cover image The Art and Etiquette of Gift Giving

The Art and Etiquette of Gift Giving

Dawn Bryan. Bantam Books, $18.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-553-05223-7

Bryant, corporate gift consultant, offers a short course in her chosen field by describing appropriate presentations for business situations, 18 different ethnic groups and a multitude of social occasions. Giftssimple (a single rose) or extravagant (long-stemmed red roses delivered each week for a year)ideally communicate ""appropriate and desired messages about both the giver and the receiver,'' opines Bryan in this comprehensive guide. To facilitate and enhance such communication, she explores the complex motivations behind gift-giving rituals, compiles impressive lists of special cases (left-handed people, chocoholics), surveys ethnic and international protocols regarding gifts and presents guidelines for successful business relationships in which gifting may be a key element. An imaginative as well as practical handbook that covers the proprieties of marking any occasion. (November)