The Art of Gift Giving

(ARA) - Fall is a time of year when people do a lot of entertaining, and if you're invited to a get-together, it's always good etiquette to bring along a gift.

"A gift serves as a token of your appreciation for the invite, and it is a special way to celebrate family and friendships, to capture a treasured memory and make people smile," says Sherry Pounds, senior buyer of decorative accessories at the home furnishing and gift store: Bombay.

"As you pick up a bottle of wine or some tasty hors d'oeurves to bring to a party," says Pounds, "add a personal touch."

Accessorize your gift. Turn a simple bottle of wine into a functional keepsake by draping a beaded bottle cover over it, putting it in a gift bag, or wrapping tassels around it. Create a more impressive and lasting gift by adding a set of pâté knives to your favorite wheel of cheese. Wine goblets, bottle coasters and stoppers, napkin rings and place card holders are also functional gifts, which say thank you and express joy of the moment. "When hosting your next party, these gifts become great additions for wardrobing your table while celebrating friends and memories," says Pounds.

Gift giving goes both ways. Often, a hostess will give gifts to her guests as a way of saying thank you for coming. Pounds says decorative bottle stoppers, salt and pepper shakers, and even candles make great party favors. "Make sure your gift is a reflection of your own unique personality. Your thoughtfulness and creativity will become a cherished treasure," says Pounds.

The gifts themselves aren't the only way to make a lasting impression. The packaging can have just as big an impact. "Bring a bottle of wine in a wine caddy, or place a set of coasters with a pair of champagne flutes in a decorative gift bag," says Pounds. "People delight in the thoughtful details."

You can find hundreds of gifts and accessories that will reflect your style at one of the 422 Bombay stores in the United States and Canada. Log onto www.bombaycompany.com or call (800) 829-7789 to find the store nearest you.

The Art of Gift Giving

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