Gift Giving Guy

Happy Independence Day 2007! For those celebrating the Fourth by joining a barbecue with friends, consider a gift for your hosts. While guests are never obligated, a host gift shows your appreciation for their hospitality. A good bottle of wine is the simple, classic host gift. Add a bow around the neck or slip the bottle into a wine bag to complete the gift.

When giving flowers as a host gift, keeping it easy for the host is key. Festive arrangements and potted plants are ready to place. Avoid bringing fresh-cut flowers. That gift will send your host searching for a vase and scrambling to arrange flowers.

As I’m writing this entry on my patio, the park across the street from my home is still bustling with jazz music, chatter and cheers from the village-wide, post-parade celebration. My wife and I were there an hour or so ago, enjoying chocolate ice cream with neighbors.

The door bell rings. A neighbor asks if she can refill the dunk tank in the park with my water. Absolutely, I say. I direct her to the water spigot on the side of the house. So it looks like I’m giving the gift of water this Independence Day.