My neighbor brought us over some cookies on a christmas plate. I don't know whether I should give back the plate or not?! Please help.
2006-12-27 07:40:09 · 20 answers · asked by Jennifer S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If it was a paper plate, then no.
But if it wasn't a 'disposable' plate, you should return it. The absolutely best way is to make something yourself and load the plate up with your own homemade goodies. That way you return the plate and the favor. That's the polite and neighborly thing to do. Do you have a favorite family recipie for cookies/muffins/bars, etc.?
When you return it include a thank you card that expresses your thanks and how much you liked the cookies and that you hope they like yours.
This way you don't have to feel guilty about keeping the plate or akward about bringing it back AND you get more good will between you and your neighbors. That's a win-win-win.
Oh, and if you can't cook or bake at all, just get something from the local bakery and arrange it nicely on the plate.
2006-12-27 09:33:05 · answer #1 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it should be returned. I like Hey Anna's response. When you take the plate over, compliment your neighbor on how delicious the cookies were and that you are returning their cute Christmas plate.Your neighbor may say, "I intended for you to keep it." Then, you can say "Why thank you! You are so generous!"
If your neighbor takes the plate back, then, you know you did the right thing.
2006-12-27 16:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by Malika 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a hard call! The gift may have been the cookies, or the cookies and the plate. Why not ask her over for coffee and tell her how much you enjoyed the cookies, then just ask if she meant for you to keep the plate as well.
2006-12-27 17:32:43 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first answer! Wash it and ask if they wanted it back since it was such a nice plate! Sometimes neighbors will use pieces that they want back since it is just going next door or something. If it was meant as a gift, make sure to say "I wasn't sure if you wanted this great plate to stay with me or if you wanted it back and just wanted to be sure.... Thank you so much for such a beautiful piece!"
2006-12-27 16:28:22 · answer #4 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate stuff like that. However, it would be very very very rude to keep the plate.
Most people will TELL you to "Oh return the plate, when your done", but if they don't you could ASSUME to keep it. But assuming may NOT be your best bet. Wash the plate and take it back , unless your instructed otherwise.
DEF TAKE BACK THE PLATE.
2006-12-27 15:56:13 · answer #5 · answered by peacfulwar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a nice gesture to return the plate FILLED with cookies or treats of some sort. What a wonderful gesture of thankfulness and friendship to give to those that have been generous to you!
2006-12-27 16:23:54 · answer #6 · answered by BB 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bring the plate back, and tell her to keep the cookies coming....lol
2006-12-27 16:48:39 · answer #7 · answered by elena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The proper thing to do is clean it and return it. if the plate was meant as part of the gift they will tell you and to add thank you but I was hoping for a refill then laugh about it shows not only that you enjoyed the gift but that you have a healthy sense of humor. and make sure you thank them again for the gift.
2006-12-27 16:30:43 · answer #8 · answered by Savage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean the plate and bring it back. If it was for you to keep, your neighbor will tell you so.
Take care,
Troy
2006-12-27 15:56:20 · answer #9 · answered by tiuliucci 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, return the plate and tell him/her how great the cookies were and thank them for being so kind and remembering you. You accomplish two tasks...expressing you thanks again and returning their property. Either they take it back or say, "Oh, that plate is yours to keep." Either way, you win.
2006-12-27 15:44:59 · answer #10 · answered by Apple21 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋