because you deserve it all

It is always hard to decide what to bring to thank someone for having you to their home, whether for dinner or for a long weekend.  My best advice is to take the time to tailor the gift to the recipient.  For instance, it is alright to bring a bottle of wine if you know they like wine – and it is always more meaningful to bring one you know they will enjoy.  If you know they like vodka, make a flavored vodka such as cherry or limoncello.  Making a homemade gift can also be nice, a tin of biscotti or chocolate chip cookies is always appreciated.  Or bring them a little gift basket – coffee themed or pasta themed with homemade or your favorite jar of sauce.  Flowers that are arranged or a plant can be used as a centerpiece will brighten their day.  If you are not able to bring something you could always show your appreciation by picking up coffee and pastries for everyone or take them out to dinner or lunch.  There are so many ways to thank your host. 

Many people are great at buying a fabulous gift. I think that it is important to think about presentation i.e. wrapping paper and ribbons. After all the wrapping paper or gift bag is the recipients first impression of the gift. So take time to buy some silk ribbons and keep a supply of them ready for the next gift giving occasion. You will be so surprised at the reaction when you dress up the gift.

Today I saw an adorable hummingbird in my garden.  It was buzzing around the lupines and cone flowers and was only about 7 feet away from me. 

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