I'm having a joint birthday party with a friend of mine in November at a local Mexican restaurant. I'm getting ready to send out the invitation email in a few weeks, and I want to make sure that everyone knows that neither I nor my friend expect gifts. We just want everyone to have fun and come hang with us. I'm afraid if I mention the gift thing in the email, however, it'll almost sound like I'm sort of fishing for gifts. You know? How would you phrase it?
2006-10-04 09:06:59 · 15 answers · asked by Casey 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would simply say, screw the gifts, bring your empty stomachs and alcoholic tendencies to the party.
2006-10-04 09:43:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just tell everyone to come and join you in your birthday celebration at the restaurant. If a person brings a gift politely smile and say "Thankyou". Sometimes it's more of a blessing for the giver than the recipient. And BTW I haven't gotten my invite yet.
2006-10-04 09:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by rank_peeler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is rude to mention gifts AT ALL in an invitation, even if it is to specify that you prefer not to receive any. Gifts are completely beside the point.
If people directly ask you about gifs, then you may say that you're really not interested in gifts, you just want to see everyone and have fun.
2006-10-04 18:08:13 · answer #3 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't call it a birthday party, just call it a party, or say you want to celebrate.
Tell them when they're there what it is they're celebrating.
(Saying no gifts does suggest that you have the right to expect gifts, and a lot of people ignore it anyway.)
When you talk (that is, face-to-face) to people who know what it's for, say that you're hoping no one else knows, as you don't want any presents.
2006-10-04 13:55:29 · answer #4 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have good answers already, but I just wanted to say that a friend of mine did something similar and on her invites she put "only your presence is requested". I hope this helps!
2006-10-04 09:40:12 · answer #5 · answered by dct1218 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about: In lieu of gifts, you may give a charitable donation to "name of an organization you and your friend think is doing good work"
2006-10-04 09:16:33 · answer #6 · answered by Nesbitt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People aren't often offended as the suggestion of no gifts.
If you are afraid of that, phrase it similar to: Please no gifts.
If people are going to insist and bring gifts, please be gracious in accepting the gifts. Maybe a statement such as "there really is no need to bring a gift", but please don't yell "Hey! No gifts!"
Part of being a gracious hostess is accepting the generous non-obligatory offers of your guests.
2006-10-04 09:20:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not mention anything about your birthday's in the email. Call it more of an "anniversary thing".
2006-10-04 09:18:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about:
I strongly discourage everyone from bringing gifts as it may or may not result in your death. Respond appropriately...
2006-10-04 09:39:28 · answer #9 · answered by kjoeyqanda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just explain as here! If I were in your position, might do so.
2006-10-04 09:17:53 · answer #10 · answered by Arash Salimi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋