I'm sad to see some of our gentilities slipping away so I thought I would remind us all of some holiday etiquette guidelines. Okay, I can't skirt the issue any longer. One of my biggest pet peeves is that people often no longer respond to this little accronym: RSVP. It's french: respondez, s'il vous plait, which literally translates to respond if you please, or please respond. In elementary school terms, check 'yes' or 'no'. It says to the hostess (or host), I value your effort as much as you value my company. And feel free to keep any rejection as simple as, "I'm sorry, I can't make your party." Someone actually told me once, "I'll come if I can't find something better to do that night." Well.
If circumstances change, it's wonderful to call the hostess back: "We're sorry, we won't be attending tonight, little Johnny's sick." In the event that it goes the other way, how about, "our plans have changed and we'd love to come if it's not too late." After all, she did invite you, she'd probably love to have you!
The lack of rsvping has gotten to the point that I've tried begging, reminding, even threatening - "in order to make sure we have enough hamburgers for everyone...." I'm tempted to offer a prize to the first person who replies. I'll confess, I've missed a few RSVPs myself, but I try very hard not to. Sometimes one doesn't know right away if they'll be able to attend, so try not to lose your invitation. Of course if I can make it that's lovely, and I respond as soon as I know I'll attend. There's no reason to be aloof, I'm secure in my social status, especially among friends.
This brings us to the Hostess Gift. It's not always necessary, if I'm going to a pot luck and bringing a dish I'm sharing in the effort. It is always nice, though. There's no need to be extravagant. A candle or food item can do very nicely. At this time of year with the germs going around, how about some holiday scented hand soap? It's polite to ask, "What can I bring?" when one is invited to dinner but often I find that a hostess replies, "Nothing." In that case, I usually buy flowers. I love flowers and they're a nice surprise, a little luxury for the hostess; or a nice bottle of wine, for someone who drinks wine. If one is the guest of honor, as in a bridal or baby shower, it's better to bring a gift for the hostess than a side dish!
Do you have any favorite hostess gifts to bring? I can always use new ideas.
I know I'm probably "preaching to the choir" here, no pun intended, but just in case someone out there hasn't given it any thought... I can think of several other etiquette tidbits I'd like to mention but it occurs to me that I'm attending a brunch this Saturday and haven't lined up a hostess gift, so I'm off!
Happy holiday gatherings to you!
I hear ya! Lack of rsvp'ing drives me nuts too! My fav little gift is a linen-like white hand towel with an embroidered tone-on-tone monogram. Simple and elegant!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog. I just Love your blog. I cant wait to read more posts. The angel in the photo is so adorable! so sweet. Very cool that your dad is a minister, mine is also. :) I like bringing a box of "After Eight Dinner Mints". Or I will go the flower route. Hope you find the perfect hostess gift in time. :)
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, I planned a Christmas party at my house for my co-workers. I had flyers up around the unit with my address and phone number, and instructions to call or ask me for directions.
ReplyDeleteI spent a lot of time and money on that party--and not one person came. Yes, we had a winter storm come in that night, but before the party, only one person had asked for directions to my house, which tells me no one else had planned to come.
I didn't put RSVP on the bottom of the flyers, but I'm not sure it would have made much difference.
Tonight one of my co-workers has planned a Christmas party, and I am going. Even though it's a potluck type of deal, I'm bringing along a scented trivet I made for her as a "thank you" for hosting this party.
I agree, we are becoming a nation of ill-mannered people.
Since you asked for ideas, I have to say that I always enjoy a fresh stack of $50 bills when I host a party.
ReplyDeleteNot only does it show me that you care enough to gift the very best, but it almost certainly will warrant you an invite to next year's party as well.
Hope that helps!...and, hey - I just remembered you're coming to our house tomorrow night! You might want to leave a few minutes early just in case there's a line at the ATM.
Take care (and great blog updates lately btw!),
Matthew
just stopping by your blog for the first time.
ReplyDeletemy fav. hostess gift to give is a little hand towel, made by me.
if i don't have time, i'll run out to the pantry and grab a jar of something homemade.... blackberry syrup, lemon curd, marinara sauce, apricot ginger dipping sauce.. anything i made that's in a jar, and tie a cute ribbon around it and call it a day.