Hostess gift etiquette?

[Diana]

So, what do you all think about aviation related hostess gift etiquette? Or am I asking in the wrong place?

I'm leaving next week to go on "walk about" again and several people have offered their homes, cars, etc. Aren't aviation people great?!?! I have only so much room in the Citabria for hostess gifts, like wine bottles (W&B ), but it would be nice to show my appreciation in an appropriate way. BTW any of you who have stayed here at the farm, or plan to stay here...you have an automatic waiver and if you stay longer than a few days, then you will get put to work.

What do you all do about hostess gifts?

 

[tonycondon]

your presence would be good enough for me.

 

[Everskyward]

your presence would be good enough for me.

Me too.

I think most people have enough miscellaneous stuff, especially older people. If I'm going to give someone something which isn't that often since I don't generally stay in other people's homes, it's almost always something consumable unless it's a toy for their pet or something.

 

[Diana]

your presence would be good enough for me.

Aren't you sweet! If I get stuck near Wichita, we might get to test that out.

 

[wabower]

I'm pretty sure that most of the invites are because people enjoy your company and think it's neat that you're doing the fly-about.

It's probably a little late, but you might think about getting some picture frames and making up some "Official host, 2010 grass tour" certificates and presenting them to those who help along the way. Take lots of certificates and restock the frame inventory at any office supply along the way.

 

[Diana]

since I don't generally stay in other people's homes

Well, sometimes that can be "interesting" and even borderline scary at times.

it's almost always something consumable unless it's a toy for their pet or something.

Great idea! Off to Facebook to see if they have pets!

It's probably a little late, but you might think about getting some picture frames and making up some "Official host, 2010 grass tour" certificates and presenting them to those who help along the way. Take lots of certificates and restock the frame inventory at any office supply along the way.

What a good idea! Thanks, Wayne! I could even make it a gift certificate for the return favor with a photo of the farm. That wouldn't weigh too much in the Citabria.

 

[tonycondon]

we have a couch. we'd have to clean though...

Aren't you sweet! If I get stuck near Wichita, we might get to test that out.

 

[Diana]

we have a couch. we'd have to clean though...

A couch beats sleeping upright in the airplane. But, surely there won't be any bad weather in Kansas in May. No need to clean.......

I plan to fly to Marion from Ashland and then on to Cottonwood Falls to walk to town to check out the local diner (and maybe that B&B if it's late), then on to Beaumont, then on to Twin Oaks. But, from past experience, that is not necessarily likely to happen as planned.

 

[tonycondon]

well you'll definitely have to let us know when you'll be at beaumont and we'll try to come over. will you be spending the night there?

 

[gprellwitz]

Diana,

First, you're welcome here anytime, WITHOUT a hostess gift! (Yes, people do land in the grass at Clow!) Plus, we have a nice guest room sitting idle!

Second, the pleasure of your company is gift enough! Your smiling, bubbly spirit can make Boris Karloff smile, and that's gift enough for anyone!

If you REALLY feel you must make a gift, spring for dinner out. The W&B effects are negligible, and the recipient gets to spend even MORE time with you!

 

[SCCutler]

What Grant (and everyone else) said...

...Diana, you and Tom host guests fairly often; what gift do you expect from visitors?

From knowing you I suspect you are pretty much like me in this aspect: I enjoy having someone visit, the conversation and the break from the routine monotony that is my pathetic life.

That's gift enough for me.

OK, not saying *your* life is pathetic! But you get my point.

 

[silver-eagle]

You're welcome here in Ma any time. As for a gift, last trip I bought a bunch of nips of the local Whisky. When I got to where I was going, I then bought a normal bottle. One's for looking at, one's for drinking.
Could do the same with a local winery.

 

[steingar]

I usually carry a bunch of Origami models, or some paper for making some. They go over really well, and are light and take up little space.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

I agree, especially the way you are traveling (numerous stops which may not always happen, and in a small aircraft).
From personal experience, the memories....(and maybe some photos) are the best thing you can share with friends!

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Diana hugs are on the top of my list.
I know you have family here in the D/FW area, but I have room if needed.

Best,

Dave

 

[wabower]

I think I can round up some people to come over later today for beer and burgers at your place. I think we can write off the time as a charitable contribution under "mental health volunteer."

What time should we be there?

PS: Are you a 501(c)(3)?

What Grant (and everyone else) said...

...Diana, you and Tom host guests fairly often; what gift do you expect from visitors?

From knowing you I suspect you are pretty much like me in this aspect: I enjoy having someone visit, the conversation and the break from the routine monotony that is my pathetic life.

That's gift enough for me.

OK, not saying *your* life is pathetic! But you get my point.

 

[Amelia]

I understand and appreciate your concern. I love the photo/certificate idea, but
please, if you ever stop here in NE NC, plan to stay here, but don't bring anything but yourself and your wonderful stories. I'm not sure why people insist on showing up to my house with a bottle or two of wine. Sure, we'll drink it and enjoy it-- we always know what somebody else brought because it's not Two-Buck-Chuck, but I don't charge admission to this here circus. A bread-and-butter note after you get home is more than enough.

 

[Diana]

well you'll definitely have to let us know when you'll be at beaumont and we'll try to come over.

Okie dokes.

will you be spending the night there?

I'll only spend the night there if I can't get home before dark.

Diana,

First, you're welcome here anytime, WITHOUT a hostess gift! (Yes, people do land in the grass at Clow!) Plus, we have a nice guest room sitting idle!

Thank you for the offer. If I wasn't headed the other direction, I might take you up on that.

Second, the pleasure of your company is gift enough! Your smiling, bubbly spirit can make Boris Karloff smile, and that's gift enough for anyone!

Awwwww, how sweet!

If you REALLY feel you must make a gift, spring for dinner out. The W&B effects are negligible, and the recipient gets to spend even MORE time with you!

That's a good idea. Or, I could share some of my MRE's. I'll have about 25 meals in bags, ready to mix up...just add hot water.

...Diana, you and Tom host guests fairly often; what gift do you expect from visitors?

We don't want or expect anything. But, if you don't leave after several days, you'll get a chore list.

OK, not saying *your* life is pathetic! But you get my point.

I usually carry a bunch of Origami models, or some paper for making some. They go over really well, and are light and take up little space.

Now, THAT is a neat idea! I'd love to have one.

I agree, especially the way you are traveling (numerous stops which may not always happen, and in a small aircraft).
From personal experience, the memories....(and maybe some photos) are the best thing you can share with friends!

I love that photo of us. What a great host you were! Plus, flying around your part of the country with you was such a treat!

Diana hugs are on the top of my list.
I know you have family here in the D/FW area, but I have room if needed.

Thanks, Dave! BTW, I have an endless supply of hugs.

 

[Amelia]

Another thought: if you can't force yourself to show up empty-handed, and if you want something personal and light-weight, you could take a scenic photo or paint a pretty watercolor of your airplane gleaming in the late-afternoon sun, with all sorts of handsome agriculture in the background. The balloon/farm photo would be perfect. Then go down to the local copy shop and make note-cards. Tie half a dozen cards and envelopes up in pretty airplane-colored ribbon.

 

[SCCutler]

I think I can round up some people to come over later today for beer and burgers at your place. I think we can write off the time as a charitable contribution under "mental health volunteer."

What time should we be there?

PS: Are you a 501(c)(3)?

Wayne, I got in-laws in-town. You are welcome to show up, but be careful what you wish for.

OBTW, brisket, not burgers, but it all eats the same...

 

[Diana]

I understand and appreciate your concern. I love the photo/certificate idea, but
please, if you ever stop here in NE NC, plan to stay here, but don't bring anything but yourself and your wonderful stories. I'm not sure why people insist on showing up to my house with a bottle or two of wine. Sure, we'll drink it and enjoy it-- we always know what somebody else brought because it's not Two-Buck-Chuck, but I don't charge admission to this here circus. A bread-and-butter note after you get home is more than enough.

"Two-Buck-Chuck" Yep, that's the kind we buy for ourselves.

Another thought: if you can't force yourself to show up empty-handed, and if you want something personal and light-weight, you could take a scenic photo or paint a pretty watercolor of your airplane gleaming in the late-afternoon sun, with all sorts of handsome agriculture in the background. The balloon/farm photo would be perfect. Then go down to the local copy shop and make note-cards. Tie half a dozen cards and envelopes up in pretty airplane-colored ribbon.

What a great idea! I love it!

 

[Jeanie]

Hi Ya'll,

Diana I'm glad you asked this question as I'm flying to visit a long time ago school friend in Colorado in a couple of weeks. The ideas here have been good ones.
And, I'll add on that if you ever come out this way then feel free to come stay with us too... no gift needed !

How's the book coming along? Is this fly about in order to gather more stories for it? I'm looking forward to reading it

Cheers
J

 

[Mason]

When I really want to get someone something nice I get them something from OMAHA STEAKS, even if it is a lightweight gift certificate that can be carried without affecting the weight and balance <G>.

 

[wabower]

I'm proof-reading the book for her now. Here's the beginning:

It was a dark and stormy night . . .

Hi Ya'll,

Diana I'm glad you asked this question as I'm flying to visit a long time ago school friend in Colorado in a couple of weeks. The ideas here have been good ones.
And, I'll add on that if you ever come out this way then feel free to come stay with us too... no gift needed !

How's the book coming along? Is this fly about in order to gather more stories for it? I'm looking forward to reading it

Cheers
J

 

[wpierce]

I like Twinkies.

The offer from Rebecca and I is always open.

 

[Steve]

I've always thought a crisp $100 bill makes a nice thank you note.

So, what do you all think about aviation related hostess gift etiquette? Or am I asking in the wrong place?

I'm leaving next week to go on "walk about" again and several people have offered their homes, cars, etc. Aren't aviation people great?!?! I have only so much room in the Citabria for hostess gifts, like wine bottles (W&B ), but it would be nice to show my appreciation in an appropriate way. BTW any of you who have stayed here at the farm, or plan to stay here...you have an automatic waiver and if you stay longer than a few days, then you will get put to work.

What do you all do about hostess gifts?

 

[Diana]

And, I'll add on that if you ever come out this way then feel free to come stay with us too... no gift needed !

:smile:

How's the book coming along? Is this fly about in order to gather more stories for it? I'm looking forward to reading it

Cheers
J

Well, most of the chapters are written, but not polished or edited. Yes, this trip is to finish the originally planned trip so that I can better finish the book. I didn't like the last ending. So, I'm going to make a new ending.

When I really want to get someone something nice I get them something from OMAHA STEAKS, even if it is a lightweight gift certificate that can be carried without affecting the weight and balance <G>.

Oh, my, that looks expensive. Maybe the notecards would be better, or better yet, I'll leave one of my MRE's.

I'm proof-reading the book for her now. Here's the beginning:

It was a dark and stormy night . . .

Hey! How did you know?!?! Did you peek?????

I like Twinkies.

The offer from Rebecca and I is always open.

Thanks Wayne. I should get some Twinkies just in case. They don't weigh too much.

I've always thought a crisp $100 bill makes a nice thank you note.

Well, then hurry up here and be our guest because I need the money.

 

[bbchien]

Diana, all you need is a gracious smile....and maybe an autograph when the book is available....

 

[Skyhawk4754]

Diane, I doubt you will get this far north but if you do, the first day is on us, after that we have a "pitchfork" in the barn and written right on it are the words "FOOD PLAN".........you are welcome anytime.

 

[Diana]

Diana, all you need is a gracious smile....and maybe an autograph when the book is available....

Diane, I doubt you will get this far north but if you do, the first day is on us, after that we have a "pitchfork" in the barn and written right on it are the words "FOOD PLAN".........you are welcome anytime.

Thanks for the offer. Love your "FOOD PLAN"! Maybe we need to get one of those!

 

[jesse]

we have a couch. we'd have to clean though...

Why don't you clean for me?

 

[Diana]

Why don't you clean for me?

Uhhh, maybe because you aren't a girl? But, that was a good question. I'm looking forward to Tony's response (when he gets home).