We are celebrating 4 birthdays (2 family and 2 friends) with an informal gathering at my house. Some invitees are family and they will bring gifts. Other invitees are friends and we've agreed not to exchange gifts. Is this bad etiquette? How should we handle opening the gifts? The family members would want to open gifts before the gathering breaks up. I'm concerned it is bad manners to open gifts in front of others.
2007-10-31 13:09:48 · 5 answers · asked by Lee L 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It seems odd that you would invite people to a birthday party where gifts are usually the norm and not have them bring gifts. Since you have set them up, they will just have to deal with watching the gift opening. It is not bad manners to open gifts at a party, it is expected. You should not have put your guests in the position you have put them in.
2007-10-31 13:16:23 · answer #1 · answered by dawnb 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Talk to the family members and tell them that you won't be opening gifts at the party. They should understand that friends will be there and you don't want to make them feel bad for not bringing anything.
I think it is perfectly fine to have a big party for a bunch of people who have birthdays near each other - as long as everyone basically knows everyone else. However, I do not think it is appropriate to open gifts in front of others who have not brought any - not to mention how completely boring it will be for them to stand around and try to look interested.
Don't worry - it'll be a great party, everyone will have a good time, and your family members will understand about not opening gifts.
2007-10-31 13:22:22 · answer #2 · answered by Mirage 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I once went to an adult birthday party where I was specifically requested by the birthday boy's wife not to bring a gift. So I didn't bring a gift. When I got there, most everyone else had brought gifts. I was so disgusted and offended that I told the hostess I was sick, wished her husband happy birthday, and left.
So my advice is to keep the gifts separate and open them with your family at a separate time. If you are all adults, the relatives should understand. Simply explain to them the situation. From personal experience, your friends will not understand or appreciate being embarrassed.
I highly recommend that you not mix a party with gift bringers and non-gift bringers in the future.
2007-10-31 13:19:13 · answer #3 · answered by No Shortage 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why mix birthdays on one day?
It's best not to open them in front of the friends.
2007-10-31 21:55:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd bring a bottle of wine or a dessert
2007-10-31 13:29:53 · answer #5 · answered by Mary 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋