| Why is the second anniversary designated the | | | | requirements. Certain Style have a range which allows |
| Cotton anniversary? Traditions vary from country to | | | | you to choose your own ribbon trim and covers |
| country, and from time to time. While in the USA the | | | | nightgowns, bloomered pajamas and a camisole |
| 1st anniversary was traditionally associated with | | | | shorts set, all of which can be made to measure in |
| paper and the second with cotton, in the United | | | | any size, while their Sweet Revenge lingerie in a |
| Kingdom and other commonwealth countries the | | | | lovely cotton print would also make a great romantic |
| position is reversed. Cotton is the first anniversary, | | | | gift. |
| and paper the second. A more recent list of | | | | If you'd prefer to go the China route think carefully. |
| anniversaries, compiled by the Chicago Public Libraries | | | | Will you go for some household China or for a |
| Information Center says that for modern couples the | | | | ornament to be treasured in future years? if you |
| second anniversary is the China anniversary, so if the | | | | were given china as a wedding present, but your |
| idea of cotton isn't inspiring you, there's bound to be | | | | spouse has come to hate it, or wants to add a |
| something in China that will. | | | | certain piece to the collection, this may be a good |
| So what makes a great, romantic second anniversary | | | | time to start. If you are starting with a new china |
| gift? | | | | pattern consider how you will want the table to look. |
| Leaving out the obvious use of both traditions ( a | | | | You may want to feature a favorite color or motif, |
| paper ticket for a trip to China) there is still a lot of | | | | make sure it doesn't dominate or clash with the food |
| choice to suit all budgets. | | | | you serve. One very popular choice is Botanic Garden |
| Gifts for women - beautiful cotton handkerchiefs are | | | | china from Portmeirion pottery, usually available from |
| somehow romantic and can even become an | | | | amazon. Here each item in the set is quite different, |
| heirloom, while not breaking the bank. There are | | | | yet every items share a common format and border |
| many sites on the web where you can have the | | | | and the resulting table looks interesting, original and |
| handkerchief personalized with initials, has an excellent | | | | coordinated. |
| collection (which includes handkerchiefs for men). You | | | | If dinner wear seems too impersonal for an |
| can choose from extravagant lace trimmings to | | | | anniversary present, then consider something like a |
| designs embroidered or printed with flowers, or | | | | china vase, again featuring a favourite color or motif. |
| simply featuring a lovely monogram, with individual | | | | If you're really lucky your spouse will have a special |
| handkerchiefs costing less than $10. | | | | animal or flower they like to collect, in which case a |
| While it makes sense to monogram a handkerchief, | | | | china ornament is an obvious winner. Again these are |
| which may easily get lost, it is more difficult to | | | | available to suit all budgets, the vase or ornament |
| understand why anyone would feel the need to | | | | can be intended for a place of honor in your home, |
| monogram their sheets, however a particularly | | | | or a personal private position on his or her desk or |
| beautiful embroidered sheet set, perhaps featuring a | | | | dressing table. |
| favorite flower or animal (butterflies and dragon flies | | | | But what to do if you are looking for a present for |
| are often popular) might make a great anniversary | | | | the man in your life? Surprisingly many of the above |
| present for a friend. Of course if your spouse is | | | | gifts still apply. Cotton pajamas, a beautiful shirt, and |
| particular about their bedding, it may be ideal for you, | | | | china mug, even lingerie for yourself may make a |
| in which case don't forget that it's the addition of the | | | | successful romantic gift. Many young married couples |
| personal which makes the gift romantic! | | | | are still struggling when they reach the end of year |
| Cotton itself is a fibre which grows around the seeds | | | | two. It's OK to decide to forgo expensive romantic |
| of the cotton plant. The fibre is spun into thread and | | | | gifts in favor of making a practical addition to your |
| a breathable fabric can then be made which is the | | | | household such as dinner-wear, towels or sheets, but |
| most popular fabric for clothing. Pure cotton can be | | | | you should never take her seriously when she says |
| subject to creasing, cotton with a proportion of | | | | she really doesn't mind doing this. She does mean it, |
| artificial fibre (polyester) tends to need less ironing, | | | | but you can find an inexpensive way to show your |
| provided it is washed and dried at low temperatures. | | | | appreciation in any case, and sometimes this is more |
| For a personal, romantic anniversary gift the best | | | | romantic than the most expensive diamond, especially |
| choice has to be some form of clothing, with lingerie | | | | if wrapped and given well. |
| topping the list. Cotton lingerie can take many forms, | | | | Why not create a treasure hunt to make the gift |
| from romantic Victorian nightgowns to sleepshirts | | | | giving more fun? Creating clues and hiding them is |
| (try Victorian Classics for both nightgowns and | | | | fun, which is what your second anniversary, and |
| pajamas) to custom cotton lingerie which can be | | | | hopefully all those that follow will be about. As long |
| created especially to her measurements and | | | | as you can laugh, you can love. |