We're planning a surprise birthday party for my father. It's going to be a casual event. We know that he would not want gifts, just the presence of his family and friends. I've been put in charge of invitations and need to come up with some way of saying this besides "No presents, just your presence," as my mother doesn't like that. I'm not the one who decided no gifts, I'm simply in charge of figuring this out. Any suggestions?
2007-03-27 05:20:48 · 13 answers · asked by Rachel 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just say "It's only necessary to bring yourself & your good cheer"! Or maybe, " Your presence & your good cheer is all you need to bring, please join us in making the day special for ------------, thank you!"
2007-03-27 05:32:40 · answer #1 · answered by Sherrie L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to say it any better than your idea.You know some people say they don't want gifts but they really like them.The best way to have a Birthday (party) without gifts would have a Dinner to honor the person.At the Dinner you announce that it is his Birthday and you gave him what he wanted,Family and friends.When someone is honored gifts are not what people think of..Hope this helps.
2007-03-27 05:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your presence is the only gift he wants
2007-03-27 05:29:32 · answer #3 · answered by kerfitz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use something on the lines 'our father has been gifted with a wonderful family and friends, your presence is the only gift necessary'
2007-03-27 05:25:16 · answer #4 · answered by bilko_ca 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here's what you say: My father has been blessed with everything he could ever want and has respectfully requested a potluck type birthday. Instead of gifts, cook up your most special dish. This would make him happier than anything material you could purchase at a store. (PS: only homeade dishes, nothing store-bought, we want it to be from your heart, even if you're not a good cook, bring toast if that's your specialty.
2007-03-27 05:28:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you consult Miss Manners, you will find that it is not proper to mention gifts at all. Doing so says that you expected them in the first place, which is a no-no. If you must, I like the perishable food item idea.
2007-03-27 07:24:17 · answer #6 · answered by lawmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about "No need to bring gifts, your presence is present enough"?
2007-03-27 05:26:05 · answer #7 · answered by OhKatie! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"At his age, my dad has everything he wants. He'd like to help out the local food bank. So, if you'd like to bring a gift of non-perrishable food we'll have a collection box at the front door. This would mean more to him than a gift."
2007-03-27 06:12:16 · answer #8 · answered by SAB 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your presence is gift enough.
2007-03-27 05:26:34 · answer #9 · answered by brainzilla420 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My father is going to be so thrilled with your company and so busy chatting with each and every one of you that we know he would be chagrined if anything - such as opening gifts - interrupted his pleasure. So please, come with hands empty and arms open!
2007-03-27 05:35:49 · answer #10 · answered by Ana Thema 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋