The Duchess’s sitting room, in the Private Apartments at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, England, is a glorious butter-yellow color. While filming my television program there, I admired the magnificent bridal photograph and frame of Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill on the table behind me, along with her other relatives in lovely keepsake frames.
The best gift that “keeps on giving” is the act of LOVE. But, for tangible gifts, the ones that continue to serve the recipient with a meaningful memory or to mark an accomplishment, there are a few options, and I am delighted to share some of my favorites!
A silver or polished pewter picture frame engraved with a meaningful date, personalized initials, or monogram, is a gift that can be used anywhere, for any photograph, forever.
The same is applicable for a silver tray or bowl. The tray can be used to serve hors d’oeuvres, hold a perspiring champagne bucket, place wine glasses upon, or even place under a floral arrangement for added reflection. A bowl is perfect for holding nuts, dips, jewelry and earrings, and endless things. My daughter was given a silver tray with the wording of her wedding invitation engraved on it. Thank you, Uncle Herb! This would be a cherished gift for any bride.
An attractive letter opener may enhance the experience of opening mundane bills, while also being a handsome accessory for a desk. They last forever, and one can always use more than one for such places as the kitchen, office, and bedroom desks.
Oh, and silver baby cups, given to our three children as Christening presents and at their birth, can also be used as a darling vessel for petite flower arrangements in a powder room, on a bedside, or on a drinks table in the living room.
Living gifts, such as a plant (rose bush, boxwood, topiary) or tree (cherry blossom, dogwood) can also serve as a “growing tribute” for years to come, and can also mark the life of someone dear.
And finally, my other idea for a “gift that keeps on giving,” (especially for those graduating, just entering the business world, or for grandchildren) is an online etiquette course. I would like to personally recommend two very dear and talented friends who offer online etiquette courses for a private lesson in your own home. They are exemplars in their field. We share the same view of gracious living and embrace the importance of manners.
William Hansen, based in London, is the Executive Director and creator of The English Manner. He offers a stupendous array of online courses, from “Afternoon Tea” to “Hosting Clients in a Restaurant,” to "Business Protocol." William’s British background is stellar. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, and his clever humor will keep you in stitches as you learn the correct protocol for so many important aspects of etiquette. I adore his book series too: The Bluffers Guides!
According to William Hansen, of The English Manner: “Another big mistake people make with afternoon tea is to cut the scones in two with a knife. Not only is this historically incorrect (all to do with cutlery etiquette from the Middle Ages), but by surgically cutting them in two, you remove the fluffiness from the sweet morsel. Break them in two with your hands. Freshly baked British scones (often different from the American equivalent) will have a natural seam in the middle, and it is from here you break them in half.”
Myka Meier, the Director, and Creator of Beaumont Etiquette, offers an online finishing course. Topics such as “The Duchess Effect,” “The Teen Program,” and “Wine Basics” are very informative, and Myka is very engaging. Her book, Business Etiquette Made Easy, is also incorporated into her online courses.
It was such a delight to have Myka Meier visit me in Palm Beach!
All of the above gifts not only serve as a joyful reminder of a memorable occasion but also the thoughtful gift-giver too.
Xx
Holly
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