Hostess Gifts for New Years Eve Parties...

With Christmas behind us (can you believe it?) we're looking forward to watching the ball drop in New York City and usher in an era of courage...

As we looking forward to the New Year's Eve parties coming up this week. The "What can I bring?" isn't always answered with something specific but it's always nice to arrive with a little something. A bottle of wine or champagne can work, as can flowers, candles or a game...

Wine is a big hit with my friends. We usually bring a bottle for the party and a bottle for the hostess. Dinner parties can be a little tricky as wine changes it's taste based on the foods it is paired with. A fun gift is to pair a bottle of wine with a great cheese and give them both. It could work with the party or as a little snack in the days to come.

I love winter flowers... the bright colors seem to offset the dreary winter weather. It's good to pick flowers already in a container so the hostess doesn't have to worry about that during the party.

Candles wrapped in a little cellophane and tied with ribbon can be a nice thank you gift. I like to include a little match book or lighter... again so there is no hunting anything down to use the gift. It's like getting an electronic gift that comes with batteries!

Games! Yes... some people have great traditions of game playing. Games are great for the night and can be used long after the event. My new favorite is all the city versions of Monopoly... anyone can play and enjoy a featured city.

If you have any favorite hostess gift ideas you'd like to share please post them in the comments section.

Happy New Year!

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
www.obbgiftsnashville.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Family Fun in Franklin TN

Every year the Ross Family heads down to Franklin to take in the Dicken's of a Christmas two day event. I'm such a HUGE fan of The Christmas Carol and this event seems to kick off the holidays in earnest for me.

Here's a little video of the day...



For a little history on Franklin, TN.

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
www.obbgiftsnashville.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Happy Holidays

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
www.obbgiftsnashville.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Nashville's Christmas Tree lit up the cold Dec 4th Night

The 57th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade made it's way through Nashville's historic downtown Friday December 4th. It all started with Mayor Karl Dean lighting the Christmas Tree at the Public Square with the parade following down Broadway and finishing at LP Field.

Video to Channel 2 report

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Who have you been validated today?

Validation isn't just for parking attendants... everyday we can let someone know that we appreciate them! Validate someone's efforts today...it's free!!!



Thanks to David Wood for showing me this video.

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Happy Holidays!!!

I know... it is hard to believe we are on the holiday count down... but as a corporate gift giver you are probably looking to ship by the week of December 10th...

Savor the season with gifts that promote good will and great relationships. Create memorable moments by giving a gift that reflects great taste and warm wishes.

For a thoughtful gift that stands out from the rest, leave it to us!

I will help you select a beautifully-designed, custom-crafted gift to fit any need or budget. Each gift basket is made to order with fabulous gourmet snacks and sweets, and professionally wrapped with hand-tied ribbon.




Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Are You Making Your List and Checking it Twice?

The older I get the more I need to check that list!!! I'm always forgetting someone... which I have to say is horrible for a gift basket company owner... but life seems to be always moving at 90 miles an hour.

Here is a little help to make sure you remember everyone...

Mother
Father
Stepmother
Stepfather
Mother-in-law
Father-in-law
Daughter(s)
Son(s)
Sister(s)
Brother(s)
Aunt(s)
Uncle(s)
Niece(s)
Nephew(s)
Cousin(s)
Priest/Minister/Rabbi
Teacher(S)
Friend(s)
Neighbor(s)
Housekeeper
Secretary
Boss
Co-workers
Babysitter
Paper Carrier
Mail Carrier
Roommate(s)
Hairstylist
Manicurist
Unexpected Guests

Let's chat for just a minute about the unexpected guest. Small gift baskets are great for the unexpected guest OR for that last minute hostess gift. 3 items including a savory snack such as a pretzel mix, cookies, and a chocolate treat packaged in a tin or small basket are a great cost effective unisex gift to have on hand... and if you don't need it the snacks will come in handing in January!

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Happy Halloween

I am a horror movie buff and always in-search of the next big scare... Paranormal Activity did NOT disappoint and I recommend this movie to anyone excited about indie films (I hear it cost between $11,000-$15,000 to make) and scary movies in general!

Movie tickets make a great corporate gift during the holidays, for a thank you or for team building. Plastic gift certificate cards can be packaged in a movie themed container with a bag of popcorn and a soda... I wouldn't leave out the opportunity for a little chocolate but that is just me!

55 days until Santa's visit!!!

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

OBB gives second place to Universal in the Second Annual Melrose Music Meat and Greet.

I was on hand to see the awards given out at the second annual Melrose Music Meat and Greet! OBB Nashville donated the second prize - a large galvanized tin full of treats perfect for a little tailgating. The music industry has been very supportive of OBB Nashville and I'm thrilled to give back. To highlight the art and spirit of giving that is as much a part of Music City as the music, all monetary awards were split with local charities. Congratulations to Universal for winning second place and Sony for taking home the trophy!

It was a great night full of amazing barbecue!!! My husband Jefferson Ross, singer/songwriter and staff writer for CURB Publishing, brought home a 3rd place finish for the label with his special mustard Georgia sauce... I hear the judges came back for seconds on the duck! Here he is pictured giving the judges (Trace Adkins, Charlie Monk, and Kerry Collins) a run down on his technique.

I am Music City!

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Last weekend for Nashville Scarecrows...

Cheekwood in Nashville, TN hosts an amazing and creative display of scarecrows designed by local schools, business's and individuals.

Along with the scarecrows you can take in the fall colors and gallery displays inside the main house. Memberships make a unique holiday gift to be enjoyed all year long.

Ideas for packaging the membership could be to include it in a picnic basket, inside a journal, or with a disposable camera...

Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Social Media... Isn't it just a fad?

Saving Time Saves Money

I remember a basket delivery last year... it was really close to an afternoon appointment and I thought I could save the client a little money if I dropped the gift off myself...

I left the meeting and headed to the drop off point... made it in record time and then spend over an hour finding my way back to the office!!! I saved the client a few dollars and cost myself over an hour of time.

I mention this because as you plan for your holiday gift giving know that there are professional gift designers out here to help save you time and ultimately the headache and frustration. I outsource my deliveries so I can focus on your gift design and you can focus on what drives your bottom dollar.

5 things to know when you're hiring a gift basket company

1. Budget - provide a range within $10 and note if the budget includes shipping and handling and tax.

2. Delivery date - most holiday corporate gifts go out the week of the Dec 10th. Planning ahead allows you to ship ground... the savings here can really add up

3. Themes or ideas - This could mean adding a special item or using a specific color. With a little of this and a little of that a custom look can be achieved without breaking the bank.

4. Messages for cards - This is a great way to further customize your gift. Messages can be added to gift tag or to the shipping box.

5. Payment - most custom projects require a deposit upfront. OBB Nashville takes a 50% deposit before physically creating the gifts, but the intial consultation and design are free.

Please let us know how we can help!


Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

Can't Get Home for The Holidays... send a Taste of Tennessee Gift Package or better yet... take it with you!

Nashville, Tennessee is a home away from home for a long list of people from all sorts of industries... from music to publishing, medicine to agriculture and beyond... Music City is a place where the best of the best come from all over to dream and thrive!

I first visited Nashville in 2001 and it was love at first sight! I opened The Original Basket Boutique in Nashville with the hopes of supporting and promoting my new home. The list of mouth watering gourmet delights are endless! For a list of amazing local food options check out the Pick TN Products website.

Send a Taste of Tennessee gift package home for the holidays.
Prices start at $40 and can include:
Peanut brittle, nut mixes and toffee from Page's Premiums
Tennessee T Cakes
Aunt Lizzie's Cheese straws
Country Fresh Fudge



Tami Ross
Gift & Appreciation Marketing Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

On A Tight Budget - Holiday Gift Ideas

The old saying goes that those who market their business during the tough times see tremendous growth during the good times...

A GREAT way to get your name in front of your customers one more time this year AND thank them for their business is to send a card. You can even get ahead of the curve and send it out in time for Thanksgiving... only my favorite time of the year!

My choice for custom cards is Birchcraft Studios. They are a family owned business celebrating over 80 years in business! Birchcraft offers a huge catalogue of designs and verses. A great product at a great price.

CLICK HERE to browse my card selection.

A fun addition to the card may be to include a package of hot chocolate or apple cider... it increases the postage slightly but increases the impact exponentially.

to your success!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist with OBB Nashville
http://www.obbgiftsnashville.com/

Be Original! Give Original!

My favorite spa packages...

Create your own world of relaxation... love these! The bath fizzies are shaped like fortune cookies and have little water proof notes in them. It is OK to invest in a little YOU TIME!

www.dodisturb.com

If you'd like to use these gifts to reward your clients or staff please drop us a line at TamiR@obbgifts.com

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist with OBB Nashville
www.obbgiftsnashville.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Tennessee Book Festival - October 9th-11th

I love attending the book festival here in Nashville... last year I was all set to take in a reading from the poet Lisa Williams, when my 2 year old (I know totally my fault for bringing her) decided she wanted to climb the walls...

The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word is free and open to the public. More than 200 authors will be on hand for readings, panel discussions and book signings.

Ideas for book lover gift baskets are endless. You can use themes taken from books themselves. Thanks to my neighbour, I'm currently into Sue Grafton novels so adding a magnify glass could do the trick. I love cook books... especially Southern US food and Italian themes. My favorite book lover basket is the rainy day in... with gourmet chocolate, tea and a book... depending on the budget you can include a throw. These are great thinking of you baskets and fun birthday and holiday gifts.



Tami Ross
Gift Specialist with OBB Nashville
www.obbgiftsnashville.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Things I LOVE

Peachtree Baby Cakes... too cute!!! Great for baby shower center pieces and celebrating the arrival of a new baby... useful too!!!

www.peachtreebabycakes.com

Tami Ross
Gift Specalist with OBB Nashville
TamiR@obbgifts.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Original Wedding Packages

Savory snacks and sweet treats are the perfect way to say thank you!

"Welcome to Tennessee" baskets using Pick TN Products starting at $35

At THE original basket boutique, custom made-to-order baskets and packages are designed to meet your budget and theme. A 50% deposit is required on all orders over $250. We invite you to include special items or wedding event agendas at no extra charge.

Names and wedding dates can be added to the ribbon for additional $125.

Tami Ross
TamiR@obbgifts.com
615.423.1471

Be Original! Give Original!

Administrative Professionals Day

Administrative Professionals Day
April 22nd 2009

I love that we celebrate our Administrative Professionals!!! This holiday started in 1952 as a way to recognize and promote the careers of Administrative Professionals and is observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April.

Need ideas... LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

How about a Work Station Make Over Basket, a reusable container with coffee mugs, stapler, pens, pencils, paper clips and a calculator all the same color scheme.

Like using Gift cards... they can be presented in a small wrapped box, attached to a box of candy or inserted in a company coffee mug with chocolate snack.

Maybe a Day Off with Pay coupon presented with a basket that includes flip flops, sunscreen and lip balm.

Want to have a week long celebration, we can fill a 5 tier box with goodies and you can give a box a day until they have the complete set.

Let me know how I can help you say thank you to your Administrative Professional!

Tami Ross
TamiR@obbgifts.com
615.423.1471

Be Original! Give Original!

Full Speed Ahead

Valentine's Day is around the corner and nothing says I love you like a basket full of chocolate!!! As the owner of a gift basket company it's easy for me to love holidays that encourage the giving of gifts, but honestly I've always loved these "special" days. St Patrick's Day used to be my favorite. One year I made a pot out of paper mache and filled it with chocolate coins and sent it to my boyfriend. There are 365 days to give... what's your favorite day to send a gift?

Music City Marathon
Training is going well and I'm looking forward to shaving a little time off my pace. My goal is 2 1/2 hours. I've got time!

Be Original! Give Original!
note - basket designed by Sheri - OBB Emerald Coast

Happy New Year!

Dear Clients: I would like to thank all my loyal and valued customers for their support in this troubled economy. In spite of all the ups and downs faced during 2008, OBB has remained strong and has continued to grow.

I'm facing 2009 how I face every new year - Challenging myself to do something new. This year I've signed up to run in the Music City Marathon...don't worry I doing the 1/2!!! Training is going well but feel free to pass along any tips you may have.

The Art of Giving: Whether you need help with a corporate thank you or personal gifts for birthdays, holidays and special occasions we are here to help with gift selection and delivery. Please email Gift Specialist Tami Ross at tamir@obbgifts.com or call 615.423.1471 to place an order or to set up a time to discuss your gifting needs!

Dates to Remember:
Valentines Day – February 14th Please place orders for “my chocolate valentine” baskets by February 9th.
Music City Mardi Gras – February 20th I sit on the board of this wonderful non-profit group that works to support families touched by blood related cancers and assist animal welfare organizations. Our big fundraiser is a Mardi Gras party showcasing one of the largest silent auctions in the city. www.lrpfoundation.org

BE ORIGINAL! GIVE ORIGINAL!