Recently, I attended a fabulous Birthday Party. The Celebration wove it's festive strands throughout the grounds of the lovely home. The deck & gazebo were festooned with brightly colored streamers and guests could catch the strains of the jazz band playing whimsical sets below. A large tent was the setting for the buffet stations which featured traditional favorites from Europe, North America, North & West Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
As I meandered through the grounds, savoring the visual artistry with which items were arranged, I was struck by some playful and elegant twists. Lo Mein noodles were being served on the Asian display; the stir-fry was ladled and dispensed into miniature take-a-way containers. The dessert table featured crepes which had been prepped in advance and were seared on a skillet and then filled with a colorful bouquet garni of fresh, tropical fruits.
From the African table, the succulent scent of savory meats & fish wafted into the air. A sizzling burner nearby was deep frying a hot pastry style puff served with a delicious shrimp paste. The display featured tropical fruits and flowers against a backdrop of authentic African masks!
Now, No party would be complete without burgers...yet the twist on the traditional American burger was miniature buns and burgers served with regular sized chicken wings complimented with an assortment of dipping sauces! An artful display of fruit and cheese encircled the Brie on the European table where guests could also enjoy Polish specialities like perogies and kielbasa. All the dishes were traditional favorites but the presentation was artfully staged!
Later that evening, I had an opportunity to speak with the chef. He has recently retired after two decades of service with the Hyatt Regency and is exploring several options which include setting up his own catering business and a restaurant. I was fascinated as he described his vision...for which he used the term "FUSION"...a blending of flavors & traditional regional specialties in flavorful and interesting combinations which allows diners to experience something NEW within the context of a familiar menu item. 
For instance, the Lo Mein noodles are served in Chinese restaurants every day, but most party goers don't expect to be able to watch them prepared fresh and then served to them in miniature take away containers. Creative Presentation is a skill set which has many applications in business.
Often, it's the little unexpected twist which can deliver the most bang for the buck. It can also create raving fans from a 'ho hum seen it all before audience." At a time where cynicism about the real estate transaction is at an all time high, the door is wide open to incorporate a New Twist in the ways we serve our clients. Making real estate fun and engaging is something that every professional in the industry can do with just a little effort, creativity and imagination.
A few years ago, our team went to the dollar store. We had about $250 dollars to spend. We bought laundry baskets, several yards of inexpensive gauze netting, and everything that we could think of which a new home owner might not be able to find during the first few days of their move...paper plates & cups, napkins, utensils, toilet paper, tissue, detergent, dish soap, screw driver, extension cord, pencil and paper, flashlight, cleaners, small broom set etc. We arranged these items in the laundry basket and delivered this to our client at the closing. This gift continues to give rave reviews...clients still refer to it and refer others to us because they remember it. A simple twist on what could be considered the mundane and dull aspects of moving.
Another meaningful gift that I have given over the years is a Brand New copy of a book which I've read and enjoyed. Giving someone a book in which you highlight specific areas which have been meaningful to you with a brief note in the book cover transforms this gift into a special memento. I have been surprised by how this simple gift has been so deeply appreciated. A handwritten note, a call of appreciation or encouragement...these simple touches are the elements which elevate a routine transaction into an experience that people remember and cherish. I'm curious...I'd love to hear some of the simple ways in which you are elevating the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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Gifts can be a challange. I settled on one gift years ago and it serves me well.
Depending on the family buying the home, I stock the frig in their newly purchased home with snacks, milk, soft drinks, water, breads, crackers, deli, chips, cereal, etc. Just enough to get them through the move before they get to the grocery store to stock up.
It always is a surprise when folks go to their newly purchased home and see food ready to eat.
Nice post Lola, as always.
Lola
I also do the laundry basket closing gift. It is a very practical and thoughtful gift my customers love. It is also fun to prepare and assemble. Great article.
this is a great idea. exceeding your client's expectations is always a good thing...
Lola - love the laundry basket idea. And Lenn's gift is a winner as well. I have had a number of buyers (first timers) of fixer upper homes and found that the gift cards for Home Depot for these folks were always well received. THey don't typically have alot of cash to do much fixing and being able to splurge at HD for paint and other supplies from the start was always well received.
Jeff
Lola,
Markets are different, People would look at the laundry basket here as a bunch of cr**P, and that they had to pay someone to get rid of all the cr **p at the old house and here you are giving them more stuff. Better something of value to keep.
Grand Rapids people are nothing like the market area 20 miles out from NYC. No one pushes their own baby carriage here, the young stay at home wives have full time nanny & cleaning help & weekend child care help and laundry help. Having said that, I am familiar with Grand Rapids and the people are really nice. It is a nice change of pace to go there.
Lola
I loved reading your post, even though you've made me hungry now. It was a great read and I could almost picture myself there. I appreciate the idea of the laundry basket as well. That's one I'll use for sure. Thanks for another great post.
Lenn, What a Fantastic Idea! And it wouldn't take tons of work...One Trip to the Grocery Store. I can see how a gesture like this would be truly appreciated. Thanks for Sharing!
Brett, Thanks for your comment.
Lisa, Thank You. Buyers & Sellers moving to New Homes have told us that they really appreciated simple things like toilet paper and tissue being easily accessible.
Hi Allison, Thanks for stopping by. The Laundry basket gift is a great, practical way of doing something different within the context of everyday life.
Hi Ginger, Thanks for stopping by to read & comment.
Hi Karen, Thanks for your comment. I did want to note that I give the individual a NEW book...If there have been special passages which have been meaningful to me, I will sometimes highlight along with a note in the book inside cover.
Lola, my financial planner just gave me the most extraordinary gift. It's hard to explain, but it's a beautiful wooden file cabinet with a bronze plate with my name and my wife's name. It came organized to keep all my important items, from insurance and investments to real estate nad birth certificates. I loved how it fit our relationship, was beautiful and was useful. It DEFINITELY got me thinking, "What gift can I give that is this meaningful and classy." Then came your blog post...well done!
Lola - to heck with the laundry basket!! I'm still drooling over that fabulous picture of the party food that you painted with your words...... I'm so hungry now! You have an amazing way with your words to paint a fabulous picture of whatever you're describing - awesome!
OK, back to the basket - that is a terrific idea! I love Lenn's frig-stocking idea, and the picnic basket that was mentioned, too.
Alright, back to my virtual food trip at your party..... ;-)
Ann
what you are describing is my bachelors basket which also includes a plunger and fire extinguisher. I also have given it to families with small children.
great word pictures for the birthday celebration.
Dee, Thanks for your comment.
Jeff, The Home Depot idea is great! I've also done this with First Time Homebuyers or people who were buying a home to fix up. It's always appreciated. Another thing which I've done is to help out with a part of the cost of a Home Warranty. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Carolyn, Thanks for sharing your experience. You're right that different things work for different parts of the country. But, Value is an Intrinsic Attribute...sometimes when you have everything, you appreciate the things that money cannot buy even more. For instance, I keep handwritten notes...they are far more valuable to me because they are a personal touch.
Andrew...Something about this post was making a lot of people hungry! :)
Hi Debbie, Thanks for stopping by...you're hungry too...:) The food was good!!!
Hi Sally, thanks for stopping by. I love Lenn's idea too.
Joey, What a Classy Gift! And a thoughtful way to express committment and appreciation for the Value of Your Relationship to him. I can just imagine how you must feel when you make use of it. Thanks for sharing...
Thanks Steve, I appreciate your visit & comment. $250 went a long way for a long time on this one!
Hi David & Lisa, Thanks!
Eva...It's all about Creativity. People appreciate thoughts and intentions from the heart.
Ann, LOL...Everyone must be hungry!! Appreciate your stopping by to read and comment.
Great minds think alike!
I do something very similar. Except I use a large inexpensive storage container (w/lid). Fill it up with toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, first aid kit, etc. I also include bottled water and snacks for those move-in munchies. If they have children, I will include an inexpensive game or toy to hopefully occupy them for a little while. I try to personalize it based on my clients different situations. (the two bachelors received bottled water and beer)
I do finish it off with a big bow and a label for the front that says "Move In Necessities" with my name and contact info. So someday when they are going through their storage they will find my storage bin with my contact info. It's a gift with great "shelf" life!
Hi Sharon, Thanks for your comment. I think this is why recepients of the gift of a well loved book have so appreciated it.
Bob & Carolin...Appreciate your stopping by to read and comment.
Keisha...Yes, you don't have to spend tons on the basket. I had a budget of about $20 +/- per basket.
Appreciate your comment...the Bachelor's Basket is an interesting & Unique name for a gift selection.
Cyndee, Thanks for stopping by to read & comment.
Chelle, I love the description of the items and your basket. Thanks for adding your insights to this discussion!
Mary, Thanks so much for your comment. I am enjoying watching your progress and development as a blogger. It's fantastic!
Pat, Thanks for your comment. I also appreciate your sharing some of the creative ways that you have given gifts to your clients. With fall here, the blanket idea is just great!
Thanks Tom!
You're welcome Gita!
We have a few options here for the new owner: A Candy Tree-its a cute little basket made up in the Coldwell Banker colours with lots of chocolate; We have a gift basket that holds very nice coupons for Home Depot, The Brick, and even automotive dealerships.
Just a couple ideas. Everyone likes a present :)
Adam, Thanks for sharing! If your company has a branded product, it can be a good way to give a nice gift and also get some additional promotion professionally.
Kim, What an incredibly good idea! I've heard of throwing a Neighborhood Open House and/or House Warming party, but had not thought about giving them "shopping money"...a gift certificate to a Local food store. One could take this even further by blogging about the event in a Localism post! Thanks for sharing
Lola and Kim - LOVE your ideas!
Lola, I'm curious what book you gave them as books can be so personal sometimes. Must be a good one :)
Lola -- I know everyone if focusing on closing gifts here, but I think there are ways to be creative throughout the transaction and make the whole experience more memorable and pleasant for all involved. I try and make sure that every contact I have with a client is positive. . . from writing hand written thank you notes for people who attend open houses to bringing along ice cream coupons for families with children to that they can stop for a treat after a long day of touring houses. I even try to make sure that each member of the family is included when I purchase a closing gift. I recently had a buyer who was a single mom with two little girls. . .I gave each of the young ladies a card with a Target gift card inside so that they could go and pick things out for their new rooms.
(I love Kim's housewarming party idea. . .FABULOUS!)
I love these ideas! We do handyman baskets, moving day baskets, as well and the client always appreciates it so much!
I like the party ideas as well. Sounds like a fun time and I think we need to find enjoyment and humor in this field that we are all in!
Connie Stahl
Real Ease Marketing
Sholanda...the towel cake sounds very interesting & definitely something they can use!
Elaine...this Birthday party was on the east coast...and yes, it was amazing! Thanks for your comment.