Posted by myarticlenetwork on January 21, 2010
We all have a friend who is totally helpless in the kitchen. Actually, if you don’t have a friend like that, read on, because I have enough friends who meet that description to share at least one of mine with you.
I probably should warn you in advance that you better like this friend quite a bit, because the gift tip I’m going to offer is a bit on the pricey side, although it is worth every penny. Perhaps that nameless guy is your roommate, your cousin or even your own son who you can seem to get to move out of your house.
Give the gift of a nice romantic dinner with the person of his own choice–right there in his home. Let’s face it, nothing sweeps a potential partner off his or her feet quite like a private, romantic, home made dinner. Now, the friend I’m thinking of needs all the help he can get in this regard. You may need to be very specific when you give him your gift and the instructions to go with it. Remind him to light candles, choose the music for him and suggest he pick up his dirty socks.
Start with a gift of a gourmet cheese for the beginning course If he is capable of slicing a couple pears or apples, suggest that as well. This course can actually be a nice appetizer, before they are actually seated at the dining table.
For the main course, present him with a gift certificate for a delicious lobster dinner or perhaps a surf and turf meal, if he is a beef addict. As noted, this guy needs plenty of help, so the fresher the lobster the better.
End the evening with a delicious, New York cheesecake or a turtle cheesecake, if he is a chocolate enthusiast for dessert. Whichever cheesecake option you choose, tell him to spruce up the serving with a few fresh berries or a sprig of fresh mint.
If he drinks alcoholic beverages, do not trust him to choose the wine for the dinner. Lobster is very hearty fare, so don’t be afraid to suggest he pair it with a bold wine such as a Merlot or even a Burgundy.
Once you’ve done your part in the scheme, relax until you receive the engagement announcement. If you learn that the perfect evening didn’t work, just give up on him, and next time you can enjoy the delicious meal with your own favorite partner.
Posted by myarticlenetwork on January 16, 2010
A few days ago, I talked with a family friend who recently learned that his huge manufacturing company was closing his plant. He is actually luckier than most of the people working for that company. He very recently reached the magic age at which he qualifies for early retirement, so he will continue to have a steady income. Those who did not reach that milestone of the specified number of years with the company will get a small severance package and be left to search for a job in that difficult market. That caused me to think about giving gifts for special occasions to those people who are experiencing difficult economic situations. I came up with a few ideas that make more sense than a piece of home decor or a new tie. Here are some of them:
A fresh fruit gift basket is healthy, beautiful, delicious and always enjoyed. If you live near your gift recipient, you can find a lovely basket or other attractive container and fill it with fruit that is in season in your region of the country, obtained at a farmers market, and fill it out with a few exotic fruits picked up at your local super market. If your loved one is farther away, you can arrange for any of a large range of beautiful fruit gift baskets to be delivered to the recipient’s home. It will help them to reduce their grocery bill on their next trip to the super market.
A special meal is another way to remember a special occasion or holiday. One possibility might be to take the friend or family member to a popular local restaurant. If price is no object to you, be sure to recommend a couple of the more expensive entrees on the menu, so that your guests know that they should not worry about ordering what they want. For example, you might say something like, “The crab legs are wonderful here, but, if you don’t like seafood, try the tender and tasty filet mignon.” If they live too far away for that, you can actually find delicious, gourmet, chef-prepared meals online that arrive frozen and can be heated in almost no time. (I actually keep my freezer stocked with these.)
You might also consider a tasty dessert. No person should have too many desserts, but on a birthday, anniversary or holiday, everyone deserves an opportunity to indulge a sweet tooth. Bake cookies, if that is a skill of yours, and hand deliver or have them delivered. For something a little more special consider giving them a freshly baked pie or turtle cheesecake. Whether you make it yourself or have others do the work for you doesn’t matter. It will be appreciated and definitely enjoyed either way.
You’ll notice a common feature in these suggestions. They all involve food. Someone who is going through a difficult time may not want to accept charity, but nobody can reject a genuinely special gift. If it reduces the grocery bill by a bit, so much the better.
