Memorial Day weekend

Honor the men and women who have given their lives in service of our country. Find a Memorial Day ceremony in your state at this website from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Read about the history of the holiday at the U.S. Memorial Day.org website.

Gift & Home Today will return with a new product on Tuesday, May 26.

A wise rug

Company C celebrates its 15th anniversary with this 4-foot by 6-foot "Give A Hoot" area rug. There's a pole pocket on the back for hanging on a wall.

Retailers: Contact the vendor for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Father's Day gifts

Bookends from Sterling Industries are a suitable Father's Day gift. The gumball machines are 8 1/2 inches tall. The football players measure 9 inches tall.

Retailers: Contact the vendor for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Table and floor lamps

The Natural Light introduced four new collections of table and floor lamps this spring. Shown is Jolie, a 33.5-inch-tall, solid-wood table lamp from the Vermeer Collection. The shade is made of hand-sewn silk. The finish, inspired by the Dutch painter Vermeer, is one of layered paints. It is stripped and repainted again and again.

Retailers: Contact the vendor for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Retailer: The Silver Barn

Congratulations to Cynthia Sutton, co-owner (with Rebecca Edmiston) of The Silver Barn in Columbus, Texas. She is the June Retailer of the Month, selected by The Chicago Market: Living and Giving. In making the announcement, The Chicago Market said, "Enticing store displays also play a major role in the success of The Silver Barn, which is currently set for expansion this month. Cynthia’s strategy includes taking antique display pieces and mixing them with product she buys at wholesale markets."

Read Cynthia's blog: http://thesilverbarn.wordpress.com

Follow her on Twitter: thesilverbarn

In recognition of its 100th anniversary, Colonial Candle is introducing a limited-edition fragrance called “Celebrate! by Colonial Candle.” The company describes Celebrate! as featuring "a fresh, sophisticated fragrance with delicate florals and highlights of warm amber and vanilla. Fragrance notes include exotic sheer spice, lush white floral, blue jasmine, pink geranium, white iris, vanilla orchid, crystal amber, silken musk and white musk."

Retailers: Contact the vendor for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.