When choosing favors, do not think only of what will fit into your theme. Think about what your guests are more likely to use and enjoy. Even seemingly useful items, such as the small picture frames often used as place card favors, can become useless clutter to your guests if the style does not match their taste.

To increase the chance that your favor will be well-received, keep it within one of these three categories: Edible, Consumable, or Useful.

Edible: A pretty obvious one. People always love something they can eat. Whether you choose to place exquisite chocolates at each seat or provide a candy buffet for all to visit and enjoy, edibles always top my list of favorite favors.

Consumable: This is not the same as edible. Here I mean something that can be used, then discarded. Think about notepads or pens – but don’t imprint everything with your names or monogram. If you want to make it personal, consider having notepads made with each guest’s own name or monogram. Now that’s thoughtful!

Useful: A much more difficult category in which to find a successful favor. Potential items might include those same photo frames I already mentioned – but in a style that is fairly neutral and simple. Other useful favors could include bookmarks, tree saplings, or kitchen utensils. Just make sure any item you choose is high on usefulness and low on cute. Too often, something that would otherwise be enjoyed gets tossed because it is simply too cheesy!

While it is probably impossible to please everyone – especially if you are having a large celebration – keeping your selections within these guidelines increases the chance that your favor will be appreciated and enjoyed, rather than taken home and forgotten – or worse – left behind!

Cheers!
Heather