Charmed Celebrations

by Danielle Cohen

    All the while keeping in step with a tradition dating back to Victorian times, one Dunwoody denizen is creating a world of possibilities for the modern woman. Stemming from the ritual in which bridesmaids would pull charms - representing such themes as good luck, travel, longevity, children and good fortune - from the lower layer of the wedding cake, Charming Traditions(TM) gives today's brides and the ladies of honor at other celebrations a similar opportunity.

     Owner Anna Drost offers more than 40 Mexican sterling silver charms (attached to double-faced feathered ribbons imprinted with positive affirmations and coordinating satin rosebuds) exclusively for merriment, entertainment and sentiment at such social soirees as bridal showers, birthday parties, promotion celebrations, bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, christenings, bachelorette bashes and more.

Most of the trinkets are three-dimensional and have movable parts; all can be attached to a keepsake charm bracelet for an everlasting memento of the festivity. Most commonly inserted between layers of a cake, charms depicting such shapes as a diamond ring, clown, rocking chair, baby bottle, Star of David, wedding bell, ice cream cone, house, swan, seashell, birthday cake and windmill are hidden with only a ribbon dangling out. The bridal party, close family and friends, other V.I.P.s, or all guests can take turns gently tugging a ribbon out of the cake and announcing their various 'fortunes.'  (Because the vast majority of bakers are not familiar with the tradition, Charming Traditions(TM) provides simple directions for insertion that include not baking the charms in the cake, a common misconception.)

     Priced at $10 per charm, the charms also can be placed inside a wine goblet or vase, individual desserts, or theme-related items for a modern spin on the tradition. At one local garden party, charms were submerged in a flowerpot. A "bed and bath" bridal shower could have the ribbons extend out of a feather pillow, while a beach bash could use a sand-filled bucket.

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     Drost says she carries charms that embody the woman of today whose aspirations and ambitions include family, career, friendship, commitment, physical and spiritual fitness, emotional integrity and leisure activities. "I like to choose charms based on how pretty they are and the message they convey," she said. Drost's copyrighted accompanying affirmations inspire such wisdom as "Eat dessert first," "Laugh your troubles away," "Present your elegant side," and "Celebrate each day as a gift."

     The event itself is exhilarating and heart-warming, as the women present are captivated by the revealing of each pulled charm. Initially serving as an icebreaker, the interactive activity bolsters anticipation, laughs, an element of surprise, camaraderie and fond memories. "The charm pull experience is unique to the personalities of the ladies assembled for the particular celebration," Drost explained. "Each group provides a different and fun aspect to the tradition."

     Because the charms are of the highest quality sterling silver, they can be on a charm bracelet, necklace or pin. "It then becomes a beautiful piece of jewelry to be worn frequently," Drost said, pointing out the multi-fold benefit of such a gift. "It serves as a meaningful heirloom to be lovingly passed down, which will reveal a personal insight of the woman it belonged to. It can tell of her hopes and dreams, accomplishments, and favorite things." The special trinkets can be ordered via the Internet (www.charmingtraditions.com) and phone (1-866-33-CHARM). Drost also offers sterling silver link bracelets (adult: $25; child: $15) to which the charms can be attached.

     Currently marketing her company through bakeries and wedding and event coordinators, Drost dreams of branching out into registry departments of various retail establishments. Other future plans encompass expanding the line of charms to include a bathtub ("Soak your worries away"), diploma ("Become a life-long learner"), life preserver ("Accept from others and provide to others comfort when needed"), passport ("Look forward to where you are going and know where you came from"), ABC blocks ("Make education a priority for our children"), picture frame ("Create a portrait of your strengths") and perfume bottle ("Follow the sweet scent of success").

     "Giving back to our community is also one of our priorities, therefore, we intend to contribute a portion of our profits for research and intervention related to women's heart disease," Drost said, who, because of a loved one's suffering with the disease, has been touched personally by it.

For more information on Charming Traditions(TM), visit www.charmingtraditions.com.