Gifts Etc. Blog!

Lobster for Dinner?

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:52:00 +0000

Thinking of having an outstanding dinner with lobster as your main entree. Why not make the presentation of the meal complete by serving on our lobster dinnerware?

Yesterday I had the privilege of assisting a client with her questions regarding pieces from our lobster dinnerware collection of dishes. We discussed how messy lobster can be when eating. One of the questions was "What to do with the shells?" http://www.giftsetc.com/ has the perfect solution it is a piece we have been selling for years the Lobster serving bowl # 5943D015. This bowl is perfect to be placed in the center of the table for approximately four quest to use to place the discarded shells as they eat their lobster. The bowl can also be used for serving salad or something as simple as popcorn or chips.

The second questions we discussed was "How to accommodate the service of lobster so that you do not get water all over your table?" . Our recommendation is using the 14" Lobster Platter as a serving piece for each person (it would be used as their plate since lobster really does not fit well on a standard size dinner plate). The lobster can be placed across the center of the platter and you have room to add lettuce for garnishing along with steamed potatoes and lemon wedges. The platter is large enough that the lobster does not hang over the plate and drip water onto your table. The lobster platter can also be used to serve fish, shrimp or any other item of your choice.

Not only do these pieces add style to any presentation of food but they are convenient to use. All of the lobster dinnerware collection is dishwasher and microwave safe and must for our busy lifestyles. As always we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products. I am here Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5:00 and will personally take your call just ask for Marilynn.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself!

Sincerely,

Marilynn
http://www.giftsetc.com/

March is Women's History Month

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:26:00 +0000

As modern American women we often look for inspiration. We look to other women whose life story can provide encouragement, guidance and that all important proof that we can make it. We can survive. In our search we often look to those who we believe have idealist lives; these include women who are political figures, media moguls, and entertainment icons. However often the greatest women whose stories can provide inspiration are those found when we look back in history, to those women that were not famous, were not wealthy, but were ordinary women placed in unbelievable situations.

Stories of great inspiration can be found in those women who lived during the times of the American Revolution. Elizabeth Hill Halbert was born on Sept 18, 1747 in Caroline County, Virginia. She married John Halbert in 1765 of Essex County, Virginia. By the time of the American Revolution, Elizabeth and John already had two children. During her third pregnancy; John was away participating in the Revolutionary War. Elizabeth gave birth to her third child without her husband by her side, without the use of modern drugs and without the comforts of modern conveniences including running water, inside bathroom faculties, air conditioning and heating. Three days after delivering her baby she was ?visited? by her neighbors who were Troyes?s. They opposed the war, and freedom from England. They held her at gun point. While having a shotgun held to her head she watched her home being destroyed. Her own neighbors took her possession down to the mattress ticking of her bed where she had given birth just three days before. She was without her husband, without the assistance of good neighbors, with no furnishing or necessities and three small children. Just think she lived in a time without 911 and without modern communications. She had to pull herself together. She had to be strong without the help of reading the latest blog postings or self help book. She had to do this without her husband, who was way fighting for their freedom. You have to wonder what she did. Did she pray? Did she cry out?

What we do know is she survived. Her husband returned from the war. They had four additional children and lived as a family in their new country, the United States of America. Her story was told from one generation to the next and was accepted in 1904 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Elizabeth Hill Halbert?s name was placed into the Daughters of the American Revolution?s Registry of Patriots. Her story has been recorded in history for those who read it to be inspired. Her story clearly shows in spite of our current situations we are so blessed to be Americans in a free country, a country for which she and her family sacrificed. Her story is that of inspiration of the everyday life that lived through incredible times and events.

In Honor of all Women who have serve as inspiration use this coupon code 25USA and receive 25% on any American item on orders placed during the month of March 2010.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself!

Sincerely,
Marilynn

Red Hat and Purple Dress or was it a Purple Hat and Red Coat?

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Our website, http://www.giftsetc.com/ has sold red hat products for several years. It has been our pleasure to assist clients with products for either their red hat collections or for their fellow red hat friends. Even though I have sold these items (We have really nice porcelain gifts available with two different patterns and jewelry.) I really never wanted to identify myself with this group of distinguished ladies due to the age associated with membership to the group As each year passes I realize those red hat years are approaching.

Today, I embraced the thought and understood the purpose of the red hat or in my case the purple hat. Wearing a red hat and a purple dress is to symbolize doing as you please. Your actions are not mean spirited or filled with anger; your actions are just as you please.

This morning as walking my dog, Mollee, I realized as cars drove pass my yard I was the lady in the long red coat, light blue jogging pants and purple fleece cap. I was dressed in just the reverse of the red hat and purple dress and I really did not care at that moment. I was warm. So now when I process an order for red hat products I can smile and laugh to myself. I still have a few years left to reach the official membership requirements but I understand and appreciated the meaning so much more.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself!

Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Scottish Terrier Breed Proudcts and More

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:31:00 +0000

What fun it is for all pet lovers especially dog enthusiast to get the results of the Westminster Kennel Club Championship Show. Congratulations for Best of Show this year goes to a Scottish Terrier, named "Sadie". What a win for the Scottish Terrier bread and all of those associated with the 2010 Best of Show Champion dog. It is amazing how many terriers have won the Best of Breed Championship in the history of Westminster. 44 terriers have been victorious as Best of Show Champion over the134 year history of the Westminster show. Maybe it is their cute and lively personalized that really shows in the competition.

As a pet owner it has been so much fun to offer pet themed products on our http://www.giftsetc.com/ site over the years. I love dogs but must admit dachshunds (after all I have Miss Mollee who comes to work with me) and Labradors have a special place in my heart. We have a wonderful collection of pet themed gifts which include a large selection of breed specific patterns available on a variety of home accessory. We also have a collection of breed specific jewelry items. The Scottish Terrier design is featured on one of our most popular style coffee mugs on our site; we also offer affordable Scotty earrings and a Scotty charm perfect for charm bracelets or worn on a chain for a Scotty necklace.

All orders placed during the month of February for any pet related item get a special offer free gift or Laginappe. You can preview the gift - it was selected in honor the the Westminster Show.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to your self or maybe your dog!

Sincerely,

Marilynn Jane

Wear the COLORS

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:58:00 +0000

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb 16th 2010; that is tomorrow! Wear the official colors of Mardi Gras - Purple, Green and Gold with any of our Mardi Gras Jewelry. The nice thing about our jewelry is it can be worn all year long to remind you of happy carnival memories.

Each of the three colors has it own symbolic meaning. Purple represents Justice, Green represents Faith and Gold represents Power. These have been the colors for Mardi Gras since 1872 when selected by King of Carnival, Rex. Carnival is a fun filled season before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lassiez Bons Temps Roule!

Happy Mardi Gras and happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself.
Sincerely,
Marilynn

Mardi Gras is Next Week

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Mardi Gras Day is next Tuesday, February 16th and what a fun and festive season it has been especially with the Saints Super Bowl victory. It is not too late to order last minute favors and gifts to give. Our fleur de lis key ring and pin, make wonderful office gifts to share with co works on Mardi Gras Day all are economically priced under $5.00. These items can ship either the same day or next day. If you need these for Mardi Gras please note on your order in the comment section and we will follow up with you if a service other than ground is needed so that your products reach you by next Tuesday.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself.

Happy Mardi Gras

Sincerely,

Marilynn

PS: these items make great favors wedding guest too!

Fleur De Lis - YES!!!

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:26:00 +0000

What a day in history we witnessed yesterday, THE SAINTS WON THE SUPERBOWL! I have watched the Saints play football all my life and have watched their win yesterday on television; the unbelievable happened! It is not only exciting for the city of New Orleans but the entire State of Louisiana. We now know what it is to have our team win the Superbowl - what Joy, Fun and Excitment. Today I look at my Fleur de Lis items with greater pride and joy in my heart. Not only does the Fleur De Lis symbolize my French hertiage but now the symbol of the Superbowl champs. In honor of their historic win we are offering a special collector tin featuring the fleur de lis symbol with the purchase of either the gold or silver Fleur de Lis lapel pin style #LPP113*.

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself and congratulations to the Saints and their loyal fans who have followed the team for decades!

Sincerely,

Marilynn Jane

http://www.giftsetc.com/

*Free tins are available while supplies last.

Think RED Monogramed Gifts for Valentine's Day

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:04:00 +0000

Valentine?s Day is one of the ?sweetest? days of the year. It is always nice to take the time to tell the special people in our lives how much they mean to us. Candy is the most popular gift for Valentine?s Day but once it is gone so can be the memory of your gift which symbolizes your love, so why not give a personalized monogrammed gift which will last all year long. www.giftsetc.com has a wonderful collection of personalized gifts available with RED monogramming perfect for Valentine?s Day.

Looking for an economical gift consider our classic mug which is $4.95. This mug is perfect for our busy lifestyles; it is can be used in the microwave and dishwasher safe. This item ships in a white gift box and for Valentine?s Day complete with a red bow ready for gift giving. Add red flower dots to the mug for more Valentine fun. We also have a wonderful square plate perfect for serving your favorite, bonbon, truffle or assorted chocolates. This porcelain plate is square, dishwasher and microwave safe, ships in a white gift box with a red bow for Valentine?s Day and is priced below $10.00. This plate style is also available in two additional sizes, medium plate and large plate and is shipped with the same gift ready packaging.

If you are thinking outside the box for Valentine?s Day consider the Chinese Food Take Out container. This is one of the cutest pieces we offer in our entire line. This porcelain piece is perfect for candy or a small plate to be inserted into. It can be used in the microwave and placed in the dishwashing machine by removing the metal handle. The item ships gift ready for Valentine?s Day in a white gift box with a red bow.

As always we are here to assist you with your gift giving needs even if it is a gift to yourself.

Happy Valentine's Day

Marilynn Jane
www.giftsetc.com

Go Saints

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:11:00 +0000

Okay here it is - GO SAINTS in the Super Bowl. As a life long resident of Louisiana, I can not believe the Saints are in the Super Bowl! Maybe that is why the winter has been so cold here? There is an unbelievable the amount of excitement in the air. It is really the top topic of conversation everywhere you go. I have worn our Fleur de lis jewelry and used the Fleur de lis items in my home for years and know it is even more fun. So enjoy the day and enjoy the game and give our Fleur de lis gifts with joy.

Happy New Year 2010 - The Year of Lagniappe

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2010!!! We are so excited about 2010. We have new products and promotions planned for 2010 and are anxious to share them with you. Most of all we know without you, our customers, none of this would be possible. It is a true joy to assist you with gifts and have the opportunity to do what we love everyday at work. We are so thankful for you, our customers. In the true spirit of appreciation and gift giving we are naming 2010 the Year of Lagniappe at http://www.giftsetc.com/

The Year of Lagniappe is simply our way of saying THANK YOU. For those outside of South Louisiana you may have never heard of the term, "Lagniappe", but we are sure it is something you will like. Lagniappe is a French Cajun word for a small gift made by the seller as a gesture of appreciation. Lagniappe is a FREE GIFT for purchasing. www.giftsetc.com will include one free gift which will be a little something extra in each order that ships.* (see details on Lagniappe giveaways).

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year filled with immeasurable Joy, Peace, and Love with Blessings of Health and Prosperity.

Sincerely,
Marilynn Jane
www.giftsetc.com

Year of Lagniappe Free Gift Give Away Details.
A free gift will be included with each order that ships between 1-1-2010 to 12-31-2010.
Only one free gift per order.
The free gift will ship to one location only. Location will be the ship to address shown on the order.
Customer can not request a specific free gift item.
Selection of the free gift item will be at the random selection of the staff of www.giftsetc.com.
Free gift item may or may not have a US regional, patriotic, holiday or religious theme. Free gift is in no way intended to convey any statement. This is a free gift of a random item with no suggestive or implied message.
In the event the gift item is damaged in shipping replacement will not be sent.
Free gift item may or may not be a current item shown on the www.giftsetc.com.
Free gift item may or may not be able to be purcahsed, reordered, added to if it is part of a set or collection, or replaced.
Orders are only eligible for free gifts that are accepted in their entirety. Orders refused or returned for any reason will not be eligible for a free gift. Orders returned or refused without free gifts will be charged the standard retail value as determined by www.giftsetc.com and the shipping and handling. This charge will be applied against any credit or refund for the returned or refused order.
Client wishing not to a free gift ship with the order to the ship to address this request can be honored by emailing sales@giftsetc.com with "No free gift to ship with order # (this is your order # from your order confirmation) in the subject line. Email must be sent within one hour of order being placed to be eligible for free gift to not be included with order.
Refer to website for additional product information or write sales@giftsetc.com .

Holiday Season

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

It is impossible to believe that Christmas is one month from today. The Holiday Season is here! Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow. We have so much to be thankful for each and every day. We are thankful for you our customers.

We will be in our office this Friday to answer any questions you may have during normal office hours of 9 am to 5 pm, call 800-218-9132 or email sales@giftsetc.com.

Wishing you and yours and very Happy Thanksgiving day!

Happy gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself.

Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Customer Service

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:26:00 +0000

It was been quite some time since I have posted to our blog. Technical difficulty were an excess at the beginning and then I simple got writers block. Well here I go with a new posting.

Customer Service
Earlier this week I answered the telephone; it was a call from a client wanting to check on an order. I mentioned to her I was answering the call on my head set while in the production room and that I would have to go to my desk. She understood and provided me with her name and order number. I then asked what was on the order. She told me, ?Six red hat mugs.? I said, ?I processed that order yesterday, it is in shipping.? She was pleased with the reply and seemed surprised that I had remembered her order.

We sincerely appreciate each order. We read your orders, process your orders and ship out your orders from our location. Our customer service is done 100% in house. We answer our own telephone. We do not out source your calls to commercial customer service, which is very common for ecommerce sites. We are here at our office, Monday ? Friday, 9 am to 5 pm CST. If you call during none office hours or during office hours and get our voice mail system we will return your call. We reply to our own emails promptly if you prefer that type of communication. We look forward to assisting you with quality customer service making gift easy even if it is a gift to yourself.

Why do we use cup and saucers to serve tea?

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Tea is served in a cup and saucer set in modern western world. The cup and saucer unit is stylish but also functional. Here are a few pointers about why we use a cup and saucer to serve tea.

~ The saucer provided a place to rest the spoon after use.
~ A spoon is used to swish tea back and forth being careful not to touch the sides of the cup. Do not make clinking sounds.
~ Never leave the spoon in the tea take it out and rest it on the saucer.
~ Place the spoon on the saucer, behind the cup, on the right hand side under the handle of the cup.
~ Do not sip tea from the spoon.

Enjoy a cup of tea in a cup and saucer. Share a cup of tea with a friend and remember the proper way to serve tea is with a cup and saucer. I personally love our Magnolia cup and saucer and have used them for years. Look around our site we have many styles and patterns.

Have fun reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn

How to Hold a Cup and Saucer?

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Since January is National Hot Tea Month I thought it would be fun to write about the correct way to hold a cup and saucer. There is a proper way to hold a cup and saucer. Here are a few tips to assist you when being served hot tea in holding the cup and saucer correctly.

How to Hold A Cup and Saucer?
~ Pick up the cup and saucer together.
~ You should hold the saucer in one hand and the cup in the other.
~ The best way to hold to cup is to slip your index finger through the handle, up to almost the first knuckle, then balance and secure the cup by placing your thumb on the top of the handle and allowing the bottom of the handle to rest on your middle finger.
~ The ring finger and pinkie finger should rest by curving back to the wrist.
~ Your should NOT extend your pinkie finger in direct contrast to popular opinion.

It is a lot of fun to teach children the correct way to hold cup and saucers. You can simple brew a pot of tea and enjoy serving them and showing them the proper technique needed for drinking tea. I did this many years ago with my God children. I gave them a special cup and saucer for the "event" which they still use and cherish to this day. Our monogrammed cup and saucers are perfect for this type of activity with children. Trends come and go in life; good manners last a life time and that is the main purpose of teaching children how to use a cup and saucer.

Check out our cup and saucers. Looking for a different design please call or email and we will be happy to try and assist you.

Happy Reading and Shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn

National Hot Tea Month

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:18:00 +0000

January is National Hot Tea Month. January is the perfect month with our winter temperatures to enjoy a cup of hot tea. Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. In honor of National Hot Tea Month I want to sure a little info about tea with you.

Great discoveries are often by accident. Legend has it, in 2727 BC the Chinese Emperor Citric Nung, who was a skilled ruler, creative scientist and patron of the arts discovered tea by accident. While a servant was boiling water for hygienic reasons leaves from a tree dropped into a cup of boiling water. The water turned brown, Shen Nung was curious and drank it. He found this new drink refreshing and aromatic. Tea has been an important part of many cultures for approximately 5000 years.

Tea and wine share a common fact in that both come from a single plant. All tea comes from one plant, Cameillia sinesis, which is a warm weather evergreen. The evergreen can grow up to 60 feet in the wild, but when cultivated for harvest it is keep about three feet in height. More than 3000 varieties of tea have been documented. Just like wine different climate, soil conditions and the processing techniques determine the flavor of tea.

I for one am very happy tea was discovered. I enjoy hot tea and more importantly love teapots. I have collecting teapots since childhood. Often when traveling I will search for a teapot to be my souvenir from a trip. Teapots can be both functional and decorative in nature. www.giftsetc.com offers a nice collection of teapots. Some of which I have in my home and use. The teapots on our site are dishwasher and microwave safe perfect for our busy lifestyles.

Happy New Year! - Enjoy a good cup of tea and look for additional info on tea during the month of January at www.giftsetc.com

Happy Reading and Shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

New Year 2009

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2009! New Year?s Day I think maybe the most universal holiday of the entire year and the easiest to celebrate. There are no religious associations to be concerned about, no concern for a change in the date of the day problem to worry about. For me it is the most politically correct holiday we celebrate. Saying Happy New Year is just being nice!

Different celebrations and customs are followed around our nation. New York is famous for the big ball drop in Times Square. In post Katrina New Orleans the New Year has been celebrated with the dropping of a Gumbo pot. This year I understand a change for the event in New Orleans has been made to dropping a Fluer de lis.

What ever and wherever you are, New Year?s is a special time. It is a time for each person to celebrate the survivor of the past year and a time to give thanks for the blessings, opportunities and prosperity we have experienced. The New Year offers a chance to grow and make resolutions to diet, exercise and be healthier, to clean and be more organized, to be wiser, more giving and more thankful. It is a time to celebrate and plan for the year ahead.

The first step in any project is often considered the hardest one to take. I hope you have someone to not only step with you into the New Year but to dance with into the New Year. If not you have 365 days to plan for 2010, make 2009 the best year of your life. For me New Year?s 2000 started with a proposal of marriage at the stroke of mid night that changed my life for the best! You really never know what the New Year has in store of any of us.

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR filled with happiness, prosperity, peace, joy and love. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com in 2009
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Celebrations

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:44:00 +0000

Christmas is just days away! New Year's 2009 is next week. Mardi Gras is February 24, 2009. We look forward to a wonderful time of celebration with our family and friends over the next few days and coming weeks. We also look forward to assisting you with gifts for the upcoming Carnival season. Wishing you joy, peace, happiness and all the best in your Celebrations of the Seasons!

Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Fleur de Lis Glassware & Bar Accessories

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:51:00 +0000

www.giftsetc.com offers a collection of Fleur de lis Glassware & Bar Accessories. Many of these pieces have been top sellers on our site for several years. The items are hand decorated in Louisiana with a Louisiana created pewter casting. The items have a very sophisticated style. These pieces are perfect as a gift for a wedding, or as a favor or crew gift for Mardi Gras. The pieces are in various price points fitting most budgets.

The best feature I like about the glass items offered on our site is the fact that the pieces are dishwasher safe. We have tested these pieces. My mother has been using a set of the Fleur de Lis Beverage Glass and the Fleur de Lis Double Old Fashion glasses in her home for everyday use for about six years. These glasses have been used thousands of times and washed in her dishwasher daily. We are often asked, "Do you use the products you sell?" The answer is yes. We often try out pieces before placing them on our site. We want the products we offer to be of quality. These pieces happen to some of our favorite items.

When we process an order for glasses the pieces ship in packaging appropriate for gift giving. Most items are packaged in a white gift box. If you indicate when ordering we are happy to package with ribbon ready for gift giving at the time the order is unpacked at no additional cost.

Keep these in mind for Mardi Gras gifts. Mardi Gras 2009 is on Tuesday, February 24th.

Happy Reading and Shopping with www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
http://www.giftsetc.com

Do Not Forget Our Sale Items

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:13:00 +0000

Everyone loves a sale, well most people do. I love to sale shop. I want to remind readers to check out our sale items. The pieces offered in this section are all first quality items. Many of the pieces were over runs. These items are available for same day shipping and perfect for holiday gift giving.

One of my favorite pieces in this section is the vase with the yellow rose pattern. I like to name many of the designs or patterns we offer on china items to make it easy to identify when processing orders. This yellow rose pattern is actually named after my dog, Libbie. The pattern really does not look like Libbie but as a childless married woman I found it very appropriate to name a pattern or design after "my child", Libbie. Libbie is a chocolate lab; I think she is as beautiful as this yellow rose pattern.

This vase is really very nice and sure to be perfect for anyone who loves antique reproductions. The vase has nice detailing and a very soft shape. The rose pattern appears to be hand painted; it has rich colors and nice enamel detailing. The piece is decorated in the United States; it is dishwasher safe. We do have a stock of this item so do not be afraid to order today for Christmas.

If you have a question about this item or any product on our web site, please call during normal office hours, Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm central standard time. We are welcomed to leave a voice mail message and we will get back with you.

Happy Reading and Shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Crawfish / Lobster Dinnerware

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Today I had the pleasure to assist a client with an order over the telephone. The order was placed by a lady who grew up in my home state of Louisiana. She no longer lives in our area but cherishes her connection to Louisiana. She had been searching for additional crawfish dinnerware pieces to add to her collection. She had found our site by searching Google. She ordered a soup tureen with the crawfish/lobster pattern to add to her collection of dinner ware pieces. Most people from Southern Louisiana associate our area with crawfish, or "little Cajun Lobsters". Over the years we have produced thousands of pieces with the crawfish/lobster pattern offered on our site. Often it is only a matter of geography that determines the name by which this pattern is described. Earlier this month I assisted a lady looking for ?lobster? dinner plates.

The crawfish dinnerware we offer on our web site has been produced by our company under two line names prior to our www.giftsetc.com site. Pieces produced back in the late 1980's were labeled with our parent's company name of Ceramic Treasures, Inc. This logo often has an alligator with our home town name of New Iberia, Louisiana. In the 1990's we launched our gift line, Faust Heirlooms, offering American decorated porcelain specializing in antique reproductions of tea set pieces. Pieces were produced with the same crawfish art and were labeled with our Faust Heirlooms logo. The Faust Heirlooms logo features a column design.

The crawfish/ lobster art for this design is not an original piece that we designed. The art I understand dates back to the 1970's when the pieces were carried by Dillard's and Goudeux's here in Louisiana and on the Gulf Coast. Many of the original pieces I have been told were produced in various factories in Europe. Some of the older pieces had oyster shells in the design in addition to the crawfish/lobster design. If anyone knows of any additional history about this pattern please let me know.

It is really rewarding as a small business when clients order to add to their collections of items. We are always happy to speak with client in assisting them with product questions, especially when working on adding to collections. Maree and I really love what we do and are so thankful for our orders. We try to take pride in our work and provide attention to detail for when shipping gifts. Please feel free to call our office during normal office hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm central standard time, Monday - Friday. You can leave messages at other times and we will return your call.

Happy reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Street Car Ornament

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:53:00 +0000

New Orleans is rich in history. There are many landmarks and attractions that when seen you immediately think of New Orleans ,one of which is the New Orleans Street Car. The New Orleans Street car is the oldest continuously operating street car system in the world. It is truly an historic attraction.

www.giftsetc. offers an original and exclusive, Louisiana Made, ornament made of polished pewter to celebrate the New Orleans Streetcar. The Street Car Ornament is a perfect for anyone who loves New Orleans. It makes a perfect gift for the holiday season, as a convention or Mardi Gras favor or as a gift for those attending a special event or wedding in New Orleans.

The art for this original ornament was taken from a pencil drawing I drew in the early 1990s. It shows lots of detail. The ornament can be hung on a tree or displayed year round on a display stand. It is very affordable priced at $4.95 each.

This item is available for same day shipping on orders placed before 2 pm cst.

Happy reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Gifts In Time For Christmas

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:15:00 +0000

We want to THANK everyone who is ordering gifts for the holiday season from www.giftsetc.com. It is our pleasure to assist you with gift giving. We understand how important having gifts for specific dates are to everyone. We are processing orders daily. Any order placed by Dec 16 Th shipped via standard ground service should be safe for Christmas giving anywhere in the continental United States. Any order placed after the 16th if there is any question of it reaching you we will contact you for possible express service if needed. If any item is not available we will let you know.

We sincerely appreciate you allowing us to supply you with gifts for your holiday needs.

Happy shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Fleur de Lis Favors and Gifts

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:57:00 +0000

Christmas is rapidly approaching and so is Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras 2009 is February 24th. We have two new Fleur de Lis items I would like to point out that make perfect gifts for this Christmas season or favors for Mardi Gras.

The first one is our new Fleur de Lis Key Ring with Bling. It is very economically priced at $1.95 each. This item as a little bling. It is made of silver poly resin in the shape of the Fleur de Lis. It is enhanced with clear rhinestones and an attached metal chain and key ring.

The second new item I want to point out is our new Fleur de Lis Magnetic Memo Clip. This is a perfect favor or office gift. It can be used to jot down a grocery list or just make note of something important, your guests are sure to use these pretty Memo Collection memo pad favors over and over. Each magnetic memo pad measures 4 �" x 3" and features a silver poly resin pad holder clip in a detailed Fleur de Lis shape, enhanced with clear rhinestones and backed with a magnet for easy attachment to the fridge or other metal surface.

These two item coordinates well together. We have used the memo clip in our office on a file cabinet in the processing room and find it very useful with a nice modern style with a little bling. The key ring is a nice size and is comfortable in your pocket.

Happy reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

What would you serve sugar plums on?

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:08:00 +0000

The Sugar Plum Fairy is a character in The Nutcracker and children have been known to dream of sugar plums in literature. But what is and how would you serve sugar plums?

Sugar plums are round or oval candy made of sugar. I checked out several recipes and found out as with any recipe there are lots of variations. One thing I can determine from all of the recipes (some have plums in them others do not) is that sugar plums should be served just like chocolates or truffles. A dish like our Monogrammed Square Tray, or our very affordable Monogrammed Plate (priced under $10.00) would be perfect to serve sugar plums on or give as a gift with sugar plums on it. These two pieces make perfect gifts; they really show how thoughtful you were in selecting their gift. The person receiving it as a gift knows you planned this gift for them since it is monogrammed. The dishes are dishwasher and microwave safe and decorated in the USA.

Happy reading and shopping at www.giftsetc.com
Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Don't forget those little dancers...

blog@giftsetc.com (Gifts Etc Blog) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:22:00 +0000

www.giftsetc.com offers a wonderful collection of items perfect for the little dancer / ballerina in your world this holiday season. These items are perfect for dancers, dance teachers, friends from dance classes are a gift for yourself. Many of these pieces are exclusive to Gifts Etc; they are pieces designed created by Maree.

Maree and I were both blessed to have taken dancing lessons as children. We have very happy memories of ballet lessons from a wonderful lady, "Mrs. Twinkle". I never process an order with a dance theme piece that I do not think of the wonderful times spent in the dance studio.

Don't miss the chance to give one of these wonderful gifts to the dancer in your world this holiday season.

Happy reading, shopping and gift giving even if it is a gift to yourself.

Sincerely,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com