Blinkdecor : Eye On Design :

Ah, summertime. Lemonade, sunbathing, weekends away, and houseguests… If you happen to be lucky enough to get invited to a seaside setting or a lovely country home, do not go empty handed or show your thanks by offering to buy the groceries. So awkward. No, you need to show your gratitude to your hosts for getting you away from laundry, errands, and the computer, especially if you are an urban dweller escaping from the steaming hot pavement covered backyard you call home. A guest should not only show his or her appreciation, but also be thoughtful enough to demonstrate that you know what these dear souls would like.

Most definitely your hosts would just love a fully loaded I-phone, complete with photos of junior or their favorite pooch, not to mention a downloaded music collection. However, if this is out of your reach, we have compiled a list of things that still show your appreciation as well as some gift giving ingenuity.

*The docking station in blue or black lacquer is a very reasonable gift for $35 for your technophile friends, available at Kanga Room.

*If you are visiting people who love to picnic or like to have beach bonfires, consider the table grill for $300 at A+R.

*For those who seemingly have it all, plus a sense of humor, how about the voodoo knife holder, on sale for $120 also at A+R.

*We have always been huge fans of the Molo float glasses found at Napa home. They are perfect for summer entertaining because the suspended glass prevents moisture from creating table rings. The pair of martini glasses are $125 but they are also available as wine or highball glasses.

*If you are visiting nature lovers, this new birdfeeder from DWR is a knockout at $150 and available in many mod colors.

*One of our personal favorites are monogrammed lounge covers for poolside seating. Embroideree will custom embroider a monogram, logo, or phrase, all for only $45 each. This is a very personalized gift that is something that your host or hostess will be remember long after your visit.

*A twist on the old standby gift of candles, are the votives that appear to sit on a log. A veritable steal at $18. See Zipper Gifts.

Happy Summmer!