My husband is a contractor and has , unitl just recently been working on a special project for a VERY wealthy client. His client has invited my husband and I to his christams party that will be hosted at his home this thurs. night. My question is I was always taught that when you go to someones house for a party you bring a small gift as a way of saying thank you for the invite ( ie wine). But my husband disagrees, he says that the man is so wealthy that anything we could afford to bring would be of no use to him and almost "no good enough". What should I do, I don't want to be rude, but I also don' want to be embarrased my bringing a $30 bottle of wine to a guy with hundred year old bottles in the cellar. Help?!!
2007-12-12 05:23:17 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
A gift is a gift no matter how wealthy the receiver is...the thought/gesture is priceless.
I have family members who are filthy filthy rich and I'm always reminded of the same thing that "it'd be of no use"...yeah right.... stick to your guns and do the polite thing--it'd be THEIR problem if they don't appreciate it.----but perhaps spruce up the gift-wrapping.
Btw, I'm neither filthy rich nor indigent, but my savings account is no means to judge whether someone should be more/less kind to me than the next person.
2007-12-12 05:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by EXACTLY 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Etiquette shows that you should always bring a gift for the host. The monetary situation of the host is not in the equation. It is a simply a "thank you for having us" gift. It is customary to ask when being invited if you can bring anything but if you do not get a response you can bring things ranging from flowers(which are usually the prettiest, best received and least expensive), candles, wine or spirits. Most wine that is brought to a party is not usually opened at that event. Also, if it is holiday/cocktail party for a wealthy person they will already have the specific wine they wanted for that event. And never be embarrassed, it is a gift a gesture of your gratitude. If people scoff at you that is not your problem, just enjoy the party.
2007-12-12 14:50:40 · answer #2 · answered by bz_bee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, please remember this. Yes, he has a zillion dollars but he is a human just like you. He has feelings also. Second, if you dont want to bring wine, cool. Wine is a personal thing anyway. Why not bake something for him? Or take him and Christmas plant?
Merry Christmas and have a great time at the party!
2007-12-12 14:20:15 · answer #3 · answered by Bad Answer Queen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Does his client have a wife? Bring something for her...she is the one who likely did all the work for the party. (Yes, I am sure she has a caterer and other help but she still had to pull the whole thing together.)
You could bring flowers, candy, scented candles, or something like a beautiful photo album.
Be sure to send a handwritten thank you letter the next day.
2007-12-12 14:08:41 · answer #4 · answered by karen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would still bring something. If you decide on wine, I would just pick up something a little more pricey. Maybe $50 - $100 range. Even if he has wines worth more than that, he should still appreciate the gesture and enjoy the wine.
2007-12-12 13:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by Louie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I like the idea of bringing flowers or something baked by you...... this latter is something that no money in the world could buy because it shows that you devoted time and effort to it, not only $$$..... so it doesn't really matter if you spent 10 or 100 $ in buying the ingredients, it's the thought and the time/effort that counts.
2007-12-12 14:37:42 · answer #6 · answered by Lprod 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baking something is a great idea, but you should wrap it up in a way that shows that you don't expect it to be served at the party. They have a menu planned and may not welcome additional dishes. This is truly the best idea because no matter how much money you have, homemade desserts are always appreciated! Everyone sits down on the couch in their pajamas to pig out once in a while, no matter how rich you are!
2007-12-12 14:48:56 · answer #7 · answered by Katie G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just bring yourself, and send a Christmas card with a thank you after-wards. I'm sure he'll remember that sincere moment than a cheap bottle of wine mixed in with his Bordeaux's.
2007-12-12 13:33:44 · answer #8 · answered by Janice Dickinsons' Shrink 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is considered polite, maybe not mandatory, to bring a little something. Wine and flowers are common. Maybe a box of candy?
2007-12-12 13:32:55 · answer #9 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This party is his treat and I wouldn't worry about it. If you are determined to bring something, find a really pretty Christmas card and give them that instead. Its small but even the rich give out cards!
2007-12-12 15:30:05 · answer #10 · answered by Waterwitch E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋