Articles

Timesaving Tips for Entertaining at Home

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:25:00 GMT

Entertaining at your home can be one of the most fun times of your year, though often putting on a shindig can end up being a stressful endeavour rather than the relaxing, fun time you had been hoping for. Sometimes it can be fun to be really elaborate with your home entertaining and go to a lot of trouble, but always make sure you make life as easy as possible on yourself, as this should be fun for you too. The following are a few tips to help you save time when you’re entertaining people at home.

Prepare ahead of time

As much as possible, prepare any food for the party well ahead of time -- except of course anything that needs to be served fresh. Often you can totally prepare a dish the night before your event and then just pop it into the oven when people arrive, freeing you from the kitchen to mingle and properly host your event.

Get help

Being a martyr and trying to do everything yourself will only make you crazy, and entertaining should be fun, not something that causes you to have a nervous breakdown. Ask your partner, a friend or a family member if they can help you out with the event, as this may mean you can pull off those extravagant plans in a manageable way. Hosting a successful shindig with someone else can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with another person.

Catering

Even if you love to cook, sometimes you just don’t have time to prepare every single item yourself, so having someone else do it for you will save a huge amount of time. You may want to make the main course yourself but have the appetisers and desserts catered, or have everything catered except for dessert, which you can provide by way of some special treat. A cheese and olive tray or a gourmet basket of freshly baked bread may be just the detail you need covered, so rather than run around and do it yourself, pick up a gift hamper of those delicious gourmet food items and relax.

Have someone else clean up

Whether it is your kid, a friend, or a local teenager you’ve agreed to pay to help, get someone else to clean up during and after the event. You have more important things to worry about than the dishes, so get yourself a dishwasher for a few hours and you’ll have time for all the important stuff, like hanging out with your guests.

Make it simple

The simpler you make your events, the less time they will take to prepare, so try and strike a balance between an event that will be awesome but which doesn’t take every second of your time to pull off. It would be a shame if you were too busy to be able to hang out with your friends at your own gathering.

Entertaining at home doesn’t have to be a huge stress. Save time wherever you can and you’ll finally get to enjoy your events half as much as your guests do.

Organising a Child-Friendly Dinner Party

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:07:00 GMT

Hosting a dinner party can be an easy way to get your friends over for an evening of great food, drink and fun; but don’t forget about the kids. Kids generally love dinner parties, as they have a bit of a chance to run amok. By keeping them in your plans, however, you’ll be able to ensure they have a fun night and that everyone goes home happy. The following are a few tips for organising a child-friendly dinner party.

Set up a kids’ space

Setting up an awesome kids’ area is the key to keeping the kids occupied, so if you have the room, set up the basement or part of your living room as a special ‘kids zone’, equipped with pillows, blankets, toys, games and, of course, a television for their favourite shows.

Kids’ food and snacks

A special evening calls for special food and snacks all round, especially for the kids, so make sure you pick up food gift basket with some kid-friendly treats so they feel part of the fun too. Having a special kids’ meal, such as pizza, served just before the adults’ meal should keep your kids occupied enough that the adults can have dinner uninterrupted. If you have an older child, do your best to bribe them to hang out with the kids for the evening, as the younger kids will feel special and you’ll be comfort in the knowledge that everyone is okay.

Naps

Depending on how old the kids at your dinner party will be, you may need to arrange a space where they can have their naps. Perhaps parents can bring their cribs; otherwise, you might be able to improvise something. Either way, you need to be prepared, as when it’s nap time, you will need a place to put your baby down immediately.

Include them

While your best bet for a fun evening all round is to essentially host two separate parties -- one for the kids and one for the adults -- it is nice to have at least some portion of the evening that involves everyone. Either before or after everyone has dinner, consider having some sort of game that everyone can be involved in playing, such as a big game of charades. Depending on their age, your kids will mostly want to hang out on their own, but everyone will enjoy at least a bit of joint time.

Gift bags

While this is usually something you’d do at a birthday party, having gift bags put together for the kids is a very classy touch for your dinner party, and doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. Simple items like stationery and snacks will be enough to wow the youngsters, especially if there are any Spiderman, Dora or Wiggles items. If the party is to mark a significant occasion, you could go all out and get chocolate gift baskets for each family to take home with them as well.

Just because you and your friends all have kids now, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Organising a dinner party for all of the adults and kids in your crew is an awesome way to get everyone together, so just make sure you have a way to keep everyone happy.

Top 10 Gifts for Friends With a Sweet Tooth

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:58:00 GMT

If you have one or more friends with a sweet tooth, they’re pretty easy people to buy for, as the world is full of all kinds of delicious sweets. It’s always fun to be creative with a gift, so try and get your friend a type of sweet they’ve never had before. If you’re stuck for ideas, the following classic options will always do the trick.

Cheesecake

If your friend has a sweet tooth, they will love you forever if you give them a cheesecake. It costs around the same amount to make one as it does to buy one, so unless you have a winning recipe, you might as well just pick out something from your local cake shop.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a great gift, especially if it’s nice chocolate. As part of a gift basket, in truffles or as a stand-alone item, any sweet tooth will tell you that nothing beats chocolate.

Ice cream

A summertime favourite of the sweet tooth, ice cream makes an excellent gift choice, especially if you can afford the good stuff. Picking up some quality waffle cones to go with it is a classy and tasty touch.

Fudge

Good fudge is quite an art form, and every sweet tooth will love this gourmet food gift item. If you want to make them work for it, a fun way to spend the day with a friend who likes sweets is to make some fudge together.

Cookies

Good old-fashioned cookies are a favourite of every sweet tooth, and there is a large variety that are all quite easy to make. Cookies are also pretty cheap to make yourself once you have the basic ingredients.

Fresh fruit

Eating sweets doesn’t have to mean eating junk food, and there is nothing better than a big gift basket of fresh fruit. Organic and local will be your best bets for really fresh, healthy and delicious fruits that your sweet-toothed friend will love. Throwing in a strange and exotic new fruit, such as a dragon fruit, passion fruit or jackfruit, can also be fun.

Halva

Made from sesame seeds, even the biggest sweet tooth won’t need much of this delicious sweet to be satisfied. As part of a gourmet gift basket, halva is a standout treat -- though one should only eat it in very small pieces.

Baklava

The specialty of the Arabs, baklava is a dessert work of art, and very, very sweet. The pieces are small and usually include a lot of nuts, so you’re guaranteed to please your sweet-toothed friend.

Chocolate-covered coffee beans

The combination of coffee and chocolate is sure to get you buzzing, with these fantastic creations a treat for any sweet lover. Put them in a fancy vase or glass bowl and these can easily pass as a classy gift.

Shortbread

A classic sweet that our grandmothers were all probably masters at, shortbread is an old-school skill that takes quite a lot of practice. Don’t worry, though, as it will taste good regardless, with the main ingredients being butter and sugar.

Planning the Perfect Valentine’s Day Picnic

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:24:00 GMT

Going on a picnic for Valentine’s Day with your special someone can be an extremely romantic outing, though only if it’s well planned and organised. If you want to put on the perfect Valentine’s Day picnic, do your research and think outside the box, and you are sure to have a beautiful and romantic time together. The following are some of the key elements of the perfect Valentine’s Day picnic.

Make It A Surprise

The perfect Valentine’s Day picnic has to be a surprise, so tell your love interest to keep the day free and then secretly take care of all the arrangements. Being able to whisk them away to the perfect romantic picnic will have them impressed with how much trouble you have gone to, and excited for the rest of the day.

Location

Where you have your picnic is of prime importance, as you will want your date feeling like they have been brought to a very special place. If you don’t have a secret place up your sleeve, do a bit of research and check out places in the weeks leading up to the big day. Taking him or her to a place they have never been will add to the suspense, as well as make this day more special than a regular weekend outing.

Types Of Food

For the perfect picnic, you will want to have your basket full of all kinds of decadent foods. Fancy cheeses, crackers, olives, dips, and other quality finger food are a great choice, as they are not only delicious, but also don’t make a big mess. You will also definitely need some kind of dessert, so pack in some Belgian chocolate, cheesecake or baklava for the perfect sweet touch. If you don’t have time to gather all the goodies for your picnic, pick up a fancy gourmet gift basket that will have everything you want already in it.

Essential Supplies

You will need an awesome blanket to set up on, a picnic basket full of food, and something to drink such as wine, tea, hot chocolate and baileys, or even just some sparkling water if it’s going to be warm weather. It can also be a good move to bring something to do, like bringing a Frisbee, guitar, cards or even a board game, as there’s nothing worse than running out of things to talk about and having nothing else to do.

Timing

The perfect Valentine’s Day picnic can be at any time of day, though make sure that it will be just the setting you are hoping for. Go to a few of your preferred spots at least once in advance of the big day to see when the best time will be for your picnic. Obviously sunrise and sunset and both great times for a romantic picnic, though checking in advance will also let you know when the busiest and quietest times are, and also whether or not places are swarming with mosquitos at the time you want to have your picnic.

Valentine’s Day picnics can be the perfect romantic outing. Think ahead and make sure you have everything you two might possibly need, as once you get to that perfect location, you may want to stay for an extra long picnic. If you are lacking inspiration, check out some of the awesome pre-made Valentine’s Day gift baskets, which will have everything from flowers to chocolates in them.

10 Great Gourmet Foods For Gifts

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:22:00 GMT

If you want to give a gift that is guaranteed to go over well, your best bet is to give something edible and tasty. Giving the gift of food is always a great idea and if you give items that are a little more gourmet, they are sure to be appreciated and hopefully shared!

Cheeses

Cheese is one of those things where the more you pay the better quality you get, so giving gourmet cheese as its own gift or as part of a gift basket, is a great way to be providing a treat that your friend probably can’t afford to buy every day. It’s a good idea to try and find out what kind of cheeses your recipient likes, as some flavours can be acquired tastes and you will want to make sure you get a type your special someone will enjoy.

Chocolate

Almost everyone likes chocolate, so for a great addition to Christmas gift baskets or any kind of gourmet food hamper, some nice quality chocolate is a classy touch.

Olives

There is no gourmet food quite as sought after as good olives, and if you want to create your own little gourmet basket, having olives and cheese is a must. Don’t buy them from big box stores, go to your local Greek or Middle Eastern grocery store and get some high quality olives instead.

Baked Goods

If you are short on cash but want to give a great gift to someone, bust out your recipe books and start baking! There are lots of great tasting baked goods that are quite easy to make, so try making your own delicious gifts. If they don’t work out you can always drop by your local gourmet shop or bakery and buy something.

Jams

A favourite gourmet food for lots of more elderly people is a good quality jam or chutney. There is definitely a bit of an art to a good preserve, so if you haven’t mastered it yet maybe pick one up from a local granny or farmer’s market.

Nuts

Gourmet nuts like cashews and macadamias make great gifts, as they are often foods that are hard to justify paying lots of money for. You can even add a personal touch and dip the nuts in chocolate to create a decadent treat.

Baklava

One gourmet food that almost anyone would love to be given is baklava. There are a few different types and they are all sweet, delicious and guaranteed to be appreciated. If your friend is allergic to nuts its better to get something else as there are almost always nuts in baklava.

Fresh Fruit

Giving a gift basket of fresh organic fruit is a great way to give something that is colourful and healthy, and is also a good way to introduce someone to a new fruit. Include some more unusual fruits like dragon fruit or passion fruit and your friend can have fun enjoying some new tastes and flavours.

Sauces

If you are a bit of a talent in the kitchen and have a few good sauces up your sleeve, a great gourmet gift is to cook up a bit batch of a special sauce and bottle it for a gift. Add a fancy personal label for a very classy touch.

Oils

It isn’t cheap to have all the best oils to cook with, so if you know a friend is short on their supplies, or only has lower quality oil, pick them up a nice bottle of olive oil or sesame oil.

5 Gifts for Thoughtful Neighbours

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:38:00 GMT

For those of us who are privileged enough to have those thoughtful neighbours that selflessly help us with all the little but important things, it’s time to say thank you. But what do you get for someone who never accepts payment for feeding your cat when you’re away or taking in your bin after the garbage man’s been? From Christmas gift baskets to a nice bottle of wine, we’ve got some great ideas for spoiling a thoughtful neighbour:

Flowers

All women love receiving flowers. Whether it’s your partner, your mum or your neighbour. If you are looking for a great way to thank a female neighbour, a bunch of blooms could be just the thing!

Wine or Beer

A 6 pack of beer or a bottle of white or red wine always makes for an easy, no fuss, thank you gift perfect for that neighbour that always helps you out and says “no worries”. If you are wanting to go a little further with the gift, why not get them a pack with wine and beer that includes nuts, cheese and other things to enjoy their drinks with?

A Pampering Pack

Get the feeling that your neighbour is thoughtful to everyone she meets? Perhaps it’s time that someone gave her something to help her take care of her for a change. Spoiling your neighbour with an indulgent pampering pack filled with body products, bubble bath, champagne and chocolates could be the ideal gift to give someone, who just keeps on giving.

For the Blokey Bloke

Got a lovely retired neighbour who always cuts your lawn every time he’s doing his? Why not thank him with a set of BBQ tools fit for a king! It’s a thoughtful, practical gift, he’ll really appreciate and use too.

A Gift Basket

A gift basket always makes a great present to thank someone with. There are so many different varieties to choose from, so you can have one filled with sweet treats, or something that has everything you need for a perfect night in, including wine, cheese and crackers. A well presented gift basket is a great way to say thank you and let them know just how much you appreciate their help. No doubt too, it’s a gift that will be enjoyed!

When there are people in your life that do whatever they can to help you out, it’s important to let them know how much you appreciate their assistance. Neighbours are people that not only live within a close vicinity of us, but they are also people that we see on a regular basis out and about. Fostering positive relationships with them is important for ensuring a great living environment for you and your family. So if you’ve got a great, thoughtful neighbour, let them know you’re thankful for their help by giving them something special. They’ll really appreciate the sentiment.

4 Great Gift Ideas for Expecting Parents

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

It can be difficult to know what to buy for expectant parents. You don’t want to be the 20th person to buy them a set of swaddling clothes or perhaps you’re even thinking, what’s a swaddling cloth?! Either way, we’ve got a great list of gift ideas you can take to any baby shower or even the hospital bedside when the little one arrives. From the ideal gift basket full of all the important stuff to vouchers for their bubs first ever photo shoot, we’ve got some great suggestions you’ll love!

Bed Linen for the Cot

Quite often, pregnant women receive heaps of wraps, bibs and other similar items, but nothing for the cot. A cot sheet set can make a welcome gift and even if they already have a set, it will need to be changed regularly so it’s good if they have a few sets. If you aren’t too sure about a set of sheets, why not buy them a quilt for the cot or a blanket if they are having a winter baby?

A Keepsake

There are a few items that you can give, that they will be able to keep for their child, as a memory of their birth and early development. This includes things like:

A brooch for the baby to wear in silver or gold with their name engraved on it
A small box to keep their child’s first piece of hair in
A vessel to store the birth certificate
A beautiful wall plaque with baby’s name
A beautifully written poem, framed around the meaning of the baby’s name

A Gift Voucher For a Baby Photographer

Babies grow so fast and with everything going on, it can be difficult to remember to think about having some professional photos taken. Why not buy them a voucher for a great baby/infant photographer they can use up to a year after their little one is born? It’s a gift that (mostly likely) no one else will think of as well. Bonus!

A Gift Basket

Gift baskets are not only well presented, they also make an ideal gift because everything that’s in them is sure to get used. And there are so many to choose from too. You can buy a gift box or basket that has everything from singlets to socks, or even teddy’s and record books. Why limit yourself to only buying Christmas gift baskets? These items are ideal gifts for so many different occasions, including this one. And they are so well-presented on their own, there’s no need for wrapping!

It can be difficult to know what to buy those close to you who are expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet very soon. But if you follow our list of tips and choose something from our list we’re sure the soon-to-be parents you know will really appreciate the thought and time you put in to choosing them and their bub, the perfect gift.

5 Thoughtful Bereavement Gift Ideas

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:18:00 GMT

It can be really difficult when someone close to you loses someone who’s close to them. You want to buy them something to let them know you are thinking of them, but what? If their home is already filled with bouquets from other family members and friends, then perhaps a gift basket would be more appropriate. Here, we’ve got a list of thoughtful, unique bereavement gift ideas when someone close to you is grieving:

A memorial plant

Depending on the person you are buying for, this could make an ideal gift, especially if they have a backyard. A memorial plant is a beautiful bush or shrub you can give them, to plant in memoriam of the person they’ve lost. Some people really love this idea, and take joy in caring and looking after the plant.

Candles

Often, people burn candles for those who they’ve lost. If the person close to you has been doing this, some well crafted candles with holders would make a really thoughtful gift idea.

A photo frame

A large photo frame they can use to frame a photograph of their loved one makes a very thoughtful bereavement gift idea. If you were close to both the person you are giving the gift to and the person they’ve lost, consider putting a photograph in it of the two of them together.

A piece of jewellery

Specifically a locket makes a really thoughtful bereavement gift idea. It’s something they can use to put a photo in of the person they’ve lost and wear it close to their heart.

A gift basket

Sometimes a gift basket makes a nice idea for a bereavement gift for someone close to you. There’s everything from wine gift baskets to pampering gift baskets so you are sure to find something you’ll know they’ll appreciate, and use. If their home is overflowing with flowers, it really is best to buy them something else and a gift basket is a lovely gesture.

Your card

Of course, you aren’t going to give the gift without a card. It’s important that when writing in the card you don’t simply leave it up to the printed generic verse to say it all. While it can be difficult to come up with something to say in a card like this, a simple, ‘I’m here for you if there is anything you need during this difficult time’ is a thoughtful reminder to them that you are there and want to offer your support.

Ultimately, you know what the person you are buying for would appreciate. Sometimes however it’s a good idea to go the extra mile to think outside the box and buy them something that’s useful or a little different from everything else they’ll be receiving. We hope our list of ideas has provided you with some useful inspiration for just what to buy that person close to you, who is going through a tough time at the moment, dealing with loss.

Farewell Gift Ideas for Staff

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMT

If someone important at work is leaving, you want to get them something a little more impressive than an indoor fern. Having difficulty figuring out what that gift might be? Never fear! Here we've got a great list of gifts suitable for farwelling all sorts of staff members. From corporate gift baskets to spa vouchers we've some great suggestions you won't want to miss:

A gift voucher

A gift voucher for someone who is leaving is a great idea for so many reasons. They can use it to buy something they really want, like some spa treatments. Also, it can easily fit in their farewell card, and you know they won't be stuck with something they dislike.

Something to remember your workplace by

There are some wonderful corporate gifts that make great farewell gifts. For instance, a silver or platinum key ring, business card holder or money clip with a small company logo or personal engraving from all of you is a great idea. For something even more on the formal side, a plaque acknowledging their contribution to your business is another thoughtful idea and something they will treasure and appreciate for years to come.

A gift that will help them in their new role

If they are changing career paths or leaving to go travelling, why not buy them something that will assist with their future adventures? If they are going back to study, why not buy them a quality book on the subject they are going into? Or a great pen they can use in their new job? Or if they are travelling, a fun gift would be a travel diary or something similar.

Jewellery

A great piece of jewellery or a watch also makes a great gift for saying goodbye. It's something they can wear and think of you all too. A watch, necklace or earrings are great for giving to a woman. For a man, some nice cuff links, a watch or a money clip are great ideas.

Gift baskets

An awesome gift basket full of all the things they like is a great idea, looks great when given at a farewell and is not too personal either. If they enjoy wine, why not buy them a basket with a fine selection of cheeses and a bottle of red? Or if they are more into chocolate, perhaps a pampering gift basket filled with chocolates and bubble bath would be just the thing! There are so many different combinations you are sure to find something that is perfect for them!

Ultimately, the best gifts come from the heart. If you really want to give them a farewell gift they will treasure, really think about the kind of person they are. Get everyone's input too on what to purchase for the gift. This will help you decide on just the thing that will put a smile on their face at their farewell party.

Great Activities to Enjoy with Dad

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:47:00 GMT

Father's Day is a great time to really show dad just how much you appreciate him and all he does for you. But if you're still unsure of how to spend the day with dear old dad never fear! We've got some great suggestions for activities you can both enjoy together. So after you've given him his Father's Day gift basket, why not try some of these fun activities on for size:

Even if it isn't Father's Day it is important to show him you care!

Fishing

There's nothing like taking dad out on a boat and going fishing, just the two of you. Just you, dad and the open water. If he has a special spot he likes to go, take him there. If you've never gone before, go somewhere close by. Better still, you can cook up your catch for father's day dinner!

Wine tasting

If your dad's a bit of a wine lover, why not go to a wine tasting course together. It's a great way to spend a few hours together learning a new skill and sampling some delicious wines. Just make sure you follow it up with a nice long lunch so mum doesn't get a shock when you both stumble through the door after the wine tasting.

A day trip

Does your dad love a good long drive? Why not pack some sandwiches and a few beers and go for a drive together into the country. Stop by a river and enjoy some lunch before driving further up the coast until you hit a national park. Take dad for a bush walk to discover some of our countries best views.

A BBQ with the whole family

Why not get the whole family over for a father's day BBQ? Cook up dad's favourite meat (and let him cook if he's king of the grill) and enjoy spending time with everyone together.

A day at the beach

If your dad loves the surf, why not spend the day with the whole family at the beach. Nothing says fathers day like sharing fish and chips on the sand on a warm spring day.

Action Dads Will Love...

If the thought of your dad in his budgie smuglers isn't too appealing, and you can't really see him tasting wine, then why not take him for an advetorous activity like paintball? Battle it out together against other teams and wear dad out over harsh terraine. If sports are dads thing but you aren't too sure about paintball, why not buy him a ride in a racing car? He'll thoroughly enjoy himself guaranteed!

With all of the fathers day gift baskets, skin products and other gift ideas to choose from it can be hard to decide on what to buy dad for his fathers day gift. But one things for sure. There is bound to be something on the above list that is just the thing for entertaining your dad this fathers day.

5 Fathers Day Gift Ideas He’ll Love

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:40:00 GMT

It can often be a little harder to buy a gift for dad than for mum. Mums are often a little more forthcoming about what they’d like to receive and generally there’s always something pretty to buy for her. Dads, on the other hand, can be harder to buy for because they aren’t as forthcoming about what they may want and generally seem to have everything they need. Here, we’ve listed a number of fantastic gifts for dad this Fathers Day. From Fathers Day gift baskets to deluxe BBQ tools, we’ve got a great list of ideas suitable for even the hardest to buy for dads:

BBQ Tools

For dads that love their BBQ, the perfect gift can easily be found in a great set of BBQ tools or even a deluxe cleaning kit. Pair these items with a novelty apron and there you have it! A great gift for dad this fathers day!

An experience

Has your dad ever said that he’d like to learn how to taste wine like a pro, climb the harbour bridge or go sky diving? Then why not buy him a voucher for something he’s always wanted to do, but never got around to doing. From taking a ride in a racing car to going on a cruise to spot whales there’s a number of great experiences you can buy vouchers for.

Mementos for new dads

For dad’s having their very first fathers day, a great gift is a momento they can carry with them always to remind them of their little girl or boy. For instance, cufflinks with their baby’s fingerprint on them or a key ring of a similar nature. A key ring with a photograph is also a lovely gift idea.

Tickets to watch his favourite sporting team in action

If you’re lucky enough that Fathers Day falls around the time of a big match which dad's favourite team is playing in, then you have your gift sorted. Two tickets (one for you and one for him) to the big game makes the ideal gift he is sure to absolutely love.

A gourmet gift basket

Dads are always the last ones to get spoilt because they are too busy looking after the rest of the family. Why not spoilt him with a gift basket packed with a selection of premium beers from around the globe? Or if he enjoys wine, why not buy him a gift basket that incorporates a bottle or two of white or red with some accompaniments he can enjoy? Let dad know how special he is by pampering him this Fathers Day.

All dads deserve a little pampering and TLC on Fathers Day. I hope our list of ideas has given you some inspiration for what would make the ideal gift for your dad on this special occasion.

Schmooze With the Best of Them

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:12:00 GMT

They say that business and friendship should remain mutually exclusive, and in many ways, this is great advice. Sometimes, though, as many in the corporate world understand, a friendly gesture, above and beyond what is expected within the normal confines of business, can make all the difference in terms of service, attention to detail and client relationships. Making clients or business associates feel special or 'schmoozing' as it is often called, is an essential part of many businesses, and we for one are glad it is! Sometimes, it's that personal touch that can set your company apart, and a client or associate who enjoys working with you is always preferable to one who doesn't. From corporate gift baskets to personal touches, we've got a range of tips that'll see you schmoozing like a pro in no time!

Remember Details

Personalising your client offering doesn't need to involve extravagant lunches or over the top service. Often, simply taking the time to remember a few personal details a client offers up can help create a more relaxed relationship. Making a special point of congratulating them on the arrival of their new baby, or starting a conversation about a sports team you know they follow costs you nothing, but is an excellent way to show someone you enjoy talking with them. It's very basic conversation etiquette, but all too often in business we forget that we're talking to a human being and not a chequebook. Bring a bit of human conversation back into the transaction and you'll find your business dealings become more enjoyable at the very least!

Reward Loyalty

Loyalty in the business world is a rare and precious thing, and something that should be rewarded. Long-standing clients should get the best of your offering, but all too often businesses focus all of their attention on capturing new ones. Your business can implement a simple strategy such as a loyalty discount (every 10 orders receive their 11th at half price) or a more complex loyalty scheme such as a points system. It all depends on the kind of business you run and the kind of clients you have, but never underestimate the value of a returning customer. They are, quite literally, your business's bread and butter.

Special Occasions

Celebrating special occasions such as Christmas or business successes is another way to add that personal touch to your business dealings. Let's be honest--who doesn't love a package full of edible goodies delivered to the office at Christmas time? By sending a gift basket full of gourmet food to wish a client well, you're not only creating good will between your two businesses, but also a load of good will within their office (unless they start fighting over the sugared almonds, in which case all bets are off...)

Going above and beyond for your clients or associates is one way in which you can help set your offering apart. At the very least, you add some humanity to a business relationship which can otherwise be stale and boring!

The Top Five Gifts that People Want to Receive

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Perhaps you need to buy gifts for loved ones or perhaps you are charged with buying gifts for people within your office or workplace. Regardless of whether it is work or personal life, trying to choose a gift that the recipient will like can be both challenging and stressful.

Although you know that you do need to make a purchase in order to give a present, there is nothing worse than fearing that the person will not like or will have no use for something you have pondered over and possibly even researched. You want to give a gift that will delight and pleasantly surprise the recipient.

From gift baskets to cameras and books, here we suggest five of the most sought after gifts.

#1: Gift baskets

We all love food. A gift basket can be tailored to reflect the tastes and desires of the individual and even if you do not know the recipient so well, very few people will be disappointed to receive such a gift.

Quite often, the difficulty of gift giving arises from the fact that you do not know the person incredibly well – this is particularly relevant in corporate and workplace contexts. Corporate gift baskets make the perfect present for this situation as you do not run the risk of giving the person something that they already have or do not want or need. Everyone loves delicious and tasteful treats and as a present, gift baskets fit the bill perfectly.

#2: iPhone

Research shows that many people want an iPhone. With ever-increasing popularity and advances in technology, even those who already own an iPhone are ambitious to upgrade to the most recent and sophisticated model.

Given the expense of this item, it is not a gift for everyone and nor is it a gift that all people can afford. However, in the right circumstance and for the right person, the iPhone can be a well-received and delightful gift.

#3: High Definition Camera

Photography is an art form in which many people are interested and able to engage. Photography frequently allows the user of the camera to notice and attempt to capture the beauty of their setting and the people that they may be with.

And, of course, a camera allows memories to be captured, enjoyed and revisited. Contemporary cameras are so sophisticated and easy to use that quite little skill is required on the part of the user in order for a good quality photograph of professional standard to be taken.

#4: Books

A timeless and well-received gift, books are a popular and highly appropriate choice of gift. Of course it is helpful to know the person’s taste in literature or even their interests more generally, so that a book may be selected that is interesting and enjoyable.

However, you may have little idea of what the gift recipient would be interested in reading. In this situation, it is a good idea to give classics and these are often attractively packaged. For example, you could give the collection of Harry Potter books or the Lord of the Rings anthology.

#5: Plants

Here we are not talking about an ugly cheap cactus plant, but a quality plant that can be cared for by the recipient. Choosing a tasteful and attractive plant can be a personal and appropriate gift that symbolises care, gratitude, appreciation or respect for the person.

Gift giving can be difficult and when you are the person responsible for buying the gifts, it can be a particularly stressful and confusing duty. However, the five gift ideas mentioned in this article are timeless and sure to please even the most difficult to buy for person.

What You Need to Know About Corporate Gift Giving

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:15:00 GMT

Corporate gift giving is already popular but is a practice that many new businesses are engaging in to show appreciation and gratitude and to acknowledge hard work and a job well done. From corporate gift baskets through to adrenaline fuelled activities, there is a huge range of gifts to select from. The ability to shop online has increased the variety of gifts that a company may select from and enabled gift buying to be done simply, quickly and with minimal stress.

Successful business people know and understand the importance of positive relationships; it is essential to have good relationships with clients, customers and staff. If you do not have the support and favourable opinions of your colleagues, reaching your goals and achieving incredible success is all the more difficult.

Corporate gift giving lets the people that you work with and the people that work for you know that they are appreciated and valued. Some businesses fear that buying corporate gifts will be an incredible expense that the business simply cannot afford. However, this is not an accurate belief as some of the best corporate gifts can be presents such as gift baskets; these can be tailored to your budget and the preferences of the recipient and organisation.

While corporate gift buying need not be exorbitantly expensive or difficult, there are eight rules that should be followed in order to purchase and give a gift that will be favourably received.

Corporate gift giving should always be done professionally. There is nothing more harmful to a business than being perceived as cheap and disrespectful of its staff and/or clients.
If the corporate gift that you wish to give is to an actual or potential client, prior to giving the gift you should always check with their company to ensure that corporate gift giving is allowed.
At no time should a corporate gift ever be used to ‘pay off’ clients, customers or staff and take the place of the wages or services that they expect and to which they are entitled.
Gifts must be chosen carefully. It should not seem to the client or employee that they are being given a personal gift. To do so runs the risk of offending some people.
Always purchase within the budget of the company. You may be tempted to spend more than you envisaged that you would, but if you cannot afford the gift and it is certainly outside of the company’s budget then this creates far worse problems. Similarly, you should not try to save money and purchase gifts that may be considered cheap and inferior (examples of this may include: ink pens, cheap toys or flimsy gadgets).
Ultimately, corporate gift giving is intended to make recipients feel great about their situation or accomplishments. While you may need to purchase gifts for people at a range of levels within and/or outside of your company, it is important to try to give gifts that treat all people equally.
Perhaps your company intends to give corporate gifts to mark particular holidays, for example: Easter or Christmas. Before giving a gift for such an occasion, it is wise to check the religious or cultural background of the recipient to determine whether this is appropriate.
If the intention is for the gift to be presented to the recipient in person, be sure to check the schedule of the recipient to make sure that the provisional time is convenient for them.

If you keep these simple, logical rules in mind, you will acknowledge your employees and clients with corporate gifts that are not only appealing but favourably received.

Gift Giving Essentials

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:12:00 GMT

Whenever you are giving a gift – be it a personal or corporate gift – you want to make sure that it is something that the recipient will like, enjoy and appreciate. With the popularity of online shopping, there is a plethora of options available when shopping for presents; everything from gift baskets to books and electronic gadgetry to jewellery can be purchased in stores or via the net and the many options available mean that selecting a memorable and appreciated gift is all the more possible.

There are endless reasons that we give gifts – birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays and to say thank you. In the corporate world, gifts are commonly given to show gratitude, congratulate, acknowledge hard work and to farewell clients or staff. Trying to choose a gift in a professional context can be difficult and while corporate gift baskets and stylish office equipment often make ideal presents, there are some important facts about gift giving that should always be kept in mind.

In Australia, the giving of gifts in the corporate world is becoming increasingly common. Gifts are frequently given to say thank you and to foster goodwill and positive relationships. Gifts are commonly given when a deal or contract is finalised and they may also be given to acknowledge success and a windfall of some kind.

There is also a growing trend to acknowledge birthdays and special occasions within organisational contexts. Many of us can relate to cards being passed around for signing and collections being taken to contribute to a gift for a colleague that may be leaving the company, getting married, having a baby, retiring or taking long service leave.

In all of these situations, the giving of gifts is a sign of care and kindness as well as a contributor to good morale.

However, in corporate contexts it is important to be aware of some of the often unwritten rules around gift giving. Gift giving should never be, or be seen to be, bribery. It should never be perceived as a display of favouritism or a popularity contest.

In order to give gifts appropriately and gifts that people will be delighted to receive the following tips should be followed:

It is rarely appropriate to give staff members or clients promotional items of your business. It may be fine to include them with a gift that has been thoughtfully chosen but almost never ideal to give them as the fundamental gift. Remember that the gifts that are given say a lot about your company and its attitude toward clients and staff.
Similarly, the gifts that are given should not blatantly market and promote your company – Subtlety is essential. There is no denying that the giving of gifts can be an effective and useful way to market your company, but having your company logo emblazoned over everything that is given can seem cheap, insincere and tacky. If your logo is to be included, ensure that it is kept small and is subtly positioned and tastefully displayed. Better still, feature the logo on the packaging rather than the present itself.
Gifts for your staff and co-workers are just as, if not more, important than the gifts that you give to clients and people external to your business. Remember that gift giving is often significant in building morale and positive relationships and these are often critically important in-house.
Quality gourmet gift baskets that include delicacies and treats will always be popular and a highly appropriate gift. Gifts of this nature are appropriate for people that you know well and those you know less well – everyone loves food and corporate gift baskets filled with delicious goodies can be professionally and attractively arranged.
Before rushing out or off to purchase a gift, make sure you are aware of the company’s policy on gift giving. Many companies do have guidelines and policies in place to direct the buying, giving and presentation of gifts and have instituted these directives to avoid embarrassment, discomfort and inconsistency.

Corporate gift giving is now a popular practice for many businesses. If you follow some simple steps and tips for making an appropriate purchase, the gift that you select is sure to please the recipient and help to foster a positive perception of the company.