideas include;

1.         Golf Club membership and /or Golf equipment if he is an enthusiast

2.         Satellite Navigation System
3.         Specialist Magazine subscription depending on his hobby
4.         Football tickets for his favourite club or cable subscription including popular     sports channels
5.         Supercar Thrill Experience – treat him to the drive of his life.

On the more frivolous and quirky side, how about?

1.         Fifty Sheds of Grey - an amusing spoof story of a man, his shed and his adventures!

"She knelt before me on the shed floor and tugged gently at first, then harder until finally it came. I moaned with pleasure. Now for the other boot." 

2.         Save Water Drink Beer Apron – Ideal for the barbecue.

3.         Excellent Insult a Day - 365 hilarious insults, put-downs, disparaging remarks and general offensively rude (but perfectly harmless) asides! It also doubles as a memo pad.

4.         Toilet Golf - For the truly dedicated golfer... The ideal way to practice putting during bathroom breaks,

5.         365 Impressive Words Pad – If the insult a day isn't his thing, then he can impress friends and family with his impressive vocabulary!

Another alternative could be something is slate. Because it's a natural product, all slate items differ from each other in texture and colouring. The choice of slate gifts is quite extensive, ranging from the practical to the decorative and can be for indoor or outdoor use.

Some examples are;

1.         Message Boards – Can be personalised with an inscription of your choice

2.         Garden Signs – Dad's Garden, Harry's Veg Plot, Dad's Shed, can be any message of your choice.

3.         Photo Frames – with a photo of you or your family in it

4.         House Signs – Welcome signs, house and number plaques

5.         Door Plaques – personalised with any name or slogan of your choice.

These are just a few of the possibilities.

You can read the full article at http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Find-Christmas-Gifts-for-Dad&id=7425587

To see our full range of slate gifts and products go to www.plattersslate.com

How to Find Christmas Gifts for Mum

How to Find Christmas Gifts for Mum

With the festive season getting ever closer, the pressure to find that perfect gift for Mum is increasing. If you are struggling to think of something different this year, here are some ideas that might help.

The chances are that over the years, you've given your mother most of the usual gifts, clothes, slippers, jewellery etc and now you're running low on ideas for something different this year.

If you are looking for something different, first you need to decide whether you want something practical or possibly something more quirky and frivolous. 

Your choice of practical gifts will depend to a large extent on your mum's likes, hobbies and interests. So this could include

1. If she's into Genealogy and Family History, an annual subscription to a genealogy   research website.

2. If she's into keeping fit, a gym membership or perhaps a Yoga or Pilates membership.

3. If your budget is more modest, a wool wrap to keep her warm this winter may be just the thing.

If your preference is more inclined to the quirky and frivolous, (depending on your budget) then you might want to consider the following;

1. A personalised "Thanks Mum" print, where you can choose the things that you want to thank her for.

2. A personalised glasses case – if your Mum's like mine and keeps losing her glasses, a case with "Here They Are" could be the thing!

3. A personalised "Family Values" print, where you can choose the range of values that are important to your family – can be serious or humorous.  

If you want something unusual and unique for your mum, why not consider something made from slate. Because it is a natural product, all slate items differ from each other in texture and colouring. The choice of slate gifts is quite extensive, ranging from the practical to the decorative and can be for indoor or outdoor use.

Some examples are

1.         Wall Clocks – ideal for the kitchen

2.         Cake Stands – will showcase her baking beautifully

3.         Cheeseboards – she can wow her guests at any dinner party

4.         Platters and Dip Bowls – ideal for nibbles when friends come round

5.         Candle Holders – Add a touch of class to any setting

The list goes on and on. 

As you can see the possibilities are extensive.

Why not take a look at our website? You're sure to find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

To find some great Christmas gifts for Mum go to www.plattersslate.com

Christmas Markets - The Perfect Place to Find Gifts for the Family

Christmas Markets are the perfect place to find gifts for all the family. In this article we take a look at the history of Christmas Markets and give you some insight into what you can expect when you visit them.

The origin of Christmas Markets dates back to the middle ages in the German speaking part of Europe with one of the oldest recorded markets being in Bautzen in eastern Germany in 1384. In many towns in Germany and Austria Christmas Markets usually coincide with Advent and the run up to the festive season.

In the UK, traditional Christmas markets have proliferated in recent years. One of the bigger ones is in Manchester where the market covers eight sites in and around the City centre, each with its own distinctive character and atmosphere. This year the market is celebrating its 14th year. Here you can find a wide selection of goods on offer. With over 200 stalls to visit the choice is extensive, and includes toys, gifts, jewellery clothes and a wide assortment of food and drink.

Why not take a trip and visit us, you'll find us on Exchange Street, right outside the Royal Exchange Theatre. Or visit our website at http://www.plattersslate.com

To read the full article go to   Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7406529

How to Cope With the Death of a Loved One

The death of a loved one is a devastating event, but it is one that all of us must experience at some time in our lives. In this article we look at some of the emotions and issues surrounding this loss and look at some of the ways to cope and deal with these feelings.

Everyone grieves in their own way and those close to you will have their own ideas about how you are supposed to grieve. No doubt well meaning friends and relations will want to give advice about how you should behave.

Depending on whether you have chosen to have your loved one buried or cremated, will determine how you are able to remember them in the future. If you have chosen a burial, then it is likely that they will have a head stone on the grave with some personal words of remembrance.

On the other hand if you have decided on cremation, you may want to consider having a memorial plaque made. Slate is an ideal medium for this type of remembrance and can be used indoors or out.

If you have a garden you could decide to dedicate a quiet corner, where you could place a memorial plaque and have a bench or seat there, where you can sit and remember the happy times that you spent with your loved one.

The inscription that you choose for your plaque can be poignant or funny, it could be a favourite phrase that your loved one often said or an experience that you both shared.

To read the full article, go to http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Cope-With-the-Death-of-a-Loved-One&id=7400111

To help you cope with the death  of a loved one, take comfort with a personalised remembrance plaque. 

Take a look at the range at www.plattersslate.com

How to Host the Perfect Christmas Tea Party

Christmas is a time to celebrate with family, friends, and work colleagues, but can work out to be quite expensive. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties and having meals out over the festive holidays but find that your budget doesn't stretch that far.  This article looks at how to host the perfect Christmas Tea Party at a fraction of the cost.  This is the ultimate holiday celebration, instead of your typical Christmas dinner or cocktail party.

There so much preparation and organisation in hosting a dinner party and very little time to enjoy it yourself. On the other hand a Christmas tea party will give you the time and opportunity to socialize with your friends, while introducing them to some of your favourite teas.

Tea parties were first introduced in the Victorian era and have made quite a come back over the past couple of years. As a host you want everything to be perfect and a tea party can be a fitting way to celebrate Christmas. 

 I’ve had a few tea parties over the past couple of years but not all at Christmas and they are so easy to host. I bought some beautiful Black Slate tableware and it doesn’t matter what the occasion it looks so chic and stylish.

It’s hard wearing, easy to clean, durable and quite a fashion statement.  If I’m having a couple of my girlfriends round for afternoon tea, I might use my 3 tier slate cake stand filled with dainty sandwiches and an assortment of home made mini buns/cakes.   

To give the room atmosphere and colour, a slate candle holder is a must, for any occasion. 






To read the full article go to http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Host-the-Perfect-Christmas-Tea-Party&id=7387748

And to check out the full range of slate products to make your tea party special, go to www.plattersslate.com, you're sure to find what you are looking for.

How to Choose Christmas Gifts For The Family

Choosing Christmas gifts for family can be great fun, but finding the right ones can also be a chore. In this article we give you some ideas and some tips on what to get for the more difficult to buy for person in your life.

If you're like me and love Christmas, then making sure that you get the right Christmas gifts for your family will be important to you. The problem is that finding just what you are looking for can sometimes be difficult.

I love everything about Christmas and tend to start preparations 6 months in advance with the home made Christmas cake, soaking the dried fruit in alcohol to give it that rich flavour and texture. It really gets me in the mood, but with my busy schedule I have to start early and write everything down, from food and drink, Christmas decorations and colour scheme, how many people for Christmas dinner to that all important special gift to suit the individual.

Having my home filled with people that I love during the festive holidays is everything that I need and more. Choosing the right gift is very important so here are my tips to help you on your way:  ....
You can read the full article at http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Choose-Christmas-Gifts-for-the-Family&id=7380602

If you're  looking for something different for Christmas Gifts for the family check out www.plattersslate.com , you'll find  something for everyone.

Why Stocking Slate Products is a Must For Retailers

If you're a retailer in the Homeware or related markets, there are good commercial reasons why stocking a range of Slate Products is a must for the coming season. Why not take a look at what is out there and why you should stock Slate Products.

Slate goods are available in a wide range of styles, from the practical to the decorative and are suited to a wide range of retail outlets. Whether you are a homeware stockist, a gift shop or a food retailer there is something in the range of products that will enhance your customer offering and work well as an upsell to your clientele.

In addition, if you operate a restaurant or café and want something different for placemats, coasters, serving platters or plates, then slate is an ideal alternative to the more usual table settings.

Check out the range available at www.plattersslate.com

You can read the full article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Stocking-Slate-Products-Is-a-Must-For-Retailers&id=7371165

Grieving Over the Loss of a Loved Pet

Grieving Over the Loss of a Loved Pet

If you are an animal lover, the loss of a pet is every bit as traumatic as the loss of a close family member. This is especially true of a pet that has shared your life for a number of years.

Non pet owners sometimes find it difficult to understand the emotions that a pet owner experiences following the death of a pet and are less than sympathetic to the range of feelings that such a loss engenders.

You should not feel embarrassed about grieving, it is only natural to mourn the loss of a pet, and during the years that your pet has been a member of your family you will have formed a close relationship and a strong bond. 

Your pet will have been a source of comfort and companionship and the end of that relationship will undoubtedly leave a void in your life that only time can make easier. Therefore don't be surprised if you feel bereft at this time.

Many people want to have a permanent reminder of their beloved pet whether that is in the house, the garden or possibly in a remembrance garden at a pet cemetery. An ideal way of remembering your pet, is with an engraved plaque and slate makes a great foundation for this. Slate is durable, weatherproof and stylish. It can be engraved with a personal message that will give you comfort every time that you see it and it will last for years to come.

If you are grieving over the loss of a loved pet and would like a reminder of your companion. Check out the range of slate plaques at http://www.plattersslate.com. You can have them engraved with a message of your choice, which will bring back fond memories of your loved one every time you look at it?

View the full article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Grieving-Over-the-Loss-of-a-Loved-Pet&id=7361098

Things to Consider When Buying That Perfect Wedding Gift 3

Buying a perfect wedding gift can be difficult, especially if the happy couple already have a home together. In this series of blog posts we take a look at 5 important things to consider when you are looking for that perfect wedding gift and ways to avoid an expensive blunder.


Money or a gift voucher is always acceptable. Yes it may seem a bit impersonal and lacking imagination, but it can be very useful especially if the couple is saving up for something big, a deposit for a house or a large piece of furniture for example. 

One word of warning though, the amount you give could be tricky. What may seem a generous amount to one couple, may seem less than generous to another.

If you're looking to buy the perfect wedding gift, why not check out the range on offer at www.plattersslate.com, you'll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Personalised Gifts – The Way to Show Someone You Really Care

If you're looking for a gift that really makes a statement, nothing says you care more than something personalised. In this blog we look at some of the options available and give you some ideas for that special person in your life.


Sometimes it's difficult to find the right gift that is appropriate for the occasion or the person. A great way to show someone that you have put thought and time into choosing their gift, is to choose something that can be personalised and therefore unique to them.

Personalised gifts can be quirky, humorous or sensitive depending on the occasion and there is something out there for all types of event whether happy or sad.
Slate is an ideal base for personalised gifts; it is stylish, elegant, long lasting and suitable for indoor or outdoor applications.

Engraved plaques can be given as stand alone presents or as an addition to another gift to make it unique. Examples are a name, number or address plaque for a house warming, a name plaque for a bedroom for a young person or a comical message that could be a private joke.

You can read the full article at 

Or check out the range of beautiful hand crafted personalised slate gifts at www.plattersslate.com

Things to Consider When Buying that Perfect Wedding Gift 2

Buying a perfect wedding gift can be difficult, especially if the happy couple already have a home together. In this series of blog posts we take a look at 5 important things to consider when you are looking for that perfect wedding gift and ways to avoid an expensive blunder.

Give some thought to what message you want your gift to convey to the couple. Do you want something that is practical and functional or do you want something more decorative and ornamental? Also take into account that your gift could be something that will have a special memory for them to look back on in future years. A special hotel room for the wedding night, an excursion somewhere special on the honeymoon or a camera to take those never to be forgotten photos would all make excellent choices.

If you're looking to buy the perfect wedding gift, why not check out the range on offer at www.plattersslate.com, you'll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Things to Consider When Buying That Perfect Wedding Gift

Buying a perfect wedding gift can be difficult, especially if the happy couple already have a home together. In this series of blog posts we take a look at 5 important things to consider when you are looking for that perfect wedding gift and ways to avoid an expensive blunder.

1. Does the couple have a wedding list? If they do, a look at the list will give you some indication of what the couple need or want to set up their home together. Usually there is a range of items both large and small to cater for all budgets. Remember though that the list is a guide and not obligatory. Therefore if you have something in mind that isn't on the list, than that's fine.

If you're looking to buy the perfect wedding gift, why not check out the range on offer at www.plattersslate.com, you'll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

How to Decorate the Perfect Christmas Table

With Christmas and the Holiday season approaching fast, now is the time to start thinking about the Christmas day festivities and how you are going to decorate your table for the big day. In this article we will give you some hints and tips for the perfect Christmas table that will wow your family and friends.

Whether your taste is traditional or contemporary you will want to make the Christmas day meal special for your guests and how you decorate the table is a key part of that overall enjoyment.

A stylish way to compliment your table is to use slate for your place mats and coasters. The black of the slate will contrast beautifully with a white tablecloth and highlight the dinner plates and serving dishes. Slate table centrepieces are also available in a variety of designs to suit all tastes. They can be used for decorative or practical purposes.

Some examples would be as a base for candles, as a serving platter or as a base for small serving bowls or pepper and salt mills.

 If you plan on serving cup cakes or pastries, then a slate cake stand is a perfect addition to the table and shows off your confections beautifully.

If you want to Decorate the Perfect Christmas Table then why not take a look at the range of slate tableware and gifts at www.plattersslate.com and impress your family and friends this Christmas?

Unusual Gift Ideas for That Hard to Buy For Person

We've probably all been in the position of wanting to find a gift for a loved one and struggling to think of something that they would like, but don't already have. Have you ever agonised over the approach of a birthday or Mother's Day, Father's Day or Christmas and exhausted all gift ideas?


The usual suspects, jumpers, socks, flowers, chocolates are all reasonable standbys, but are predictable. You could always go for the "off the wall" gift, a certificate for a plot of land on the moon, or a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge. These usually make good talking points, as do sponsoring a Panda or Jaguar with a charity such as the World Wildlife Fund and will usually be pleasing. 

But why not try something completely different like a personalised slate gift?

A Slate Platter with Salt & Pepper Mills and 

four Black or White Dip Bowls would make an 

ideal gift for the hostess who likes to entertain.

A personalised Mug on a Slate Coaster makes an unusual gift for that   difficult to buy for person in your life

                                    

To find out more about the range of practical and unusual slate gifts available, go to www.plattersslate.com and give something different this time. 

              

Slate, the Next Big Thing When it Comes to House Style Chic!

Slate tableware is the next big thing when it comes to home style chic. Whilst slate has been around for centuries, let's face it back in the day it was used to roof most houses. Now however it's set to become the must have home accessory for any self respecting hostess looking to keep abreast of the latest style trend.

With the festive season fast approaching, now's the time to start giving some thought to your Christmas Day table layout and slate tableware provides that touch of elegance as well as being practical and durable.

Large Round Cheese Board

Slate provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion and will display your food beautifully, whether your style is simple or elaborate.

3 Tier Slate Cake Stand

Pictured right, a slate cake stand will        
showcase your cakes and pastries to perfection

If you would like to find out more about the wonderful range of Slate Tableware, you can find the full range at www.plattersslate.com

How to Style a Cheeseboard

If you're planning a dinner party and want to impress your friends, there's no better way to complete the meal than with a beautifully styled slate cheeseboard.

Large Rectangular Slate Cheeseboard

Cheeseboards themselves come in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes, but the best way to showcase your cheeses is to use a Slate Cheeseboard and preferably one in black.  A black slate cheeseboard is the perfect backdrop to show off the assortment of coloured cheeses on display, together with a complimentary garnish  to add that extra something to the table.

To find out more, check out the beautiful range of slate cheeseboards and more at www.plattersslate.com