I'm invited to a semi-informal party held by our partner organization. Should I bring something as a gift to the host? And if yes, what should I bring there?\nThis party held in a country where socially alcohol is considered forbidden.
133312
I've never heard of a semi-informal party. But since isn't strictly a social event (because it's being held by your partner organization), I suggest you not bring any gift. It's not clear if there is a "real" host or hostess as there would be in a purely social event. And customs can vary widely from culture to culture. Rather than risk offending someone, go empty-handed. (And definitely do NOT bring dessert or any other food! You would only do that if the host or hostess was a really close personal friend and you had arranged beforehand to bring food. Otherwise, it's a breach of etiquette -- at least in the U.S.)
455711
Call his parents and ask if you can bring something.  \n\nIf you show up with a dessert it could throw the planned dessert off.  See, they probably have their entire dinner planned and will feel obligated to serve whatever you bring just to be nice.  \n\nI think a nice bottle of wine for them to share later is a nice thank you gift.  Try that.
336154
Just remember that this is your daughter's birthday. Make it about her and not your new house. Throw another party at some other time for that. Maybe not everyone is comfortable with small children. Will they feel obligated to bring a present if they come? Small children are hard enough to keep entertained. Do you really want to have to entertain the family on top of this?
639923
I just had my birthday party. Invite all of your close friends, guys and girls. Have dinner together. We had spagetti, but pizza is also a big fav. Get everyone together talking. maybe watch a movie. Don't be too worried about what to do. Once everyone gets there, it will all unfold. Trust me...I spent too much time worrying about what to do, and when it all came down to it, I had more fun doing nothing with all of my friends. On the invitation I told them dinner and a movie. That was great! Have fun! And GOOD LUCK!
488529
the first thing you should do is organise wat day you're gonna have the party, so you should make sure that all the people ur inviting is free in that day. if some people are not free, well plan another day.. but i think it would be alright if one or two people isnt commin..... (enjoy ur party)
499855
If children will be there, you might consider taking something that would interest them, like a nice Mac and Cheese casserole, or a nice salad that has kid friendly stuff in it like ham, turkey cheese or something like that. You might take a dessert that you have had at your family gatherings that this family may not be familiar with.    Adults only, the wine is great or better yet, a nice bottle of Cognac or Bourbon.  When you are invited into someone's home, ESPECIALLY for a major holiday, pretty much anything that can be considered part of the feast is appropriate.  You probably already know this, but be sure to send a thank you note to the host and hostess letting them know how much you enjoyed being included.
431364
My parents had a re-gifting party with friends once -- geez it has to be 25 years ago at least -- where everybody took the worst present from that year's Christmas / Hanukkah / birthday / whatever and brought it to the party.  I think the origin of the party was that while you'd feel guilty throwing away a gift from your own relative or good friend, you would not feel AT ALL guilty throwing out a gift from someone else's relative or friend!  Then we did a white elephant sort of thing (I think, memory is a bit hazy on that part) and took home someone else's bad present.  It was HILARIOUS!  I still remember the one I ended up with, it was a huge -- and I mean huge -- plywood circle that was painted black with white and orange drips on it.  It was "art".  I probably gave away one of the very age-inappropriate jigsaw puzzles I was always getting from elderly aunts who don't understand that a 50-piece Holly Hobbie puzzle is not a good gift for a 15 year old.
313187
Of course! The hostess must think alot of you to invite you.\nHelp make her gathering special by showing up, and enjoy meeting new people!
457304
Post what their ages are in your additional details and i'll be able to give better advice. BLESS YOU WOMAN. You are one brave soul! My children are 9 and 10 so I'll have to go with what I would want to do. BOWLING. Both sexes like it and you don't have to do much entertaining. Start making our a guest list now. The party is going to be in February but start organizing the details now. I'd make sure to buy canned pop. It's less of a mess and it will save you time. Ask your child what they want as far as cake and ice cream is concerned. Also, I always recruit a mother to help me out. It's usually my sister and my aunt.
654247
Oh I love parties!!     List every single thing that you  need, even if you think that there is no way that you would forget it.  List food and beverages-exactly what you want to have.   List things that you need to get  plates, forks, napkins, ice etc.   Don't forget to have a camera!!!   Go over what you have to do in order to get the place ready for it.   Ask people to give you a hand with it. Give your self enough time. It's also easier to make sure you get everything if you break it down into different trips, instead of loading up all at once.  If you will be outside at night at all, have citronella candles to keep bugs away..     Party ON
203963
Just a card is fine. acknowledge all the work she put into the shower. Try and remember or even write down the gift that were given so that when you do the thank-you cards for the rest of the guest youc an thank them for thier specific gift....it's always nicer when you make it personal. If you have the money and you feel the need or want there is nothing wrong with something small to say thank-you to the hostess but it's not nessisary. A lot of people when expecting are on a tight budget and don't have the money to spend.
194476
I have been in your situation.  And while you do have a year to give a gift, it didn't feel right to me to be at the wedding without a gift.  \n\nHere's what I did.  I bought a bottle of champagne and a couple of candles.  I put them in the same box with a suggestive note about the honeymoon.\n\nAnother time I took a look at the registry and discovered the couple had actually picked some smaller, more affordable items (salt & pepper shakers, sheets).\n\nDon't sweat it.  These are friends, and surely don't expect large gifts from everyone.
336586
I wouldn't think it necessary as far as regular rules of etiquette go, since it was an indirect act (it wasn't donated in the name of your sister-in-law). I would definitely thank her, and possibly giver her a token or gift of appreciation, and tell her how much it meant to you.
199456
We always pass an envelope around. People contribute what they want, and a gift is purchased accordingly. As for refreshments, etc. we all volunteer to bring something. i.e. someone brings cake, someone ice cream, someone drinks, someone plates... you get the idea. Works very well!
189084
Absolutely not! It's a big etiquette faux-pas and considered gift-grabby. Whether you write it on the invitation or use a card to put with the invitation, it's tacky and a big no-no. Registration information should only be provided when requested by a guest, and only then. \nPeople are smart enough to know that they can ask for the information. \n\nIf you have other etiquette related questions I recommend the site http://www.etiquettehell.com\n\nThey have a forum where people will answer any and all questions.
404117
for destination wedding the best thing to give would be a gift card or certificate. because you don't want to buy a large gift and having to carry it on the plane with the hassle and then for them to bring it back so your best bet is a gift card, and you can put what ever you want on it but let it come from the heart. never give to get give for a blessing.\n  make sure that you have fun.
614735
look on the internet for sex parties. i dont know the address but i am sure they will have it. a lady will come to the house bringing nightgowns, toys, lotions, etc. i actually went with people who were from a church and they had a blast! they are really really fun and at the end you can buy things.