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I was invited to a close friends 40th birthday party in the summer that was hosted at his sister-in-law’s house. Since I brought a birthday gift for the guest of honour, I did not bring a gift for the hostess (I had never been to her house before). I reasoned that since I had brought a gift for the birthday boy that I didn’t have to bring one for the hostess but I have wondered about this on and off since the occasion. Was I wrong in assuming that since I was bringing a gift for the person the event was held for, I was exempt in bringing a gift for the hostess? I have had a few friends who were at the party ask me what the proper etiquette was on this matter (they also only brought a gift for the guest of honour).
Regardless of the birthday function, you were still hosted in someone’s home, so yes, a small host gift would have been appropriate. This is not an uncommon oversight in this type of circumstance, but you’re now prepared for the next time this situation arises.
Question: In a fine restaurant, a couple walk by your table to be seated at the table right next to you. The woman is speaking to the
maitre d’ who is seating her and the man nods and says hello to me.
I am facing them, my husband’s back is to them. What is the correct response? I nodded and said hello and then turned back to my dinner. My husband says I should have ignored him and looked away without
responding. What is the correct approach?
I can’t imagine that saying hello would ever be considered impolite.
Your response was perfect; it is rude not to acknowledge a greeting, ever how fleeting it is. Your husband should be proud to be married to such a gracious and cultured woman.
Question: I work for a small yet, fantastic environmental non-profit. I am holding a Meet and Greet with a few of our major donors, new members, business leaders and board members at the home of a gracious board member. Since most of these people knwo each other, should I make name tags? My instinct is yes, just need a nudge in the righ tdirection.
Since you aren’t sure everyone knows everyone, then yes, name tags are appropriate.