Shopfront: Nothing will replace the standard issue bottle of wine and bunch of flowers as the two traditional gifts to bring to a lunch or dinner party, but as the summer months roll on, it's a good time to show a bit of imagination and replace the flowers with something for the garden.

That doesn't mean a potted plant but instead some practical but luxurious thing that relates to the outdoors.

Ideally your present shouldn't cost too much money but it should be something that the recipients mightn't buy for themselves but is either handy or decorative nonetheless. And if the special treat comes wrapped in a smart bag, then so much the better.

Avoca sells thyme, sunflower and tomato seeds in a tin container that opens like a can of beans(€6.99).

Brightly striped or spotted patterns look good in Avoca's red and white bags.

A roll of twine isn't a gift most people think they would want to receive but when it's packaged in a smart tin adorned with diagrams of various knots, as it is at Formality, it seems a lot more desirable (€9).

This is a gardening essential that's dressed up to make a fun gift.

Similarly Pia Bang has a handy wood holder for a ball of twine and scissors, which can be handed to your host in the company's distinctive black and white check bag(€19).