• Party favors add a personal touch to an event.party cup ctreamers and party banners image by Warren Millar from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Whether you are throwing a birthday party or a wedding reception, party favors are an extra touch to make guests feel welcome and appreciated. As you plan favors, consider items that work with the theme of your event and the time of year. Use unique favors that show thought and effort on your part and which will contribute to the overall appearance of the room.
  
  

Hand-Dipped Candles

• If you have an artistic inclination, you can create handmade candles for party favors. Start with a single long wick and dip both sides to create two candles connected in the middle. Use wax colors that coordinate with your party decorations, and tie the candles together with a ribbon. Attach a gift tag and put at each place setting to double as a decorative place card. You can also decorate plain matchboxes with fabric and a name card and place on top of the ribbon for a useful and decorative touch.
  
  

Custom Tea Blend

• Using loose tea, create a custom blend that suits your tastes and the time of year. Place your tea into large bags to make an entire pot of tea and attach a piece of thick thread in a color that matches your decor scheme. Attach a simple gift tag that has the name and date of the event on one side and the directions for preparation on the other side. Make two or three different blends and attach the bags together with a ribbon, or place one bag in a small teacup to complete the favor.
  
  

Miniature Cookie Jars

• For a small party, buy a set of miniature cookie jars from a craft or kitchen supply store and affix a small label with a word or phrase on it, such as "Cookies" or "Sweets from the Sweethearts" for a wedding or engagement party. Bake a selection of miniature cookies and fill each jar with several different types. Finish the favor by tying a brightly-colored ribbon around the rim and attaching a gift tag or place card.
  
  

Celebration Kits

• If you are throwing a wedding reception or a New Year's Eve party, make favors that help guests celebrate. Find clear plastic bags and place in each one a party hat, a noisemaker, and a handful of confetti or a small packet of bubbles. Guests can wear their hats throughout the evening, use the noisemaker at midnight or to signal the bride and groom to kiss, and use the confetti or bubbles to toss in the air. Tie each bag with a length of curled ribbon.