Gift swapping & soiree

The holidays are officially over, but that doesn't mean you need to give into the 'tamarind season' slump. Yes, tamarind season - the time of year right after the Christmas and New Year holidays when we are more than just the usual broke.

Unless you gave out a specific list of desired items for the holidays, chances are you and your friends would have received at least one gift you don't like or can't stand the sight of. But never forget, there will always be a use for even the worst presents, as one person's rubbish is another's treasure. So instead of just counting down the days in hopes that it will bring you closer to your next pay cheque, laugh it off with friends by hosting a Gift-swapping Party and Soirée.

1. Send out party invitations

Invitations don't necessarily have to be in print - just send an email.

Find a site online with free templates or just simply send an email outlining the rules, date, and time.

RULES

• Guests are to gather all their unwanted gifts and repackage them. Label gifts as gender appropriate - male, female or unisex. There should be a minimum and maximum number of items everyone can bring.
• Guests are to be secretive about the gift, as the idea is to not have anyone know who it came from.
• Numbers should be written, folded and placed in a bowl (if there are going to be 12 guests, numbers from 1-12 are written or 24 gifts, numbers 1-24 are written).
• Guests will draw a number (or two, as appropriate) which signifies the order in which they draw a gift.
• All gifts are placed in a box or on a table.
• The first person chooses a gift, opens it, and that first round now ends.
• The next person can have the option to choose a gift from the box or 'steal' a previously opened gift. A person who has his/her gift stolen from them gets to either steal a gift from someone else or choose a replacement gift from the gift box.
• You cannot immediately steal back the gift that was stolen from you. You must wait at least one round before stealing back a gift that was once in your possession.
• A gift cannot be stolen more than once a turn.
• Repeat in order of number. The person with the next-highest number either chooses a gift from the gift box or steals a gift from someone else.

2. Contact your friends and find out what food and drink items they have left over from the holidays that you can incorporate into making quick appetisers and munchies. For example, gourmet crackers, cheeses, savoury jams, cookies, etc.

3. Create a music playlist that your friends will enjoy and create an air of fun and enjoyment.

4. After all the gifts have been chosen or swapped, take pictures of everyone with their new gifts in hand.

5. Remember ... HAVE FUN!!!

For game and rule variations and additional tips, visit www.mycraziefoodie.net. For any other questions, queries and comments, email mycraziefoodie@gmail.com.