Greasing the Wheels

This is not considered corrupt. It's just the way things work. In fact, the system couldn't run without it.

There is no undue delicacy about defining what would be an acceptable gift, even to naming "a pretty dog" or a specific kind of hawk.

Quails are a prime delicacy, and can be used to sweeten a request, attract attention, or turn away wrath. (In the '40s, Lord Lisle bought them in large lots to give away a dozen at a time.)

You can send a gift just to let someone important know you're here, even without having a specific request or favor in mind. They'll owe you.

You may pass on a request from someone else. For example:

"My friend, if you will send my lord of Leicester that hound of yours that he admired, he'll know it came from you and that I suggested it. He and I will both be in your debt, and he will be in mine." Get it?

Most frequent douceur (sweetener) type gifts include:

Game (often quail or deer)

Includes all game birds, such as herons, plovers, cranes, egrets, as well as cooked venison, boar's head, sturgeon, wild swine, salmon. May be cooked or caged, as appropriate.

Wine

The best wines are clarets from Gascony, though tastes differ.

Hawks

All kinds of hawks are good. So are caged song birds, such as linnets.

Hunting dogs

Mastiffs, Talbot hounds, bloodhounds, coursing hounds, and so on.

Rare or special books

Manuscripts in Greek and Latin, translations from Arabic and Hebrew, certain devotional texts

Also home made things like marmalade, beer, and honey

Sources

Hartley: Lost Country Life
Rowse: Life of the Society
Stone: Crisis of the Aristocracy