"It is better to give than to receive."
Few people encounter the prosaic
sentimentality of this euphemism
quite like the host or hostess of a
holiday party. They give the gift of hos-
pitality at the busiest time of the year,
and, almost invariably, they receive
something they'd sooner be without.
If—to roll out another seasonal
saying—it's the thought that counts,
what does your perfunctory present
say about you as a guest (not to men-
tion an employee or an employer)?
The perfect host/hostess gift must
appeal broadly but appear personal-
ized with the lustre of thoughtful-
ness. Should your proffered box of
After Eights suddenly appear at the
end of the buffet table for everyone
to enjoy, you have failed. And failure
is not an option.
Herewith, some of the more vex-
ing holiday house party (plus Secret
Santa) situations and the gift sugges-
tions that will get you through the
merriment of the season.
outofoffice
What to give when you
are a guest—plus a bonus
for Secret Santa
by Steven Schelling
The Most
for the Host
y
W
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8 1 S o C I E T Y
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DeCember 2014 BCBusIness 75 Clinton Hussey
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