More and more brides are keeping their bridal-shower guests in stitches - knitting stitches, that is. The latest trend is knitting parties, where companies such as SussDesign.com in L.A., Yarnies in Bothell, WA, and KnittingandHowe.com in NY City provide the yarn and needles, plus an instructor or two. Then you and your gals get to work. In lieu of the usual shower gifts, the group project -- a blanket, a throw, etc -- becomes an instant keepsake for you and your groom. "Brides love the old-fashioned, quiliting-bee feeling," says Phyllis Howe of KnittingandHowe.com. "The parties are perfect for bonding."

I once hosted a bridal shower in which I had a variety of craft items available for the guests to make Christmas tree ornaments, which then were given to the bride-to-be. The shower was a casual event, with not a lot of "activities" planned, and the ornament items were just setting on a table, available to be used, or not. Most of the guests made an ornament, but not everyone, and that was fine.

I like that idea : )