Wonderful, Sue. Focus on quality, pick something local, fall back on sweetness and don’t forget presentation. Fine looseleaf tea, specialty chocolates or a good red wine, wrapped nicely in red and gold, would show your appreciation. ~Wes

Hi Kay, as long as you avoid chrysanthemums, which are for funerals, color is probably your next most important variable. Red and pink are always safe celebratory choices, though you may want to stop short of roses, which would send too strong a message for a friend. ~Wes

Hi Scott, business gifts are a whole separate situation! Directionally, yes, but perhaps you would want to consider a small potted kumquat tree to express hopes for prosperity and the growth of your relationship. Especially appropriate around this season for Lunar New Year. ~Wes

I just finished a deal where a factory did a good job making products for me. I was thinking of sending flowers to the factory to show my appreciation for the workers on my project.

From what I’ve read so far, red could seem to be an appropriate color. Should I send something red and potted?

Hi Steven, business etiquette is a whole different subject! You really want to be reinforcing themes of building a relationship, starting a journey together, prosperity, etc. Given that cut flowers typically symbolize the end of something, I’d probably steer clear. ~Wes

Thanks for your question, Ed. Flowers wouldn’t really be traditional in this case — check out my suggestions for Chinese Baby Gifts. Hope that helps! ~Wes