I'm going to visit and I'm bringing. Well, everything has to be quick, so often you don't get further than shoving that bottle of wine from your own stock into your bag or a sad little bouquet that you score at the last minute. Too bad, because it's so nice to receive and give an original gift. It's not about the price, it's about having thought a little about it and paying attention. So, what are you bringing, and what absolutely not.

I never go visiting (unless it's family, relatives, or friends that I see almost daily) without bringing something for the host or hostess. It doesn't matter if it's a drink, a small dinner, or a huge party.

Tip 1: Be creative and make it personal.

Nothing wrong with that bunch or that bottle, but I actually want to advocate for choosing something more original and personal more often. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are visiting. If you know someone loves certain music, burn a CD with songs you've compiled yourself. Or give an iTunes gift card so he or she can create a playlist digitally. If you're invited to a housewarming, try to find out the color theme of the new home and adjust your gift accordingly. Or make a little booklet with all the nice addresses near the new house. The ultimate gift is one that you can't get anywhere else and is made just for the hostess, and the hostess alone.

Tip 2: Gift drawer.

When I travel, I collect gifts that I keep at home in my gift drawer. This way, I'm never short of a present when I'm invited somewhere. During my last trip to Turkey, I found some cool ladles at the market that I bought with one of my culinary friends in mind. Crazy vintage tea towels, booklets with exotic recipes, fun notebooks, herbs from Morocco – you name it. And, I collect wrapping paper, colorful tape, and ribbons because presentation is half the fun.

How is it actually done?

According to the age-old etiquette of How Is It Actually Done, when you bring something, it is not the intention for the recipient to have to do a lot of work to find a place for the gift. The best example of a don't in this is a bouquet of flowers. A suitable vase must be found, the bouquet must be unwrapped from the cellophane (brrrr), and the stems must be cut at an angle. Once all that is done, a suitable spot must also be found. Quite a hassle.

Tip: If you really want to give flowers, make sure they are already ready in a vase. What you can also do is have the bouquet delivered after dinner or the party.

Avoid: items that are too dependent on personal taste, such as bath products, perfumes, or clothing. At a birthday party, of course, if you know the personal preference or wish of the recipient, you can choose a specific scent, but it is not customary to give perfume when you are invited for dinner.

Thank you

If you are invited somewhere, if you have stayed with someone, or if someone has done you a favor, you can of course send an email to thank them. It's nicer to pay a little more attention and send a card. Of course, you don't do this on your business letterhead but on a modest (preferably traditionally white) card made of nice paper with a matching envelope. I buy my Thank You notes at Smythson in London, known for their luxury stationery. But at better office supply stores, you can probably find something suitable as well.

How to write a good Thank You card

You start with the thank you. Then you try to explain why you found it so nice/fun/beautiful or special. You can end by thanking again. Anyway, keep it short and remember that a thank you letter is never about your life and well-being. This writing is solely intended to thank someone for their hospitality, the gift, or whatever.

Thank you notes belong to a beautiful old tradition that has unfortunately fallen into disrepair due to the digital age. So dear Amayzine girls, come on! Let's revive this tradition that has everything to do with being kind to each other. I am already immensely grateful to you.