We just moved into a new community. My upstairs neighbor thoughtfully brought me a plate of cookies (wrapped in pretty yellow paper on a ceramic plate).
Of course I thanked her graciously. But do I follow up with a thank you card and do I return the plate???? Do I make her something from my house? What is the "correct" thing to do??? Do I just accept the gift and do nothing in return?
2006-09-28 05:10:54 · 20 answers · asked by LittleFreedom 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sadly, I'm not an expert or even semi-pro regarding etiquette...
However, I AM warmed and smiling:
1) That you take the time to find the correct response to your new neighbors kindness and welcome.
2) That your neighbor took the time to take such a delightful and welcoming step.
I would think one should return the plate (clean) with a nice note and phone number.
IF you bake... do the same for the next arrival in your neighborhood !! Keep the tradition going, keep smiles and goodwill going !!
2006-09-28 05:18:17 · answer #1 · answered by mariner31 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Definitly return the plate. If you want to make something for your new neighbor, by all means, do so. If not, be a good neighbor and extend an invitation for coffee and get to know one another. This person not only was welcoming you to the area but extending their friendship to you. Be grateful that you have someone so obviously gracious living near you. This is how I met my former neighbor and even though I have moved, I still consider her a dear friend and we talk on the phone often. Good friends and great neighbors are hard to come by. This may be your new best friend some day.
2006-09-28 08:19:37 · answer #2 · answered by sunnygirl1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She used one of her real plates rather then a paper plate because she wanted to see you again to get to know you. Return the plate with a warm smile and an open invite to your house for coffee. You can add a note as well, but if I was the person giving you the cookies I wouldn't expect a thank you note.
2006-09-28 05:32:52 · answer #3 · answered by FaerieWhings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely return the plate unless she told you not to. Always do that. You should return the plate and thank her again in person letting her know you enjoyed the cookies...or...return the plate with a thank you card (stating the same) on the plate.
2006-09-28 05:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by svmainus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think saying thank you in person is enough, but I usually follow through with a card also, even when I didn't make my own.
I don't think she's looking for something in return on her plate, but do return the plate, unless she said to keep it. It may be part of a set.
Invite her over some time for lemonade and a chat, or even lunch to further your friendship.
2006-09-28 05:21:31 · answer #5 · answered by cowgirl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Return the plate and compliment her on the cookies. Then wait about a week and bake her something special and take it to her in a throw away container so she doesn't feel she had to return it to you. Tell her you wanted to do something nice for her because she made you feel so welcome. I have a question for you. Why would you be looking mad as XXXX in your avatar pic? That makes people think your an angry person by nature. Just wondering.
2006-09-28 08:14:38 · answer #6 · answered by purrfectsandcastle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Return the plate with a nice note for her thoughtfulness
2006-09-28 05:18:22 · answer #7 · answered by LJRobbie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
return the plate with a thoughtful thank you card and promise you invite her over for tea when you are settled in. By bringing you the cookies she has shown she would like to get to know you and the proper thing to do and extend an offer to let her do so.
2006-09-28 05:26:59 · answer #8 · answered by Kay 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have many suggested responses, most of which are fine. Of course you must return the plate; if you can, return it with a similarly kind token or gesture - for example, a jar of home-made jam/jelly, or a home-made thankyou card.
Perhaps the most important thing is to realise that there are still kind and thoughtful people around - are you are so fortunate to have one as a neighbour.
2006-09-28 05:44:59 · answer #9 · answered by aarcue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you return the plate, but never empty. A little gift on the plate would be nice when you return it.
2006-09-28 05:16:03 · answer #10 · answered by festus_porkchop 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋